At Plan A, we specialise in guiding sellers and buyers through M&A transactions for deals under £1.5 million, including small and micro-company acquisitions, roll-ups, and exit strategies. With streamlined accounting and holistic transaction advisory, we empower you to navigate the market confidently, cost-effectively, and with maximum returns.
The UK small business M&A market is gathering real pace. Following the pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, more owner-managed businesses are coming to market, while buyer activity in the sub-£1.5 million space continues to rise. Most transactions are completing below £1 million — precisely where Plan A Financials provides expert support and strategic advice.
Deal volumes under £1 million increased by almost 15% in 2024, driven by retirement, succession planning, and rising compliance costs. Many long-established owners are now choosing to exit while valuations remain strong, and with potential changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) expected from April 2025, some are accelerating their sales to secure the current 10% Capital Gains Tax rate.
For sellers, this is an ideal time to plan an exit. Strong buyer demand and limited supply are supporting healthy multiples, particularly for stable, well-managed businesses.
For buyers, smaller acquisitions continue to offer the fastest route to growth, providing immediate access to customers, contracts, and skilled staff without the complexity of private equity involvement. Roll-up strategies and bank-funded transactions are also becoming increasingly common across service-based sectors.
Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025–26 remains highly positive. The micro-M&A market is expanding across the UK, with more sellers coming forward and a growing pool of professional and trade buyers seeking quality opportunities. In short, small business M&A is thriving, creating favourable conditions for owners to exit on strong terms and for buyers to acquire at attractive valuations.
Plan A Financials focuses on the part of the market that larger corporate finance firms often overlook – transactions under £1.5 million. We understand the distinct challenges and ambitions of owner-managed businesses and tailor our advice to match their goals, timeframes, and commercial realities. Our team stays ahead of evolving UK M&A trends, tax legislation, and regulatory changes, giving clients a strategic advantage when evaluating or structuring a deal.
We believe in complete transparency. Our pricing is straightforward, fair, and aligned to the size and complexity of your transaction, with no hidden charges, commissions, or referral fees. By combining accounting expertise with real-world deal experience, Plan A Financials delivers a seamless service from start to finish, from preparing accurate financial statements to supporting negotiations through to completion.
At Plan A Financials, every transaction is viewed through two critical lenses – financial and accountancy. This dual perspective allows us to go beyond traditional M&A advice, blending technical precision with practical commercial insight. We don’t just structure deals; we interpret what the numbers truly mean for value, risk, and long-term sustainability.
For sellers, this ensures your business is presented and negotiated on the strength of robust, well-prepared financials that withstand scrutiny, building buyer confidence and maximising value at every stage of the process.
For buyers, our support extends long after completion. We assist with post-acquisition integration, establish efficient reporting frameworks, and advise on funding, tax strategy, and performance optimisation.
This full-service approach ensures every financial and tax element is accounted for, protecting value, reducing risk, and delivering complete clarity before, during, and after the deal.
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), previously known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief, offers business owners a significant tax advantage. It enables them to pay a reduced Capital Gains Tax rate – currently 10% – when selling or winding down a qualifying business. This rate is set to increase to 14% in April 2025 and 18% in April 2026, making timely planning essential.
We manage all the financial, structural, and tax elements of your transaction, ensuring everything runs efficiently. You’ll still need a solicitor to handle the legal documents and contracts, but we collaborate closely with them to make the entire process seamless and stress-free.
A roll-up acquisition occurs when a business or investor acquires several smaller companies within the same sector. The goal is to consolidate operations, boost market share, and benefit from economies of scale. This approach is especially effective in industries that are fragmented, offering opportunities for growth and efficiency.
For small and micro-businesses, transactions can often be completed within 8–16 weeks, though timelines depend on factors such as the complexity of the deal, the quality of financial records, and the pace of negotiations.
Without expert guidance, sellers can miss out on potential value, while buyers may overpay or overlook important risks. Our role is to ensure your transaction is financially robust, properly structured, and tax-efficient, giving you confidence at every stage of the deal.
No. We work on a transparent flat-fee basis, calculated according to the size of your deal. This means you know your costs upfront and can retain more of your transaction proceeds.
Absolutely. As both accountants and deal advisers, we can continue to support you post-completion, handling bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, and tax planning to keep your business running smoothly.
Get in touch for a confidential consultation on your business sale or acquisition.
📞 Call us:01277 236 246
✉️ Email: info@plan-a.co.uk
Partnering with Plan-A means entrusting your limited company’s accounting to professionals who are committed to your success. From ensuring compliance to driving growth, we tailor our services to meet your needs. Let us take the financial burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on what matters most—building your business.
