Buy a business in the UK

The first step along the road to buying a business is to decide what kind of business you want and then create a shortlist. Try a free-text search here or click on a business category or region below.

Latest businesses for sale

Services

HVAC & Industrial Control Products

This business represents an opportunity for an acquirer seeking a specialist supplier of energy efficient HVAC & industrial control products, and authorised distributor for leading technology brands....

Transportation & Distribution

Specialist Haulage Firm

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established and profitable haulage company based in the North West of England. The company, which has been operating since the early 1990s, specialises in servicing two key sectors in the region (to be disclosed)....

Building and Construction

Interior Installation & Renovation

The company’s core activities are interior design, office and premises refurbishment, fit-outs and alterations. Established in 2005, our client operates a cash flow and profit-friendly business with minimal staffing overheads which relies on trusted suppliers and contractors to carry out work....

Advertising and Media

Design, Production & Management Business

This business represents a rare occasion for an acquirer seeking a Yorkshire based attractions creative design, production & management business....

Professional and Financial

Staffing Agency and Recruitment

Established in the early 2000s, the company is a long-standing independent recruitment specialist, with a focus on the haulage, industrial and technical. Currently based in the North West, the company prides itself on its strong ethos and upholds a commitment to provide a superior and transparent recruitment service....

Manufacturer & Installer of Winter Gardens

Manufacturing

Presenting a hugely profitable market leading manufacturer and installer of glass verandas and winter gardens....

Wholesale

Home Décor and Accessories

Founded over 35 years ago, this is a unique opportunity to acquire one of UK's leading home décor and accessory importers & wholesalers. Operating out of a large warehouse in Scotland....

Retail

Double-Fronted Supermarket

The supermarket is located on a busy crossroad in a densely populated area situated in Tottenham, It's Just a minute's distance from nearby bus stops, 0.7 miles from train stations, plenty of football clubs & just 0.3 miles of schools, and nearby restaurants/cafes....

Medical

Leasehold Dental Surgery

Represents an opportunity for an acquirer seeking the leasehold of a mixed dental practice located in Lancashire....

Why buy a business?

Buying an established business is often a far faster way to grow an existing business. Certainly buying a business is quicker than starting one from scratch.

Many of the fastest growing businesses in the UK have got to their current size through a series of acquisitions. Perhaps the most well-known example is INEOS, Britain’s largest private company, having grown exponentially to reach over £60 billion in annual revenues.

Most of the advantages in buying an existing business are fairly obvious:

the market for the services or products has already been proven and established;
there will be an existing customer base in place – plus business contacts;
all the admin and groundwork for the setting up of the enterprise will have already been done;
many of the teething problems have already been encountered and dealt with;
general business strategy will already be implemented, along with a realistic business and marketing plan and forecasts;
employees will already be hired, trained and knowledgeable;
there should already be brand/company goodwill built;
finance is much easier to obtain for an up-and-running enterprise than for a start-up.

Of course, there are also disadvantages that need to be acknowledged:

There will nearly always be a capital requirement at the outset to buy the business;
More cash may be required to keep the business running with adequate working capital before profits can be extracted;
The fees of solicitors, accountants and any other experts (i.e. valuers and tax advisors) needs to be factored into the upfront costs;
Very careful consideration needs to be given to the wants and needs of existing staff to ensure a happy and successful transfer. Try not to negatively affect the company culture.
Contracts need to be examined and possibly renegotiated.”

So you want to buy a UK business?

You've come to the right place. We specialise in providing a comprehensive overview of profitable UK businesses for sale alongside distressed business listings, including administrations and liquidations, all in one place.

Businesses for sale are submitted directly by business owners, brokers and accountants throughout the UK. All businesses listed for sale are reviewed before appearing on our website and printed publication, available only to our members. For over 25 years we have helped buyers find their perfect acquisitions.

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Browse businesses for sale by sector

Technology
Includes: software development & solutions, cloud computing, SAAS, hardware, website development, CRM, IT maintenance, IT solutions, hosting, IT support, cyber security, apps, telecoms & VoIP.
Medical
Includes: nursing & care homes, medical supplies, healthcare practices, pharmaceuticals, dentists, opticians, specialist training providers, medical technology & specialist medical companies
Engineering
Includes: precision engineering, bespoke fabrication solutions, metal fabrication, energy & gas services, laser cutting, civil & structural engineering, injection moulding & tooling.
Manufacturing
Includes: bespoke design & manufacture, windows & doors, tools, steel, plastic components, foundries, fasteners, frames, electrical equipment, packaging, furniture, joinery & cabinets.
Services
Includes: security & alarms, contract cleaning, gardening & landscaping, printers, waste recycling, hospitality, mailing houses, kitchen & bathrooms, garages, MOT & motor repairs.
Food & Restaurants
Includes: food importers, bakeries, food manufacturers, butchers, shellfish & seafood farmers, food processors, breweries, groceries, restaurants & delicatessens.
Professional & Financial
Includes: accountancy firms, recruitment agencies, estate agents, property management, consultancies, architectural practices, solicitor firms, surveying, insurance & mortgage brokers.
Wholesale & Distribution
Includes: transport & logistics, wholesalers, suppliers, importers, haulage, distribution, couriers, mail order, online wholesalers & distributors.
Building & Construction
Includes: shop-fitting, trade services, demolition, maintenance, fencing, building restoration, building suppliers, contractors, refurbishment & decorating.
Retail
Includes: DIY & hardware retailers, beauty, jewellery, clothing, furniture, kitchens & bathrooms showrooms, electrical goods, pet supplies, car & motorbike dealerships, larger stores & chains.
Advertising & Media
Includes: publishers, PR agencies, media companies, TV production, print services, digital marketing agencies, market research & exhibition events.
Leisure & Lifestyle
Includes: pubs, vineyards, golf courses, health & leisure clubs, gyms, activity businesses, Travel agents, lifestyle businesses, clubs & bars, private venues, coffee shops & cafes.
Hotels & Property
Includes: hotels, commercial property, property portfolios, property developers, property services, holiday parks & cottages, guest houses, inns, caravan & touring parks.
Education
Includes: language schools, child care, day nurseries and preschools, training, online learning, children's activity centres & pre-schools.
Asset sale & Fast sales
Includes: company assets for sale, online asset sales, businesses looking to sell quickly, businesses with offer deadlines, pre-administration businesses for sale.

Looking to buy a small business for sale?

Buying a Micro Business? If you are looking to buy a business smaller than those listed on this site i.e. with annual sales turnover of less than £300,000, then visit our sister site BizSale.co.uk

View the latest businesses for sale