Ernest Wilson - Businesses for Sale

Ernest Wilson iPhone App Goes Live Today

2011-08-11T08:39:00.004+01:00

Morning All,

A common complaint from prospective purchasers over the past few months, has been that our website is difficult to view on the small screen of their mobile phone. So to rectify that we have been developing an iPhone app which is now available for download from the Apple Store.

To use the app, you need to be registered with us which you can do from our website if you're not already registered. If you are already registered, download the app and login using the same userid and password that you use to login to our website. To make it slightly easier to login on the app, your username and password are not case sensitive.

I do hope you enjoy using our iPhone app and that you find it useful.

Kind regards,
Paul Williamson.

The best March for business sales in three years!

2011-04-11T10:02:00.008+01:00

Morning All,

Just a quick update today having just reviewed the figures for March, and if you're thinking of selling your business, it's very good news indeed.

We have just completed the best March in terms of sales for 3 years and are now very keen to replace these sold businesses with fresh instructions across a number of sectors, although if you have a Garden Centre business for sale, a Caravan and Camping business for sale or Cafes and Sandwich Bar business for sale we would welcome hearing from you very soon.

Give us a call on 0113 238 2900 or visit the Ernest Wilson website - we're here to help.

Kind regards,
Paul A. Williamson.

Selling a business?

2011-02-10T20:34:00.008Z

It would appear I have been a bit remiss in my blogging duties and for that I apologise, however, in my defence it was a very busy time in the final quarter of 2010 and of course the first quarter of the year is always the busiest in this industry.

Today, I thought I'd take the opportunity to discuss selling your business in a bit more detail. When the question arises, and for all business owners the question of succession or an outright business sale will at some time or another raise it's head, your first thought may or may not be "Which Business Transfer Agent should I use?" but it certainly should be. Not all business agents are the same, many will visit you to 'value' your business with little or no experience/knowledge of how to value a business. Many valuers are not really valuers at all but are in fact merely sales reps who may pluck a value out of thin air substantially above it's actual value in the hope that greed will kick in and you will write them a cheque for substantial upfront fees and sign their contract.

Then there are the other type of inexperienced 'valuers', the type who may substantially undervalue your business either through incompetence or perhaps even in an effort to secure a exceptionally early sale to earn a quick commission, and in hard economic times like this, small agents with little capital may find this all too tempting.

It is essential to you therefore that you choose a good agent, an agent who will give a realistic valuation of the best possible price your business should achieve on the open market.

A good agent will be qualified, his or her firm will be a member of a professional body, such as ICBA (Institution of Commercial and Business Agents ) or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and will have several colleagues who are also members of such professional body. By being a member of such a body, the agent will abide by a code of conduct and maintain professional standards. A good agent will be knowledgeable of businesses and the marketplace, he or she will have access to substantial levels of comparable evidence and unless that agent is selling many businesses he will not have access to the comparables as BTA's closely guard this evidence. A good agent will be able to answer your questions fully and give you sound advice on any aspect of the sales process, whether it be "does the alienation clause within your lease allow an assisgnment to take place", "do the TUPE regulations apply in this case" or "will the HMRC TOGC rules apply". Perhaps you own a property and are looking to let the premises, your agent should have no trouble advising which classification under the Use Classes Order would be required for any particular use. A good agent, is always so much more than a listing of businesses for sale.

If a valuer attends you at your business and seems to have substantially overvalued your business and appears more concerned that you should write a cheque and sign his contract, if the valuer is using high pressure selling techniques and if he is unable to answer very basic questions such as those above, you are almost certainly talking to a sales rep rather than a professional.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. By all means ask how many years he has been a business valuer, ask how long the firm has been established, ask if they are members of a professional body and if so which one. Perhaps most importantly, ask them if they can supply information on similar businesses that they have sold recently.

Check! If a professional valuer attends and you want to take time to think about their valuation and/or check that they are members of the professional body they say they are or check the answers they have given you to any other questions you may have raised, he or she will not mind at all. If however, high pressure tactics are used at this stage, again, you're talking to the wrong Business Transfer Agent.

At Ernest Wilson all our Valuers are members of ICBA, except our Associate, Andrew Idle who is a member of RICS, I personally have over 25 years experience and all our valuers have an absolute minimum of 15 years. We have our own Commercial Energy Assessor, David Brereton DIPNdea and professional financial experts from a former Area Director, former Local Director and a former Bank Manager of the High Street Banks to ensure that once an acceptable offer has been received on your business the very best possible application for finance is made and in the current banking conditions this is absolutely crucial. At Ernest Wilson, we leave nothing to chance to ensure that your business is sold for the very best possible price and once a sale is agreed it proceeds to completion as smoothly as possible.

So, if the question "How do I sell my business?" has just popped up, why not call us now to arrange a free, no obligation valuation on 0113 238 2900 or visit the Ernest Wilson website.

Businesses for Sale in Summer Slowdown?

2010-08-21T15:53:00.006+01:00

Well.... not really no. This time of year always sees a modest slow down in the number of valuations we carry out as many of our clients take themselves off to sunnier climes for their annual summer holidays; and, whilst this is true again this year, it certainly is busier than last year which is very good news indeed. Particularly good news given that this August has been our best so far for business sales in the last few years and we'll need plenty of new instructions to replace the businesses we have recently sold.

It does seem though that the media continually talk try to talk down the economy. Well, sorry Mr. Peston but no doom and gloom here!

If you are thinking of selling your business, give us a call and we'll be delighted to arrange a free valuation. Telephone us on 0113 238 2900 or visit the Ernest Wilson Website.

Of course if you are one of the many potential buyers out there, you can search for a business here.

Many new businesses for sale on the Ernest Wilson Website

2010-07-30T11:36:00.005+01:00

The weeks seem to just fly by, a client told me this week that they're now gearing up for the Christmas rush with less than 150 days to go until the big day itself! I have to say that given that we are still in July and we are all still enjoying the summer weather, it all seems very early to me.

Having said that, earlier this week whilst I was valuing a stunning Champagne Bar which is now for sale with us, the subject came up again whilst we were discussing options for completion of a sale. If you are looking for prestige bar, you could do a lot worse than taking a look at this business which is perhaps the best fitted and equipped bar I have seen for sale in many years. Truly stunning.

I have also placed a Landmark Fish & Chips business for sale with us on the outskirts of Bradford which is offered for sale on a leasehold basis but our client owns the freehold and may be tempted to sell the business and property - This is an old established business with impressive turnover from limited, day time openings - Real scope to increase here and the benefit of a flat above.

If you're looking to buy a business, why not visit our website and search for the right business for you or call 0113 238 2900 and ask how we can help you with your search.

Ernest Wilson at the Great Yorkshire Show

2010-07-13T10:08:00.011+01:00

Time is quite simply flying by at the moment and I haven't had much of a chance to keep this blog as upto date as I would like so apologies for that. The flipside of this is that we have had some very busy weeks with some great new businesses coming to the market. Why not visit the Ernest Wilson website and register with us so we can keep you informed of new businesses as we are instructed to act in the sale, alternatively, give us a call on 0113 238 2900 and let us do it for you.

The Great Yorkshire Show is upon us and we are at Stand 495 if you would like to come along and see us there. I spoke to Phil Wong at about 10:00a.m. this morning who is representing us today with Martin Humberstone and he tells me that even at that time in the morning the show is busy and a number of people have already been to visit the stand and requested further information. Several I'm informed have also made an appointment to see us again here in the office to discuss their options to buy a business. Great news and lets hope as the day gets even busier we are able to help large numbers of people fulfil their life long ambition of buying their own business and becoming their own boss.

Myself and Stuart Moorhouse will be at the show tomorrow and I look forward to meeting you there.

For something completely different, I took the family to Silverstone over the weekend for the British Grand Prix. It was a great race to watch live. It would have been great to see Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton win at their home Grand Prix but second for Lewis Hamilton was still a good result and Jenson Button drove superbly to get from 14th on the grid to finish in 4th place. In any event, well done to Mark Webber who is always a popular winner (well certainly within our family) and thank you very much for the personalised, signed, photo that Roger Cleary got you to do for us last year.

Regards,
Paul A. Williamson.

Sandwich Bar for Sale

2010-06-25T16:50:00.010+01:00

The old saying is very true, it's good to go away, but it's also good to be back. It's certainly very good to be using a full size keyboard!! In fact the holiday already seems like a very distant memory as we have had a couple of very, very, busy weeks here at Ernest Wilson with some truly fabulous new instructions.

For those of you who follow our twitter page (and those that keep an eye on the feed at the right hand side of this page) you will no doubt have already seen some of those as they have come to the market. I have also just placed a really impressive Sandwich Bar on the market for sale with a turnover of £3,500 per week and working on super profit margins. This really is a must see and I would be happy to recommend a viewing to anyone.

To keep up to date with new instructions, why not register on the Ernest Wilson website or if you prefer to do it yourself, search for a business for sale here.

Ernest Wilson Abroad!

2010-06-07T19:59:00.003+01:00

Well, sort of... I'm currently away from the office on holiday and didn't get chance to update my blog before I left, so as I sit here using the worlds smallest computer, (well the keyboard certainly feels that way), I thought I'd just send a quick update about the Investment Property I mentioned in my last post. It's now sold! The asking price was achieved and there were several interested parties.

If you have a commercial investment property that you're thinking of selling, give the office a call on 0113 238 2900 or alternatively contact us through the Ernest Wilson website.

I'll be back in the office next Monday when hopefully my posts should be a little longer when I no longer have to use this nano keyboard!!

Regards,
Paul A. Williamson.

Another busy week at Ernest Wilson....

2010-05-15T15:34:00.004+01:00

Another great week here at Ernest Wilson with over 1,000 miles covered by myself and plenty of new instructions.

Watching the investment sector recovering has been particularly interesting and with interest rates set to remain low for the foreseeable future, it's no surpise. I have just put an investment property in Leeds on the market for clients at £150,000 with a rental income of £12,000 this year rising to £15,000 for the next two years which represents a yield of 9.3% over the three year period.

If you're looking to make your money work harder why not contact me to discuss this and other investment properties currently for sale? Telephone me on 0113 238 2900 or email me.

Thinking of Selling your business?

2010-05-11T12:39:00.004+01:00

The Ernest Wilson diaries are becoming very busy indeed which is unusual at this time of year, as the first quarter of the year is generally the busiest for new instructions and this year saw large numbers coming to the market during that vital first quarter. Although, perhaps many business owners had been holding out during 2009 for the General Election and given the result (or rather, the lack of result) have decided to just get on and place their business on the much improved market.

At Ernest Wilson we have certainly noticed a substantial increase in the activity of the market, particularly with regards to viewings and subsequent offers so it's a great comfort that there are many new businesses for sale on the Ernest Wilson website.

If you wish to place your business on the market or you are thinking of doing so and would like a free, no obligation valuation, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0113 238 2900 or by email.

Ernest Wilson Bank Holiday Activity

2010-05-04T18:33:00.004+01:00

After another bank holiday weekend, I thought it might be interesting to share some statistics with you from our website. Over the bank holiday, the average number of pages viewed on the Ernest Wilson website was up by almost 26% whilst the time each visitor spent on our website also rose accordingly. Both of which is encouraging news not only for sellers, but also the economy in general as an active market shows that those "Green Shoots" are beginning to flourish.

I've been out of the office almost all of today valuing businesses but understand from colleagues that it's been a super day for viewings and offers received for businesses we are currently marketing for sale.

A day in the Ernest Wilson office.

2010-04-28T18:16:00.006+01:00

An interesting day today which has seen me office bound as my car was booked in for a service and it's great to see just how busy the phones are throughout the day here at Ernest Wilson. Some great enquiries from potential Sellers came my way and I will be visiting them in the next few days to value their businesses.

I also met with a new applicant who has had enough of working for someone else after an external candidate was appointed to a job within his existing firm that he has been doing for some time and had applied for. We had a great meeting and made him appointments to view several businesses which are of interest to him.

If you would like to come in to the office for a chat to discuss the ins and outs of buying a business or raising finance, please contact me or any member of my team. You can reach me on 0113 238 2900 or by emailing me here. Alternatively, visit the Ernest Wilson website.

Chocoholic? Ernest Wilson has the business for you!

2010-04-26T17:38:00.006+01:00

Mondays are always a busy day and today has been no exception. This morning we were instructed to sell a "Handmade Fine English & Continental Chocolate" business which also does a roaring trade in other Traditional Sweets and Gifts in this internationally renowned tourist spot within West Yorkshire. Interested in finding out more? Contact us at Ernest Wilson now for further information.

2010-04-24T10:50:00.006+01:00

Ernest Wilson's this week welcomes Sarah Venamore to the business as a Sales Negotiator having had previous experience within an international company. Sarah certainly picked a busy week to start as the first full week after the Easter break is always an excellent time within the business buying community, particularly for purchasers searching for an exciting and profitable future.

Yesterday saw the usual flurry of activity for our negotiators doing everything possible to ensure the completion of a large number of business sales on behalf of our clients took place as anticipated, and I'm pleased to say that we had another excellent week for completions.

If you're looking for a business, why not register your details on our website at http://www.ernest-wilson.co.uk and we'll keep you upto date with businesses which may fit your requirements.

Sneak Preview

2010-04-19T17:10:00.001+01:00

The day isn't over yet but already I've added just short of £2M worth of businesses to Ernest Wilson's books today. So, before they even go to our website here's a sneak preview of just two of those new instructions.

West Yorkshire FREEHOLD Nightclub - Substantial stone built property with beautifully furbished feeder bar - 4 Floors with only 2 used at present. Substantial further potential. Price £1.1M

Wholesale Bakery. Run from leasehold premises with easy access to transport connections, taking approximately £10,000 per week (average) and dealing with 100% commecial customers. Price £220,000

If either of these two businesses are appealing, please contact me on 0113 238 2900 or email me by clicking here.

A busy week at Ernest Wilson

2010-04-17T13:18:00.000+01:00

Keep an eye out on the Ernest Wilson twitter feed this upcoming week for some very interesting and profitable businesses which are about to come to the market. I have just been taking a look at the my own diary and the diaries of the other valuers which are all very busy next week.

If you're thinking of selling your business, get in touch. We've had a very busy week for completions and have huge numbers of clients looking for the right business.

2010-04-13T18:18:00.000+01:00

I have been with Ernest Wilson since October of 1985 and as well as my duties on the board I also have an operational role as a valuer which takes me throughout the country valuing businesses and taking client instructions to market them for sale.

My role within the business can only be described as varied and most certainly interesting as no two days are ever the same. I have the pleasure of meeting a great deal of business people who own and operate a great many different types of businesses. Talking with such large number of business owners and valuing/selling their businesses certainly keeps you on your toes as you must always have at the forefront of your mind that what you do is very serious, after all, you are dealing with what is in most cases a clients' most significant commercial investment. Both myself and my entire team at Ernest wilson aim to provide a world class service to both buyers and sellers and if you wish to contact me I would be only too pleased to speak with you. You can contact me through our website, by email or by telephoning me on +44 (0)113 238 2900.

You can also take a look at the businesses we are currently marketing on our website at www.ernest-wilson.co.uk but I hope you will also return here to keep updated with latest in the Business Transfer market generally and also with news and views from myself.

If you like to tweet, we also have a twitter page and you can go there by clicking here.