Sell your small business

Practical, realistic advice for small business owners thinking about selling. We help you understand what your business is worth, how buyers will view it, and how to get a sale through properly.

If you are still at the early stage, the best place to begin is with a realistic starting point on value. Our free Phase 1 valuation tool is designed to help small business owners understand how buyers may look at their business before they make bigger decisions.

Value my business

Call 0118 959 0271

Est. 1890

Over 130 years of commercial agency

Reading

Local commercial and business sales specialists.

Buyer-focused

We understand what buyers actually pay for

End-to-end

From valuation to completion

Small business sales with realistic advice

If you are thinking about selling your business, the first question is usually the same: what is it actually worth?

That is where many owners get caught out. Small businesses are not valued on turnover, effort, or what the owner hopes to achieve. Buyers look at profit, risk, and how easy the business will be to take over and run.

At Lansley Commercial, we help owners sell cafés, restaurants and takeaways, hair and beauty businesses, retail shops, service-based businesses and many other owner-managed small business enterprises with a clear, realistic view of value and a practical plan to get the business sold.

Lansley Commercial, the trading name of A H Lansley Ltd, offers a comprehensive Commercial Agency and Advisory Service. We specialise in Business Sales, Commercial Property Sales and Lettings, Valuations, and the supporting services and reports often required to help transactions progress smoothly.

Our small business sales services

Business valuation advice

Clear guidance on likely value based on maintainable profit, risk, lease position, and buyer demand in the current market.

Sale preparation

We help you understand what needs tightening up before launch, including figures, lease issues, staffing, and buyer presentation.

Confidential marketing

Targeted marketing to serious buyers while keeping the sale discreet where needed.

Buyer handling

We qualify enquiries, deal with viewings, and filter out weak or unsuitable buyers before they waste your time.

Offer negotiation

We negotiate price and heads of terms with a practical understanding of what is workable in the real market.

Progression to completion

From accepted offer to legal completion, we help keep the deal moving with solicitors, landlords, and accountants.

Not ready to sell?

If you are still at the early stage, the best place to begin is with a realistic starting point on value.
Our free Phase 1 valuation tool is designed to help small business owners understand how buyers may look at their business before they make bigger decisions.

Value my business

How we sell your business

1. Initial discussion

We talk through the business, your reasons for selling, and whether now is the right time.

2. Valuation review

We assess likely sale value based on profit, risk, lease terms, and buyer appeal.

3. Preparation

We prepare the business for market and position it properly.

4. Marketing

The business is launched to relevant buyers with the right balance of detail and confidentiality.

5. Negotiation

We handle offers, buyer questions, and heads of terms.

6. Completion

We support the sale through legal work, landlord matters, compliance and completion.

Types of business we help sell

We act for a wide range of owner-managed small businesses across Reading, the Thames Valley and, in many cases, throughout the UK.

Cafes

Restaurants

Takeaways

Retail

Hair

Beauty

Health

Fitness

Automotive

Online

Frequently asked questions

How do you value a small business?

Small businesses are usually valued using maintainable profit and a market multiple, adjusted for risk. Buyers will look at accounts, lease terms, owner dependency, staffing, and how transferable the business feels.

Can you sell a business confidentially?

Yes. Many sales need to be handled carefully so staff, customers, and suppliers are not alerted too early. We can market businesses in a controlled and discreet way where appropriate.

What types of businesses do you sell?

We work with a range of owner-managed businesses including cafés, retail shops, service businesses, trade counters, and other independent operations in Reading and the wider area.

What if my business relies heavily on me?

That does not necessarily stop a sale, but it may affect value. Buyers pay more where income feels secure and the business can transfer smoothly. Heavy owner dependency usually increases risk in the buyer’s eyes.

When should I speak to an agent?

Earlier than most people think. Even if you are 6 to 12 months away from selling, early advice can help you improve presentation, fix issues, and set more realistic expectations.

Do you give honest advice if the business is not ready?

Yes. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, tidy up the figures, improve systems, or sort out the lease first. A better-prepared business is usually easier to sell and may achieve a stronger result.

What are your fees?

Every business sale is different, so our fees depend on the type of business, the complexity involved and the level of support required. We often provide far more than simply marketing the business, including valuation guidance, preparation, buyer qualification, negotiations and deal progression through to completion. Fees are discussed transparently and agreed in advance based on your specific circumstances and objectives.

Business sales track record

Business Sales

Why a Share Sale Still Needed a New Lease Structure

Balancing Certainty and Flexibility in a Cafe Business Sale

Resolving Lease Risk at the Point of Collapse

More track record

Why business owners choose Lansley Commercial

Business Owner

I’m thinking of selling my business

Lansley Commercial

You’ve come to the right place. We help you understand what your business is worth, how buyers will view it, and how to get a sale through properly.

Lansley Commercial

From first conversation to completion, we help keep the sale organised and moving.

       Excellent rating  
 Based on 60 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      I have to say that both Wayne and Jason have been a real pleasure to do business with.  This was the first time i had entered the world of Commercial Rental, and Lansley were with me every step of the way.  Commercial property is a complex area, and you really do need a team that is there to help, and find solutions to challenges along the way.  Even though the lease is now signed, Wayne is still there as a support, and has already assisted with a few teething problems.

Would i recommend them?  Yes, definitely.  They have enough experience to guide you with the right choices.  Looking forward to identifying the next retail unit in 2027 :)
     
   Feisal Meeajaun 
 19 days ago
 
 
 
 
    We have just completed on the sale of our cafe, and would recommend Lansley Commercial if you are keen on selling your business too. What impressed us with their service is their unaggressive approach. We spoke to Jason a few years ago, when we had the first thoughts of selling. From then onwards, he would occasionally check in, but it was never heavy handed.

They kept things realistic for us, and didn’t promise the earth or that it would be super easy. We appreciate their practical and realistic approach.

Wayne was more involved in the latter stages, and he was ever patient and detailed in helping move the process along.

Apart from the above reasons, one reason we chose Lansley Commercial s that they are a local broker and we would meet up for catch ups. It is nice to have face-to-face contact.  They are quick to respond to queries by phone or email.

If you are thinking of selling your business, we would recommend Lansley Commercial.
     
   Shuet Han Tsui 
 26 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I found Lansley to be accessible, responsive  and open in our indirect involvement in a business sale that eventually did not succeed.  I cannot fault our experience of Lansley - it's just a pity that for complex reasons the transaction was not completed.
     
   Michael Thorn 
 56 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I would highly recommend Lansley Commercial. Being new to the world of leasing, it was a bit daunting and I had lots of questions. The agents, in particular Wayne, always answered my queries and followed up on issues for me making the whole process as painless as possible.
     
   Michelle Mulenje 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
    +0
I highly recommend Jason and Wayne at Lansley Commercial. Throughout the sale of my property, I was consistently impressed by their professional approach and deep industry expertise. I truly trusted their advice and judgment at every stage of the process.

Jason and Wayne were both incredibly responsive to all my requests and, remarkably, even provided support and updates over the weekend. They were always one step ahead, and they even recommended a great lawyer and surveyor that I used, essentially setting up a whole team to work for me. It was a pleasure working with them, and the entire transaction was smooth and stress-free.
     
   Raj Grover 
 90 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I can’t thank the team at Lansley Commercial enough for their help with the purchase of my commercial leasehold property in Reading. Wayne and Jason were fantastic from the initial discussions through to completion.

They were proactive, responsive, and kept everything moving, always taking the time to explain the process and answer any questions I had. Their professionalism and local knowledge gave me confidence throughout the transaction.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lansley Commercial to anyone looking for commercial property services. A big thank you to Wayne and Jason for making the whole experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
     
   Saniya Shafee 
 103 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I had a great experience with Lansley Commercial during the purchase of my commercial leasehold property in Reading. Wayne and Jason were outstanding throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer any questions, making what could have been a stressful transaction feel straightforward and well-managed.

Their communication was excellent from start to finish, and they kept me informed every step of the way. I really appreciated their expertise and dedication to ensuring everything progressed smoothly.

I would highly recommend Lansley Commercial to anyone looking to buy or sell commercial property. Thank you, Wayne and Jason, for all your hard work and support!
     
   Malik Khan 
 103 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I have been very pleased with the professional services of Lansley Commercial on a recent, rather complex transaction. Specifically Wayne and Jason who both managed expectations of all parties extremely well ending in a successful completion. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.
     
   Mike Nash 
 105 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Lansley Commercial are very professional cooperative and supportive to their customers.
     
   Amjad Iqbal Tarar 
 106 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Jason and Wayne at Lansleys were excellent when selling my cafe.
It was a long process, but they were responsive to every query and kept me informed throughout.
Their professionalism and helpful approach made a potentially stressful situation much easier.
I’d highly recommend
Clare at Syon coffee house.
     
   Clare Leonard 
 168 days ago

We understand buyer behaviour

We know what makes buyers nervous, what gives them confidence, and what affects price.

Straight answers

If the business is not ready to sell, we will tell you. If expectations are too high, we will tell you that too.

Discreet and practical

Many owners do not want staff or customers to know they are selling. We handle that carefully.

Local commercial experience

Lease issues, landlord consent, location strength, and local market conditions all matter in a business sale.

Realistic valuation advice

We focus on what a buyer is likely to pay, not on inflated numbers designed to win the instruction.

Value my business

Business sales guides

Business Sales

How to Sell Your Small Business in 2026: A Complete Guide for Owners in Berkshire & the South East

Asset Sale vs Share Sale UK: What SME Business Owners Must Know Before Selling

Small Business Sales – UK for Independent Owners: A Practical, Discreet Approach (The Vendor’s Complete Guide)

What Makes a Small Business Difficult to Sell?

What makes a small business easy to sell

Confidential Small Business Sale UK: Open Market vs Discreet Sale Routes

What is the Best Way to Sell a Small Business in the UK

More business sales guides

Not ready to sell?

If you are still at the early stage, the best place to begin is with a realistic starting point on value.
Our free Phase 1 valuation tool is designed to help small business owners understand how buyers may look at their business before they make bigger decisions.

Value my business

I have to say that both Wayne and Jason have been a real pleasure to do business with. This was the first time i had entered the world of Commercial Rental, and Lansley were with me every step of the way. Commercial property is a complex area, and you really do need a team that is there to help, and find solutions to challenges along the way. Even though the lease is now signed, Wayne is still there as a support, and has already assisted with a few teething problems. Would i recommend them? Yes, definitely. They have enough experience to guide you with the right choices. Looking forward to identifying the next retail unit in 2027 :)

Feisal Meeajaun

19 days ago

We have just completed on the sale of our cafe, and would recommend Lansley Commercial if you are keen on selling your business too. What impressed us with their service is their unaggressive approach. We spoke to Jason a few years ago, when we had the first thoughts of selling. From then onwards, he would occasionally check in, but it was never heavy handed. They kept things realistic for us, and didn’t promise the earth or that it would be super easy. We appreciate their practical and realistic approach. Wayne was more involved in the latter stages, and he was ever patient and detailed in helping move the process along. Apart from the above reasons, one reason we chose Lansley Commercial s that they are a local broker and we would meet up for catch ups. It is nice to have face-to-face contact. They are quick to respond to queries by phone or email. If you are thinking of selling your business, we would recommend Lansley Commercial.

Shuet Han Tsui

26 days ago

I found Lansley to be accessible, responsive and open in our indirect involvement in a business sale that eventually did not succeed. I cannot fault our experience of Lansley - it's just a pity that for complex reasons the transaction was not completed.

Michael Thorn

56 days ago

I would highly recommend Lansley Commercial. Being new to the world of leasing, it was a bit daunting and I had lots of questions. The agents, in particular Wayne, always answered my queries and followed up on issues for me making the whole process as painless as possible.

Michelle Mulenje

67 days ago

I highly recommend Jason and Wayne at Lansley Commercial. Throughout the sale of my property, I was consistently impressed by their professional approach and deep industry expertise. I truly trusted their advice and judgment at every stage of the process. Jason and Wayne were both incredibly responsive to all my requests and, remarkably, even provided support and updates over the weekend. They were always one step ahead, and they even recommended a great lawyer and surveyor that I used, essentially setting up a whole team to work for me. It was a pleasure working with them, and the entire transaction was smooth and stress-free.

Raj Grover

90 days ago

I can’t thank the team at Lansley Commercial enough for their help with the purchase of my commercial leasehold property in Reading. Wayne and Jason were fantastic from the initial discussions through to completion. They were proactive, responsive, and kept everything moving, always taking the time to explain the process and answer any questions I had. Their professionalism and local knowledge gave me confidence throughout the transaction. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lansley Commercial to anyone looking for commercial property services. A big thank you to Wayne and Jason for making the whole experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Saniya Shafee

103 days ago

I had a great experience with Lansley Commercial during the purchase of my commercial leasehold property in Reading. Wayne and Jason were outstanding throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer any questions, making what could have been a stressful transaction feel straightforward and well-managed. Their communication was excellent from start to finish, and they kept me informed every step of the way. I really appreciated their expertise and dedication to ensuring everything progressed smoothly. I would highly recommend Lansley Commercial to anyone looking to buy or sell commercial property. Thank you, Wayne and Jason, for all your hard work and support!

Malik Khan

I have been very pleased with the professional services of Lansley Commercial on a recent, rather complex transaction. Specifically Wayne and Jason who both managed expectations of all parties extremely well ending in a successful completion. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.

Mike Nash

105 days ago

Lansley Commercial are very professional cooperative and supportive to their customers.

Amjad Iqbal Tarar

106 days ago

Jason and Wayne at Lansleys were excellent when selling my cafe. It was a long process, but they were responsive to every query and kept me informed throughout. Their professionalism and helpful approach made a potentially stressful situation much easier. I’d highly recommend Clare at Syon coffee house.

Clare Leonard

168 days ago