Frequently asked questions

Fees depend on the size and complexity of the business, the quality of the information available, the purpose of the valuation and the type of report needed. A limited-scope opinion for an internal decision costs less than a formal report for HMRC or a court. We provide a written proposal setting out the scope and fee before any work begins.

A straightforward valuation of a single trading company with up-to-date accounts can often be completed within a few weeks of receiving the information. Groups, complex share structures, historic valuation dates and formal expert reports take longer. We confirm the timetable when we agree the scope.

Usually recent statutory accounts, current management accounts, any forecasts, details of owners' remuneration, the articles of association and any shareholder agreement. Specific purposes need more, such as the date of death for probate or the letter of instruction in proceedings. We send a tailored information list at the outset.

Yes. Small and owner-managed businesses make up a large part of our work. We pay particular attention to owner remuneration, personal and transferable goodwill, customer concentration and the reliability of accounts prepared mainly for tax.

Yes. We value individual shareholdings, share classes and partnership interests. The value of a holding depends on the rights it carries, so a minority holding is not simply a pro rata share of the company's value unless the basis of value requires it.

Yes. Loss-making businesses may be valued by reference to their net assets, their prospects of recovery, or specific valuable assets such as technology or customer relationships. The approach depends on why the business is making losses and what a buyer would realistically pay.

Yes. We prepare valuations for capital gains tax, inheritance tax, probate, share schemes and other tax purposes on the statutory basis of market value, and support advisers if HMRC raises questions. No valuer can guarantee HMRC's agreement.

Yes. We act as party-appointed experts, Single Joint Experts and reviewers of other experts' reports in litigation and arbitration, with our duty owed to the court or tribunal.

Yes. We value businesses and shareholdings for negotiation, mediation and financial remedy proceedings, and accept Single Joint Expert appointments.

Yes. We act for clients across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and can consider international assignments where they fall within our expertise.

Many accountants provide valuations as part of wider services. A specialist valuer focuses on valuation and can be useful where the figure needs to be independent, will be scrutinised by others or involves complex share rights, tax bases or proceedings.

Where a valuation will be relied on by people with different interests, such as other shareholders, family members, HMRC or a court, independence makes it more persuasive. For a purely internal decision, a limited-scope opinion may be enough.

You can form your own view, and it is useful to understand the drivers of value. But a valuation prepared by an owner is unlikely to carry weight with buyers, HMRC, other shareholders or a court.

Usually because of different assumptions about maintainable earnings, risk, growth or the treatment of particular items, or because they apply different bases of value or dates. A good valuation report makes these assumptions visible so differences can be understood.

A valuation estimates value on a stated basis, often market value with a hypothetical typical buyer. An actual sale price reflects a particular buyer, negotiation and deal terms, and can be higher or lower.

No. We provide independent valuations and do not market businesses or take a percentage of sale proceeds.

No. We provide valuations and valuation-related financial opinions. Tax and legal advice come from your accountant, tax adviser or solicitor, and we work alongside them.

Yes. Joint instructions are common for shareholder exits, family matters and Single Joint Expert appointments. Terms, information sharing and fee responsibility are agreed in writing with all parties.

Information provided for a valuation is used only for that engagement and is held confidentially. Where several parties are involved, we agree at the outset how information will be shared.

No. We value businesses, shares and intangible assets. Where a business owns property or significant equipment, specialist valuations of those physical assets should be obtained separately, and we can incorporate them.