We regularly assist owners of:
- Hospitality businesses – cafés, restaurants and takeaways
- Retail shops – independent retailers and specialist stores
- Hair, beauty and personal care businesses – salons, barbers and beauty clinics
- Convenience stores and off licences
- Trades, service-based and contractor businesses
- Professional and office-based services
- Cleaning and maintenance businesses
- Health and fitness businesses – gyms, studios and wellbeing operators
- Children’s nurseries and education businesses
- Online and e-commerce businesses
- Automotive businesses and garages
Although the sectors may differ, the challenges are often the same: understanding value, preparing the business properly, presenting it to buyers and guiding the transaction through to a successful completion.
If you are considering selling your small business, our aim is simple – to help you understand what your business is worth, become transaction-ready and achieve the best possible outcome.
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.
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

Why a Share Sale Still Needed a New Lease Structure
Read More
Balancing Certainty and Flexibility in a Cafe Business Sale
Read More
Resolving Lease Risk at the Point of Collapse
Read MoreWhy business owners choose Lansley Commercial


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

How to Sell Your Small Business in 2026: A Complete Guide for Owners in Berkshire & the South East
Read More
Asset Sale vs Share Sale UK: What SME Business Owners Must Know Before Selling
Read More
Small Business Sales – UK for Independent Owners: A Practical, Discreet Approach (The Vendor’s Complete Guide)
Read More
What Makes a Small Business Difficult to Sell?
Read More
What makes a small business easy to sell
Read More
Confidential Small Business Sale UK: Open Market vs Discreet Sale Routes
Read More
What is the Best Way to Sell a Small Business in the UK
Read MoreNot 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.