How to unlock the hidden fortune in your business
Businesses are not just about income.
The greatest potential for making a small fortune comes from the value that is in your business when you come to sell it.
Most businesspeople know this but few maximise the opportunity.
And, most importantly, how you operate your business and prepare it for sale has a huge effect on the kind of money you can get for your business. Which is where our Business Valuation Reports (BVRs) come in. The BVR arms you with knowledge - knowledge that unlocks the hidden fortune in your business.
This is a unique business valuation report
Most accountants will give you a rough valuation of your business, but our BVR is different. A Lucas & Weston BVR takes into account: specific industry standards, competitors, the marketplace as well as comparative and relevant historic deal data. With this thorough approach your valuation will have credibility in front of a buyer, his professional advisers or HM Revenue and Customs. And in the current economic climate this is more relevant than ever.
In addition, every day, we constantly update one of the country's most comprehensive business value database. Business values are constantly changing and by tracking the market we can be much more accurate about the value of your business.
Your BVR combines all the important facts in one easy format. All the relevant aspects of your business are covered including: financial ratio analysis, comparative benchmarking, individual industry sector analysis and competitor analysis right through to an accurate valuation. Let's look at a few of these aspects in more detail:
The financial ratio analysis has up to nine key performance indicators. They show you how your business is performing. And can highlight areas needing attention, before they become serious.
Comparative benchmarking shows you what other similar businesses were worth. This shows where you fit in with marketplace expectations.
We also cover individual industry sector analysis. How is your company positioned in your sector?
Plus we conduct a comparative investment analysis. What are the other opportunities for buyers? How does your business compare to other investments? This is key information because it gets inside your potential buyer's head and starts to look at your business from their view.
Also, the BVR is not pages and pages of bland figures. Everything is presented in a way that is easy to digest with charts and easy to understand calculations. Hopefully I have convinced you that this is the most comprehensive and accurate business valuation you can get.
And it is a powerful tool because it gives you a strong negotiating position with any potential buyer. It is difficult for them to argue with.
A Lucas & Weston Business Valuation Report (BVR) can also be used to highlight any problems within your business. Problems you may not even be aware of. You can then focus your attention where necessary before any damage is done. A report can also identify areas which could, if adjusted, make a dramatic impact on your worth. Often it's the simple, easily overlooked things that can make the biggest difference.
So where is the proof our Business Valuation Reports are as accurate as we say they are?
In addition to doing valuations we also sell businesses and we find our valuations are accurate to +/- 10%. Also, here is what a small selection of our customers say about our BVRs:
Ian Blackburn
MD - Capital & Growth Ltd
Cliff Slade
MD - TTA Ltd
Alison Pomroy
M&G Installations
Alan Osborn
TWO Services Ltd
Mike Smith
Universal Smart Cards Ltd
Neil Grant
SMP Ltd
Lesley Sharp
ICT CaTS Ltd
Adam Oldfield
Business owner/Director
Sladja Thompson
Refurb-a-sash
Colin & Donna Taylor
Moorland Holdings Ltd
Michael Delay
Former MD - The File & General Storage Company Ltd
Lesley Hartshorne
Former MD - Barkers Ltd
John Butler - MD
Former MD - John Butler (Hatfield) Ltd
David Wakeman - Director
Sceptre Networking Ltd
David Bowen - Director
Farleigh Consultants Ltd
M.S.- Director
Company name withheld
Grace Azadvar - MD
Linguamax Ltd
Glynn Goodwin
Now, why would you want a business valuation?
As a business owner you probably have some idea of what your business is worth. But what is this based on? Can you be sure your hunch would stand up to professional scrutiny? Of the thousands of valuations we have conducted, here are the most common reasons for a BVR:
- Buying or selling a business - establish a realistic sale price.
- Shareholder, Partnership or Management Buy Out (MBO) - establish a realistic sale price.
- Share Valuation - establish goodwill for a Sole Trader or Partnership into a Limited Company.
- Tax reasons - minimise tax and for tax planning.
- Funding or arranging finance - secure financing for the future. Very relevant in today's economy.
- Retirement or succession planning - enable a smooth retirement.
- Insurance purposes - e.g. Director life insurance or Key Man policies. Cover for the unexpected.
- Financial and estate planning - putting affairs in order for your loved ones and minimising tax.
- Shareholder/Partner disagreement - independently resolve any disagreements.
- Divorce - arrange an amicable settlement, in or before court.
- Probate - making sure your wishes are carried out and you loved ones looked after.
- Ill health - put your financial affairs in order for your loved ones.
- Business planning and strategy - optimise your business and make it more valuable.
- Curiosity - perhaps you just want to know.
But why wait? You can arm yourself with the facts before any of these situations crop up.
Why Lucas and Weston
People often turn to accountants for valuations but accountants specialise in accounts, not business valuations. Which is why a lot of accountants come to us for business valuations. And, it is cheaper for you, if you come to us directly.
Or what about a business broker/agent? The problem here is the hidden agenda - business brokers are typically more interested in getting your business listed on their books. You could end up overvalued so they can get the work. Or undervalued so they can make a quick sale?
With 39 years experience of valuing and selling businesses, Lucas & Weston Ltd has a proven track record of accuracy and professional delivery. Respected and widely recognised, we have advised the Government via 
and have written articles for the 
and other publications. We are regularly invited to give presentations and seminars on the subject.
We have no hidden agenda, your valuation is truly impartial and independent. And while not all our clients might agree with what we say, none can argue with the methodology, precision and bespoke approach.
If you want to talk to us about your BVR please call us 0845 644 0266 or 01225 460777. Alternatively visit www.lucasweston.com where you can read more client testimonials and information about valuations and our other services.
If we do go ahead, what do we need from you?
All we need is: three years accounts, any management accounts and any budget/forecast information. You will also complete a straight forward questionnaire. Once we have this information we will contact you, confidentially, to confirm your business details. We then produce your BVR which will be available electronically and in a bound hard copy.
For many business owners these are difficult times. And in difficult times you need to know the facts. Our Business Valuation Reports are the most accurate and comprehensive you will get. They are the gold standard and recognised as such by accountants and the Inland Revenue.
If you have any questions at all about our BVRs please call us on 0845 644 0266 or 01225 460777. Alternatively...
Need a valuation in a hurry? We offer a fast track service
If you want us to meet a specific turnaround or deadline, you can order our fast track service at a modest premium.
This places your valuation first in the queue. As soon as we finish the valuation we're working on at the time of your financial commitment, we immediately focus on your valuation. A fast track valuation can be typically completed within 24-48 hours (subject to supply of information).