Most businesses don’t lose value because of performance. They lose it during due diligence
Selling your business is a big moment, and for many founders, it’s the first time they’ve been through it.
When a buyer starts their due diligence, they don’t just look at profit. They look at how your numbers fit together, how clean your records are, and how confident they feel in what they’re seeing. That’s often where things start to feel uncertain.
Our Pre-Sale Financial Review helps you through that process. We look at your finances in the way a buyer would, highlight what might raise questions, and suggest a plan to address them. You’ll know where you are and what needs attention, without getting lost in accounting jargon or unnecessary detail.
IT’S RARELY PERFOMANCE THAT CAUSES PROBLEMS
MORE OFTEN, IT’S UNCERTAINTY.
You might have a strong, growing business, but once financial due diligence begins, buyers and their advisors will start asking for detailed information.
That usually includes management accounts going back several years, forecasts, working capital insights, Companies House records, and tax history.
If those pieces don’t quite line up, it can slow everything down. Questions build, timelines stretch, and pressure increases to resolve issues quickly. In some cases, it can even affect the final offer.
Many founders assume their accountant has this covered, but due diligence looks at your business in a very different way.
Our review gives you the space to step back, look at everything properly, and address any gaps ahead of time.
THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR BUSINESS
Our process is designed for founders who want to approach a sale feeling knowledgeable and informed, rather than reacting under pressure.
Typically, that means you’re planning a sale or investment in the next 6 to 24 months, often going through the process for the first time. You may already have an accountant in place, but want additional input focused specifically on exit readiness. Most businesses we work with are established SMEs, often with turnover above £2m, and already supported by solicitors or corporate finance advisors.
We don’t replace your existing team. We work alongside them to help you see how everything fits together from a buyer’s perspective.
WHERE WE FOCUS OUR REVIEW
We focus on the areas that tend to come under the most scrutiny during due diligence.
REPORTING
That starts with your financial reporting. We look at whether your management accounts are consistent, whether the numbers tell a coherent story, and whether there are any gaps or inconsistencies that could raise questions.
WORKING CAPITAL
We also review cashflow and working capital, including debtor ageing, creditor terms, and how cash moves through the business. These are often key drivers of valuation. Small inconsistencies that seem minor internally can quickly become sticking points in negotiations.
COMPLIANCE
From a compliance perspective, we check Companies House records, share structure, and statutory filings to make sure everything is accurate and up to date. Alongside that, we carry out a high-level tax review to identify anything that may need attention before a buyer sees it.
Finally, we guide you through the practical side of due diligence, including what should go into your financial data room and how to organise information and access so it’s easy to navigate.
WHAT WORKING WITH US FEELS LIKE
We recently supported the owners of a PR and communications firm (turnover £2m+) preparing for a sale.
Although the business was performing well, we identified issues that could have caused friction during due diligence, including filing errors, a messy balance sheet, and reliance on a single major customer.
After improving reporting, resolving compliance issues, and preparing the business for legal due diligence, the process ran smoothly with no material issues raised, and the sale completed at the desired valuation.
WE KEPT THE PROCESS STRAIGHTFORWARD AND COLLABORATIVE
We start by understanding your position, including your timeline, goals, and likely buyer. From there, we review your financials as if we were preparing for due diligence ourselves.
You’ll receive clear findings that highlight what matters most, along with a practical action plan outlining what to address, when, and why.
WHAT MAKES THIS SERVICE DIFFERENT
YOUR ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNTANT.
WHAT WE BRING IS A DIFFERENT PAIR OF EYES.
A big part of our role is translation. We help you understand what buyers are really looking for, not just what your reports say. That means fewer surprises and more control over the conversations you’re having.
We also work closely with your wider advisory team, including solicitors and corporate finance specialists, so everything joins up properly. And because we’re a B Corp ourselves, we understand the additional information purpose-led businesses are often asked for, and can help you make sure it’s properly reflected in your financial story.
We don’t just highlight issues. We make sure you understand the implications and feel comfortable taking the next steps.
Our role is to help you avoid a buyer raising something you weren’t prepared for.
WHAT YOU’LL HAVE IN PLACE
By the end of the review, you’ll have a clear view of where things stand and what needs attention.
That includes >
- A structured Pre-Sale Financial Review report
- Risk-rated findings, so you can quickly see what matters most
- A prioritised action plan, setting out what to address and when
- A due diligence checklist, including a finance data room checklist, so you know what’s likely to be requested and how to respond
Most importantly, you’ll have a stronger sense of control over the process ahead.
REDUCING RISKS IS THE FIRST STAGE
STRENGTHENGING VALUE COMES NEXT
Once any risks are identified, you’re in a stronger position to make decisions.
In some cases, that means improving profitability or tightening up cashflow. In others, it’s about presenting your financials more effectively or identifying ways to strengthen valuation over the next 6 to 18 months.
IF THINGS MOVE FORWARD WITH A BUYER
As things progress, we can continue supporting you through the process.
That might include responding to financial queries, preparing additional schedules, building forecasts, or working alongside your legal and advisory team to keep everything moving. We stay focused on the financial detail, making sure everything stands up to scrutiny.
A well-organised business doesn’t just avoid problems during due diligence. It gives you more influence over the outcome.
FAQS
Do you replace our accountant?
No. We work alongside your existing accountant (even if you’re already a client), focusing specifically on exit readiness.
Do you provide legal due diligence?
No. We focus on financial preparation, while legal due diligence remains with your solicitor.
When should we start?
Ideally 12–18 months before a sale, but even starting 3–6 months ahead can make a meaningful difference.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of your business. We’ll agree this with you upfront.
GETTING READY FOR WHAT’S AHEAD
SELLING YOUR BUSINESS CAN FEEL LIKE A LOT
We’ll help you understand where things stand and what to do next, so it all feels a bit more manageable.