Business valuation UKIndependent valuations prepared by an ICAEW Chartered Accountant that hold up to HMRC, buyers and investors

UK businesses are usually valued using an EBITDA multiple applied to normalised earnings, a revenue multiple for SaaS and high-growth businesses, and a discounted cash flow model. A defensible valuation triangulates these methods and benchmarks the result against comparable UK transactions in the same sector.

Most profitable UK SMEs trade between 3x and 8x EBITDA, with professional services and B2B platforms often higher and high-growth SaaS valued on revenue. Where you sit depends on growth, customer concentration, recurring revenue, management depth and sector. A free 30-minute call will give you a directional view.

Independent business valuations from Consult EFC start at £2,500 plus VAT for a standalone SME report. The fee depends on complexity, the purpose and the comparable analysis needed. Every engagement is fixed fee and quoted in writing before work begins.

A calculator gives a rough directional number based on a single industry multiple, which is useful as a first look but not something a buyer, HMRC or investor will rely on. For a sale, an EMI scheme or a shareholder buy-out, you need an independent, signed valuation.

An EBITDA multiple values a business on normalised earnings and suits profitable SMEs. A revenue multiple values it on sales and suits businesses that reinvest for growth, such as SaaS. A defensible valuation often models both and benchmarks them against UK transactions.

Before selling, before granting EMI options, for a CG34 post-transaction check, when raising equity, in a shareholder buy-out, on divorce or probate, and whenever HMRC, a buyer or an investor needs a defensible figure rather than your own estimate.

VAL231 is the HMRC form used to ask HMRC to agree the value of shares before granting EMI options. Agreeing the value protects the company and option holders from a later tax challenge. We prepare the valuation report and the VAL231 submission and respond to HMRC's questions. See our EMI option scheme valuation page.

CG34 is the form used to ask HMRC to check a valuation used for capital gains after a disposal has taken place. It should be sent after the transaction and before you file the relevant tax return, leaving HMRC time to respond. It is supported by a valuation report, which we prepare. See our HMRC share valuation service.

No adviser can guarantee HMRC's agreement, but a well-documented independent valuation gives you the strongest position. Our reports set out the methodology, evidence comparable transactions and address the points HMRC typically raises, such as marketability, minority discounts and the information available to a buyer.

A standard SME valuation takes 5 to 10 working days from receiving complete information. Valuations involving several companies or intangible asset analysis take 2 to 4 weeks. Tight deadlines, such as an urgent EMI grant or deal exclusivity, can be accommodated on request.

Your accountant prepares your statutory accounts and tax returns, which is a different discipline from independent business valuation. A defensible valuation draws on comparable transaction evidence and deal experience, so many accountants refer valuations to a specialist. We are happy to work alongside your accountant.

Three years of statutory accounts, recent management accounts, a forecast if available, the shareholder register, any shareholder agreements and a short description of the business model and customers. We can sign an NDA before you share anything.

Yes. We value businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most work is done remotely by video call and secure file sharing, and we can meet in person where it helps.