Small business valuation

Most small businesses sell for a multiple of maintainable profit, not turnover. In simple terms, buyers want to know how much money the business reliably makes and how risky it feels to take over.

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. Our realistic valuation advice focusses on what a buyer is likely to pay, not on inflated numbers designed to win the instruction.

Start my online valuation

See what your business looks like to a serious buyer

Answer 8 quick questions and get a realistic snapshot of how a buyer would assess your business.

Our valuation tool provides a broad, conservative positioning range based on high-level indicators. It is designed to help you understand where you stand, not to replace a structured professional opinion. For a comprehensive analysis with detailed benchmarking, sector comparisons, and actionable recommendations, consider our full Professional Valuation Report.

3-4 Minutes

Eight focused questions covering the factors buyers care about most.

Buyer-Led Logic

Built on how real buyers assess risk and value.

Clear Next Steps

Receive an on-screen summary and detailed email with areas to strengthen before going to market.

Orientation snapshot, not a formal valuation

This tool provides a broad, conservative positioning range based on high-level indicators. It is designed to help you understand where you stand, not to replace a structured professional opinion. For a comprehensive analysis with detailed benchmarking, sector comparisons, and actionable recommendations, consider our full Professional Valuation Report.

Frequently asked questions

How do you value a small business?

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, restaurants and takeaways, hair and beauty businesses, retail shops, convenience stores, service-based businesses and many other independent small businesses

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?

We offer different levels of small business valuation support depending on the level of detail required.

We have developed our own Small Business Valuation Orientation Tool, which provides a free initial indication of how buyers may assess your business based on profitability, risk and marketability.

For more detailed analysis, we also offer a Comprehensive Small Business Valuation Tool and Report from £95, designed to provide deeper insight into business value, buyer positioning, risk factors and key value drivers.

For more bespoke advisory or valuation work, fees will depend on the type of business, the complexity involved and the level of reporting required. Any fees will always be discussed and agreed clearly in advance.

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 
 26 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 
 33 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 
 63 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 
 74 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 
 97 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 
 110 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 
 110 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 
 112 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Lansley Commercial are very professional cooperative and supportive to their customers.
     
   Amjad Iqbal Tarar 
 113 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 
 175 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 valuation guides

Business Valuation

Small Business Valuation UK: How Buyers Really Value Owner-Managed Businesses

How to Value a Beauty Salon in the UK

How to Value a Garage or Automotive Business in the UK

How to Value a Convenience Store in the UK

How to Value a Hair Salon Business in the UK

How to Value a Barber Shop in the UK

How to Value a Retail Shop in the UK

How to Value a Takeaway Business in the UK

How to Value a Café Business in the UK

Recent Performance in Small Business Valuation UK: Why Buyers Pay More for Upward Trends

Small Business Valuation Accounts UK – What Good Accounts Look Like and 3 Quick Upgrades That Increase Buyer Confidence

Lease terms small business valuation UK – The 5 Key Factors Buyers and Lenders Look for

Owner Dependency Small Business Valuation UK – 5 Ways to Reduce Reliance in 30–60 Days

Maintainable Profit in Small Business Valuation UK, Explaining What Really Drives Small Business Valuation

What is My Small Business Actually Worth UK? Hope Value vs Market Value

More guides

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

26 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

33 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

63 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

74 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

97 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

110 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

112 days ago

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

Amjad Iqbal Tarar

113 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

175 days ago