Selling or transferring a business is rarely a decision made overnight. Whether you're planning to retire, pass the company to the next generation or prepare for a future sale, a well-structured exit strategy can make a significant difference to both the outcome and the value you achieve.
The UK has a broad range of firms offering exit planning services, from specialist business advisors and corporate finance consultancies to accountancy practices with expertise in tax, governance and succession planning. While their approaches vary, the common goal is to help business owners navigate what is often one of the most important financial and strategic decisions they'll make.
This guide highlights a selection of companies providing exit planning services in the UK. Rather than ranking providers, it offers practical context on the types of services available, the organisations these firms typically support and the areas where their expertise may be most valuable. Whether you're beginning to explore your options or already planning a transition, understanding the different approaches can help you identify the right adviser for your circumstances.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and advisors providing exit planning services to businesses across the UK.
The firm works with organisations ranging from owner-managed businesses and growing companies through to established corporate groups. Exit planning services are designed to help business owners prepare for future ownership transitions while supporting long-term business value and strategic objectives.
Acumon provides exit planning services as part of its wider corporate finance and advisory offering. Engagements are tailored to each organisation's circumstances, helping business owners prepare for future succession, business sales, management transitions and other strategic exit options.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man. These licences enable the firm to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Business owners may begin exit planning for a variety of strategic, commercial and personal reasons. Early planning can help organisations improve business readiness, strengthen financial reporting and support a more structured transition when ownership changes are eventually considered.
Acumon works with business owners, directors and management teams to support long-term planning while helping organisations strengthen financial reporting, governance arrangements and overall business preparedness.
Exit Planning Capabilities
Acumon provides exit planning services across a wide range of organisational structures and sectors.
These include:
- UK companies and corporate groups
- owner-managed businesses and growing companies
- family-owned businesses
- established private companies
- UK subsidiaries of international groups
- businesses preparing for future ownership transitions
Exit planning engagements are typically led by experienced professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
- UK statutory audit registration
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
- Jersey audit licence
- Isle of Man audit licence
- Cayman Islands audit licence
- British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to support organisations operating across both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services
In addition to exit planning services, Acumon provides a range of services that support business planning, financial reporting and corporate advisory.
These include:
- exit planning services
- succession planning and business advisory
- statutory external audit
- group and subsidiary audits
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
- charity and not-for-profit audit
- internal audit and governance reviews
- risk management and compliance support
Exit planning work is often delivered alongside discussions with management regarding business performance, financial reporting, succession planning and long-term strategic objectives.
Many organisations begin planning for future ownership changes as business priorities evolve, operations expand and long-term objectives become more clearly defined.
Acumon works with organisations that are:
- expanding business operations
- strengthening financial reporting
- enhancing governance frameworks
- reviewing long-term strategic objectives
- preparing for future growth
Early engagement can help ensure that business planning, financial reporting and governance arrangements support future strategic opportunities and long-term organisational objectives.
Contact Information
- Website: acumon.com
- Email: mail@acumon.com
- Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
- Phone: 020 8567 3451
Saffery
Saffery helps business owners prepare for a future exit by looking at the financial, operational and personal considerations involved in leaving a business. Its approach recognises that each owner’s situation is different, with options ranging from selling to a third party and succession planning to bringing in external investment. The focus is on understanding the owner’s goals while preparing the business for a smoother transition.
Preparing a business for sale often involves more than finding a buyer. Saffery’s exit planning work considers areas such as financial reporting, internal controls, tax risks and management structures that can influence how a business is viewed during a transaction. The firm also supports owners who are considering employee ownership or passing the business to the next generation.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support covering sale, succession and ownership transition options
- Focus on improving business readiness before a transaction
- Advice on financial information, controls and operational structure
- Support with tax considerations linked to business exits
- Experience working with owner-managed businesses and larger organisations
Services:
- Business exit strategy planning
- Succession planning
- Pre-sale business reviews
- Exit readiness assessments
- Tax risk reviews
- Voluntary audit and finance function reviews
- Employee ownership trust planning
Contact Information
- Website: www.saffery.com
- Email: info@saffery.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
- Address: Midland House, 2 Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5QY, UK
- Phone: +44 (0)1202 204744
Hawsons Chartered Accountants
Hawsons Chartered Accountants supports business owners who are considering how and when they should leave their company. Its exit planning process looks at the owner’s personal objectives, the current position of the business and the steps needed to improve value before a transition takes place. The firm works with owners considering different routes, including business sales and family succession.
A key part of the process is helping businesses become more attractive to potential buyers by reviewing areas such as systems, processes, customer relationships and management structure. Hawsons takes a structured approach to exit planning, with milestones and action points designed around the individual circumstances of each business.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for small and medium-sized businesses
- Focus on increasing business value before exit
- Consideration of personal and business objectives
- Support with succession and third-party sale planning
- Review of operational areas that may affect buyer interest
Services:
- Business exit strategy development
- Exit readiness reviews
- Business value improvement planning
- Succession planning
- Tax and financial planning
- Management structure reviews
- Business systems and process assessments
Contact Information
- Website: www.hawsons.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hawsonscharteredaccountants
- Twitter: x.com/Hawsons
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hawsons-chartered-accountants
- Address: Pegasus House, 463a Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2QD
- Phone: 0114 266 7141
Gravitate
Gravitate focuses on the tax and financial aspects of preparing a business for exit. The firm works with business owners and shareholders who are planning future transactions, including trade sales, management buyouts and succession arrangements. Its approach combines tax planning with wider commercial considerations to help owners understand the implications of different exit routes.
Exit preparation can start many years before a sale takes place, and Gravitate’s work covers areas such as ownership structures, available tax reliefs and transaction planning. The firm also combines exit planning with corporate finance support, helping businesses consider valuations, deal structures and financial preparation as part of the wider process.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning focused on tax and transaction considerations
- Support for trade sales, management buyouts and succession
- Advice on ownership structures and tax reliefs
- Corporate finance support linked to exit preparation
- Assistance with long-term exit planning
Services:
- Exit readiness reviews
- Business Asset Disposal Relief planning
- Capital Gains Tax planning
- Share and ownership structuring
- Employee ownership trust planning
- Earn-out and deferred consideration planning
- Succession and family exit strategies
Contact Information
- Website: www.gravitate.digital
- Email: hello@gravitate.digital
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Gravitate.Accounting
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gravitate-accounting
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gravitate.digital
- Address: Unit 13E, 92 Burton Road, Neepsend, Sheffield, S3 8BX, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 114 321 7459
S&W
S&W works with business owners who are preparing for a future exit and need to understand the options available to them. Its approach begins with looking at the owner’s goals, the future of the business and the different routes that could be considered, including a sale, succession or other ownership changes.
The preparation stage includes reviewing whether the business is ready for a transaction from both commercial and tax perspectives. S&W considers factors such as business structure, financial performance, valuation and potential issues that could appear during due diligence. The aim is to help owners make informed decisions before moving through the exit process.
Key Highlights:
- Support with planning and preparing for business exits
- Review of business structure and transaction readiness
- Focus on valuation, tax and commercial considerations
- Advice for privately owned and growing businesses
- Corporate finance input during exit preparation
Services:
- Pre-exit planning
- Vendor due diligence
- Business valuation services
- Tax reviews
- Business restructuring
- Sale preparation support
- Exit strategy development
Contact Information
- Website: www.swgroup.com
- Twitter: x.com/S_W_Group
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/swgroupuk
- Address: 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG
- Phone: +44(0)204 617 55 00
Sigma Chartered Accountants
Sigma Chartered Accountants works with SME owners who are planning how to transition away from their business while considering value, tax exposure and future financial needs. Its exit planning approach covers several possible routes, including selling to another company, management buyouts, family succession and mergers.
The firm’s process starts with understanding the business position and the owner’s objectives before creating a suitable exit strategy. Areas such as valuation, tax planning, ownership structures and post-exit wealth planning are considered to help owners prepare for the practical and financial aspects of leaving their business.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for SME owners
- Focus on valuation and tax considerations
- Advice on different exit routes
- Support with succession planning
- Consideration of personal wealth planning after exit
Services:
- Business valuation reviews
- Exit strategy planning
- Tax planning and structuring
- Management buyout planning
- Family succession planning
- Merger and acquisition planning
- Post-exit wealth planning
Contact Information
- Website: sigmachartered.co.uk
- Email: Info@sigmachartered.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sigmatax1
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sigmatax
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sigmacharteredaccountants
- Address: 862 Washwood Heath Rd, Birmingham B8 2NG
- Phone: +44 121 783 5392
Knowles Warwick
Knowles Warwick helps small business owners plan their exit by focusing on preparation, timing and the factors that influence business value. The firm highlights the importance of starting the process early and reviewing areas such as company structure, financial position and the owner’s future plans before a sale or transfer.
A successful exit often depends on reducing reliance on individual owners and creating a business that can continue operating during a transition. Knowles Warwick considers practical areas including management capability, documentation, value drivers and possible exit routes to help owners create a clearer plan.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning advice for small businesses
- Focus on early preparation before a sale
- Review of business value drivers and structure
- Support with succession and sale options
- Consideration of management continuity
Services:
- Business exit strategy planning
- Exit route assessment
- Business structure reviews
- Tax position reviews
- Value improvement planning
- Management succession planning
- Preparation of financial records and documentation
Contact Information
- Website: www.knowleswarwick.com
- Email: bestadvice@knowleswarwick.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnowlesWarwick
- Twitter: x.com/knowleswarwick
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/knowles-warwick-chartered-accountants
- Address: Charlotte House, 500 Charlotte Road, Sheffield, S2 4ER
- Phone: 0114 274 7576
Accounts & Legal
Accounts & Legal supports business owners who want to prepare for an eventual exit by reviewing tax matters and creating a suitable transition plan. Its approach focuses on helping SMEs understand the steps involved before selling or transferring ownership, including the impact of tax decisions on the final outcome.
Planning ahead is a key part of the service, with attention given to succession, business strategy and available tax reliefs. The firm helps owners consider how their business is positioned for exit and what actions may need to be taken before moving forward with a sale or handover.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for small and medium-sized businesses
- Focus on tax efficiency during business transitions
- Advice on succession and ownership changes
- Support with preparation before a business sale
- Consideration of long-term exit goals
Services:
- Exit strategy planning
- Business Asset Disposal Relief advice
- Tax planning for business exits
- Succession planning
- Business strategy reviews
- Sale preparation support
- Business valuation guidance
Contact Information
- Website: accountsandlegal.co.uk
- Address: The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark Street, South Bank, London, SE1 1TY
- Phone: 020 7043 4000
Menzies LLP
Menzies LLP approaches exit planning as a structured process that helps business owners prepare for a change in ownership or their own departure from the company. The firm highlights the link between exit planning and succession planning, recognising that a successful transition depends on both ownership decisions and the future leadership of the business.
For many owners, leaving a business involves more than agreeing a sale. Menzies considers how the company can maintain continuity, protect its value and remain operational after the transition. Its advisory support covers different exit routes and focuses on helping owners understand the practical steps involved before making a decision.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning linked with succession and business continuity
- Support with ownership transition strategies
- Focus on protecting business value before exit
- Advice covering different stages of the exit process
- Experience across accounting, tax and advisory services
Services:
- Exit strategy planning
- Succession planning
- Deal advisory support
- Business disposals
- Management buyout advice
- Business valuations
- Strategic business advisory
Contact Information
- Website: www.menzies.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/menzies-llp
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/menzies_llp
- Address: The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham B4 6AT
- Phone: +44 (0)333 091 0411
WR Partners
WR Partners helps business owners think through the practical and tax considerations involved in leaving a company. Its exit planning approach looks at different routes, including selling the business, transferring ownership to family members or combining with another organisation. The process focuses on understanding the owner’s objectives and creating a plan that matches their circumstances.
Tax planning is a central part of the transition process, particularly when considering the impact of a business sale. WR Partners reviews available options and helps owners consider how decisions around timing, ownership and structure may affect the outcome of an exit.
Key Highlights:
- Support with business exit and succession planning
- Focus on tax considerations during ownership transitions
- Advice on different exit routes
- Planning based on owner and business objectives
- Assistance with long-term business strategy
Services:
- Exit strategy development
- Tax planning for business sales
- Succession planning
- Business sale preparation
- Merger and acquisition support
- Strategic business planning
- Buying and selling a business advice
Contact Information
- Website: wrpartners.co.uk
- Email: hello@wrpartners.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wraccountants
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wr-partners-uk
- Address: Unit 10, St Giles Business Park, Newtown, SY16 3AJ
- Phone: 08083 030 337
Logros Advisory Partners
Logros Advisory Partners works with business owners who are preparing for a future sale, transfer of ownership or succession. Its exit planning process involves reviewing the current position of the business, identifying possible routes and considering how operational and financial improvements may affect the transition.
The firm’s approach covers the wider journey of preparing a business for exit, from defining goals and assessing value to planning the handover process. Different options, such as third-party sales, employee succession and family transfers, are considered as part of the planning process.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for business owners and shareholders
- Focus on business value and transition planning
- Advice on multiple exit routes
- Consideration of operational and financial preparation
- Support throughout the stages of an exit process
Services:
- Business exit strategy planning
- Business valuation
- Exit route assessment
- Transition planning
- Employee succession planning
- Family business succession
- Deal advisory support
- Merger and acquisition advice
Contact Information
- Website: www.logros.co.uk
- Email: info@logros.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/logros-ltd
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_logros
- Address: Suite 4, Wilmslow House, Grove Way, Wilmslow, SK9 5AG
- Phone: 03301 595 611
ABM Chartered Accountants
ABM Chartered Accountants supports business owners preparing for a sale, succession or other form of business transition. Its exit planning service focuses on areas that can influence the outcome of an exit, including business valuation, tax planning and preparing financial information for potential buyers.
The firm considers exit planning as a process that should begin before a transaction takes place. This includes reviewing possible exit routes, assessing tax implications and helping owners organise the financial and operational aspects needed for a smoother transition.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning advice for business owners across the UK
- Focus on valuation and tax-efficient structures
- Support with sale preparation and succession options
- Review of financial records before exit
- Advice on different ownership transition routes
Services:
- Business valuation reviews
- Exit strategy planning
- Tax planning for business sales
- Business Asset Disposal Relief planning
- Management buyout planning
- Employee ownership trust advice
- Succession planning
- Post-sale financial planning
Contact Information
- Website: abmcharteredaccountants.com
- Email: info@abmdigitalaccountants.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ABMCharteredAccountant
- Twitter: x.com/abmacountants
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/abmcharteredaccountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/abmcharteredaccountants
- Address: Suite 3G/H, 10 Tiller Rd, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 8PX, UK
- Phone: +44 (0) 771 827 7546
Grunberg
Grunberg works with business owners who are considering how to transition away from their company, whether through a sale, retirement or succession arrangement. The firm highlights the importance of starting exit planning early so there is enough time to address tax matters, business structure and preparation before a transaction takes place.
Preparing for an exit can involve several areas of the business, from improving readiness for sale to understanding available tax reliefs. Grunberg supports owners through this process with accounting, tax and strategic advice before and during the transition period.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for business owners
- Focus on early preparation before a sale or retirement
- Advice covering tax and strategic considerations
- Support with succession and ownership changes
- Assistance during business transition periods
Services:
- Business exit planning
- Succession planning
- Business sales advice
- Management buyout support
- Employee ownership trust planning
- Business Asset Disposal Relief advice
- Corporate finance support
Contact Information
- Website: www.grunberg.co.uk
- Email: contact@grunberg.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/grunbergco
- Twitter: x.com/GrunbergandCo
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grunberg-&-co
- Address: Grunberg, 5 Technology Park, Colindeep Lane, London, NW9 6BX
- Phone: (0) 20 8458 0083
Phinch
Phinch helps business owners prepare for an exit by looking at the steps required to transfer ownership while maintaining business continuity. Its approach focuses on understanding the reasons behind the planned exit and helping owners consider suitable routes, including family succession, employee succession and sales to other parties.
Much of the planning process involves preparing the next stage of the business. Phinch considers areas such as valuation, tax implications, legal coordination and successor preparation to help create a clearer transition plan for owners and incoming leadership.
Key Highlights:
- Exit planning support for family businesses and smaller companies
- Focus on succession and ownership transitions
- Consideration of tax and legal aspects
- Support with preparing future business leaders
- Guidance throughout the transition process
Services:
- Exit planning workshops
- Business valuation support
- Family succession planning
- Employee succession planning
- Management buyout guidance
- Tax planning during exit
- Successor training and transition planning
Contact Information
- Website: phinch.co.uk
- Email: hello@phinch.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhinchAccountantsandTaxAdvisors
- Twitter: x.com/phinchWSM
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/phinch
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/phinchaccountants
- Address: 505 Park Way, Worle, Weston Super Mare, BS22 6WA
- Phone: 01934 404000
BTG
BTG supports business owners planning an exit through a corporate finance-led approach that considers sale preparation, valuation and identifying suitable buyers. The firm works with owners exploring different routes, including business sales, mergers and succession arrangements, helping them develop a structured plan before entering a transaction.
The exit process often requires careful preparation and market understanding. BTG reviews potential opportunities, considers valuation factors and helps owners position their business for discussions with interested parties. Its work combines strategic planning with transaction support throughout the exit journey.
Key Highlights:
- Corporate finance approach to exit planning
- Support with business sales, mergers and succession
- Focus on valuation and buyer identification
- Assistance with transaction preparation
- Advice on strategic positioning before exit
Services:
- Exit strategy planning
- Sell-side advisory
- Business valuation
- Merger and acquisition advice
- Buyer identification support
- Corporate strategy advice
- Transaction services
- Management advisory support
Contact Information
- Website: www.btguk.com
- Email: london@btguk.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BTGUKCOM
- Twitter: x.com/BTGUK_
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/btg-uk
- Address: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB
- Phone: 020 7412 8371
Conclusion
Choosing an exit planning adviser depends on where your business is today, what you want to achieve and how much preparation is needed before a transition. Some owners may be focused on selling to a third party, while others may be considering succession, an employee ownership structure or a gradual handover.
The right adviser should understand more than the transaction itself. Areas such as business value, tax position, management structure, financial reporting and future plans all play a role in shaping a successful exit. Starting the conversation early gives business owners more time to review their options and address any issues before they become obstacles.
This guide has highlighted a range of UK firms offering exit planning services, from accountancy practices to corporate finance advisers. Each takes a slightly different approach, so business owners should consider the type of support they need and choose a provider with experience that matches their situation and goals.