What If You Want to Sell Your Business? Steps to Maximise Value

Why Selling a Business in 2025 Is a Strategic (and Tax-Sensitive) Decision

The UK tax landscape has shifted. From April 2025, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate on qualifying business disposals under Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) has risen from 10% to 14%, with a further increase to 18% scheduled for April 2026. That means timing matters and so does preparation.

At the same time, buyer appetite for SMEs remains strong, especially in sectors like professional services, manufacturing, and tech. But buyers are more selective than ever. They want clean books, scalable operations, and clarity on risk.

If you are even thinking about selling, now or in the next few years, the steps you take today could significantly impact your final sale price and tax bill.

The Emotional and Financial Weight of Selling

We speak to business owners every month who feel torn. You have built something valuable and now you are wondering:

• “Is this the right time?”
• “Will I get a fair price?”
• “What happens to my team?”
• “How much tax will I pay?”

These are not just financial questions. They are personal. Selling a business is not just a transaction, it is a transition. Without the right advice, many owners end up under-valuing their business, over-paying tax, or regretting the terms of the deal.

Five Ways to Maximise Value Before You Sell

Here is what we advise clients to focus on when preparing for sale:

1. Get Your Financials Buyer-Ready

Buyers will scrutinise your accounts. Make sure your management accounts, cash flow, and profitability trends are clear, consistent, and up to date. Clean books build trust and justify higher valuations.

2. Understand How Buyers Value Your Business

Valuation is not just about revenue. Buyers look at:

• Recurring income
• Customer concentration
• Operational efficiency
• Growth potential
• Risk exposure (e.g. legal, tax, compliance)

Different buyers use different models, from EBITDA multiples to asset-based valuations. We help you benchmark your business against current market trends.

3. Plan for Tax, Not Just Price

If you qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief, you pay CGT at 14% on up to £1 million of lifetime gains. Beyond that, gains are taxed at 18% or 24%, depending on your income bracket.

We help you:

• Confirm eligibility for BADR
• Structure the deal tax-efficiently
• Avoid common pitfalls (e.g. goodwill rules, associated disposals)

4. Prepare a Pre-Sale Checklist

Before going to market, ensure:

• Legal documents are in order (contracts, leases, IP)
• Staff and supplier relationships are documented
• Operational risks are identified and mitigated
• Your business is not overly reliant on you personally

This reduces buyer risk and increases deal confidence.

5. Build Your Exit Team Early

Selling a business is complex. You need:

• A tax adviser (to optimise structure)
• A corporate lawyer (to protect your interests)

Wright Vigar works collaboratively, ensuring your exit is smooth, compliant, and profitable.

What a Well-Planned Exit Looks Like

Imagine this:

You sell your business for a fair price. Your tax bill is optimised. Your team is looked after and you walk away with clarity, confidence, and capital, ready for your next chapter.

That is what happens when you plan early, structure smartly, and surround yourself with the right advisers.

Whether you are selling to a competitor, passing the business to family, or exploring a management buyout, the principles are the same: prepare, protect, and position.

Ready to Explore Selling? Let’s Chat

Selling your business is a big decision, but it does not have to be a stressful one.

We offer confidential, no-pressure consultations to help you explore your options, understand your valuation, and plan your exit strategy.