What sold in 2012?

The EM&F Group continue to see activity in all sectors, whilst some sectors are more popular than others the one aspect that stands out is no matter what sector a business is in, if it is quality well presented and priced correctly then it will receive interest. Looking at what has sold in the various sectors and comparing to 2011 there are a number of 'Movers', 'Non Movers' and 'Fallers' to include a few surprises. read more

Mustard & Coffee a Winning Combination!

You may be wondering what Mustard & Coffee have in common, well EM&F are offering prospective business purchasers the opportunity to acquire a little piece of history in the form of the Mustard Coffee Bar contained within the original Colman's Mustard Shop situated at the very heart of Norwich's Historic City Centre. Colman's Mustard is one of the oldest existing food brands, The Mustard Shop opened in 1973 prior to re-locating elsewhere in the City in 1999 and paving the way for the Mustard Coffee Bar which was established in 2009. read more

Independent Retail Show A Huge Success

EM&F were delighted to have taken a stand at the newly named Independent Retail Show (formerly CTN World) organised by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN).

Held towards the end of October at its also new location – the NEC, Birmingham, the show was well attended and proved a huge success with substantial numbers of newsagents, convenience store owners and subpostmasters attending the show and visiting the EM&F stand for a variety of discussions. read more

Post Offices popular in the North West

The news on Post Offices just continues to get better for the EM&F Group, firstly there was the welcome news for the industry as a whole with the Post Office retaining the DVLA contract in respect of Vehicle Licensing (Car Tax Discs). Secondly the North West Office of EM&F was pleased to report the successful completion in quick succession of 2 Post Offices in November. read more

Bank Lending – The Current Picture

EM&F Business Finance, the commercial mortgage arm of Everett Masson & Furby, can confirm with certainty that there is a healthy appetite among commercial banks to lend for the purchase of a wide range of different businesses including not only freehold and leasehold based but also internet operations.

This statement may well seem contradictory to the usual mantra that "the banks aren't lending" but our experience is that professionally presented proposals are being strongly supported on competitive terms. read more 

Wales – 'Land of My Fathers'

Well known for its' stunning coastlines and countryside, National Parks, vibrant cities and busy market towns, Wales really has something to offer every type of business buyer, no matter how big or small.

With various Welsh Government grants still available, strong road and rail infrastructure in place plus the on-going multi-million pound developments in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport (which is also benefitting the surrounding areas), then now really is the time to consider investing in a business in Wales. read more 

We want your business

As a business valuer for Everett Masson & Furby visiting many businesses each week there are three comments being heard over and over again being...

• ‘I bet there are hundreds of businesses on the market at the moment with owners looking to get out!’
• ‘I bet you are quiet with no one looking to buy a business in this economic climate!’
• ‘I bet no one can afford to buy a business at the moment, the banks aren’t lending to anyone!’ read more

The Olympics are coming!

The summer of 2012 has the potential of being a key turning point especially for businesses in London and the South East says Edward Harrison of Everett Masson & Furby (London & Surrey) with many opportunities resulting from the forthcoming Olympics with expected higher footfalls generated from the estimated 11 million visitors to the capital together with the feel good factor generated by the Queens Diamond Jubilee and major transport innovations such as Crossrail and the upgrade to the Tube system. read more

Everett Masson & Furby – The Better Business Agent – Celebrating Their 50th Anniversary

No one can predict the future, a bit like the weather as we all wait for summer to arrive; one thing we can predict and is for certain is that the EM&F Group will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2013 having traded successfully over the years despite a variety of trading conditions, both challenging and fruitful resulting in 1000's of satisfied clients! read more

Convenience Stores – Out perform the high street

With talk of a double dip recession and the High Street being in turmoil, as evidenced by figures from the British Retail Consortium showing a 3.3% drop in like for like sales compared to April 2011, it is exceptionally encouraging that the Convenience Store sector where the EM&F group have held a presence as Specialist Agents for around 50 years is one business sector where growth is actually occurring. read more

EM&F Business Finance

The media continues to flood the business headlines with economic doom and gloom. However, it’s not all bad. Now might, in fact, be a good time to consider buying your own business. Why?

Not all businesses are struggling. Some are trading consistently and some are expanding. The current economic climate inevitably means that there are opportunities.

Owning your own business means you’re the boss and you get to make the all important decisions. You no longer have the worries and anxiety of possible redundancy. read more 

The view from a business valuer

The current business transfer market can really be summed up in one word – "Realism". Experienced selling agents know there is little point in sugar-coating the pill for potential vendors - its tough out there, even for businesses which have been successful in weathering the recessionary storms. The biggest factor in shaping the market is the availability of loan finance. Banks have been criticised for their unwise lending of the past so it's not surprising that they are now adopting a far more selective and cautious approach. read more

Join the on-line retail revolution

With on-line shopping having increased 19% in the first half of 2011 when compared to the same period last year this is a sector which continues to grow and has a great future. There are varying scales of on-line retailing ranging from massive warehouse distribution centres to those operating from home with a storage facility in the form of a garage or garden shed, the important fact is literally anyone can become part of this phenomena with the majority of traditional retailers also having an on-line presence which is now seen as essential to maintain and increase sales. read more

Northern Lights

Despite the cuts of the coalition, Andrew Wilby of Everett Masson & Furby (North East & Cumbria) reports strong interest for competitively priced businesses across his operating regions of Northumberland, Cumbria, Teesside, Co Durham and Tyne & Wear.
Many of these areas are heavily dependent on local authorities for their economic survival, yet despite this says Andrew Wilby "there is active and strong interest from business purchasers". read more

Freehold or Leasehold

Whilst ultimately the dream of any would be business buyer is to own the Freehold property in which the business is situated it is sometimes just not achievable due to budget constraints, especially if the business in question also offers residential accommodation. Unfortunately this can increase its purchase price considerably making it difficult to fund which is probably a factor more so now due to the tightening of lending criteria by the banks, a Leasehold business offers an affordable route to becoming your own boss. read more

EM&F Business Finance

EM&F Business Finance, the commercial mortgage arm of Everett Masson & Furby, confirms that following a number of successful completions of business purchases in recent weeks there is a growing appetite among commercial banks to lend for the purchase of retail stores.   This statement may well seem contradictory to the usual mantra that "the banks aren't lending" but they have evidenced that professionally presented proposals are being strongly supported on competitive terms. read more 

Convenience Stores still in demand

Quality convenience stores priced correctly are selling, there are plenty of buyers about ensuring the viewing of businesses remains strong, the hard work lies in brokering a deal and getting over the finishing line which is why an experienced business transfer agent is required in the current economic climate to assist both vendors and buyers in ironing out any problems encountered along the way. read more

Come and meet the team

Once again the E M & F Group are delighted to be present at this years CTN World – www.ctnworld.co.uk, a must visit for those involved or looking to be involved in the News and Convenience Retailing sector. Taking place on Sunday 20th November and Monday 21st November at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, just off the M6 motorway, E M & F can be found on stand number 214 and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the selling and buying of businesses. read more

More than green shoots, opportunity returns!

In our twenty four hour news media the persistent reminder of “doom and gloom” can make many business owners jittery and disproportionately pessimistic. Clearly we are experiencing some transfer of the credit crunch impact on banking to the business economy and inevitably the media seize upon this information since it makes a good story. At EM&F Group, we assess the impact of the financial situation in what we consider to be a much calmer and measured way in that “good businesses with good accounts selling to creditworthy buyers” are definitely achieving good levels of lending from our lenders. At this point in time we have only seen a slight decline in. read more

Post Offices

Contrary to rumours and any misinformation prospective Post Office purchasers may have heard here is the official line from the Post Office and its future:-

“ The £1.34bn funding announced by the Government in November, and their commitment to keep the network at its current size, gives us the platform we need to modernise the Post Office and meet the demands of today’s customers.” read more

Something slightly different and a little bit special!

They say nothing is cast in stone but that is certainly not the case here where you could not be looking at a more ‘solid’ business manufacturing desirable bespoke Granite Worktops for use in kitchens and bathrooms proving highly profitable. Primarily operating throughout the sought after East Devon region with its affluent residential housing, a valuable client base is maintained ensuring a great deal of regular trade with ample work in hand. Owners benefit from easily accessible manufacturing premises which include a very. read more

Corporate sales, still very strong in a discerning market place..

For the past five years EM&F have been the sole agents for Cooks The Bakery Ltd in the sale of 70 of their sandwich bars & coffee shops across the country. From Dover to Durham and from Ipswich to Exeter, EM&F have been successfully finding buyers – often first-time business buyers – who have recognised the rare opportunity in purchasing a Cooks store. And there are 15 stores still available including shops in Kent, Devon, Essex, Worcestershire and Merseyside. read more

Latest News on Bank Lending Spring 2011

Despite what you read in the papers or hear on the news the Banks are still lending in the commercial market but our banking contacts tell us that although ample funds are available it is more a matter of there not being the demand to match from good quality applicants for profitable businesses. Our experience at EM&F Business Finance confirms that loans are readily available following a run of successfully arranging finance for potential purchasers who are often buying a business for the first time. Our introduction will secure very competitive terms which ensures that loan repayments will be kept to a minimum. read more 

Buying a business – Common Sense – An Accountants view

With more people looking for a new venture whether buying or selling a business, abiding by a well-structured business plan, common sense and professional advice are important resources when approaching such an important change. Starting in the right way can help minimise future pitfalls and unexpected costs. The term ‘business plan’ is used lightly and many people don’t know where to start with developing one. Without a well-structured business plan problems can occur creating a barrier to move forward.  If you are looking to buy an existing company, analysing ‘the business’ is crucial - it is easy to adapt and change certain areas but the golden question is will it work?  Developing a new strategy is vital read more

Latest news on bank lending

From our experience Banks are still lending. The High Street Banks that we deal with are regularly granting new loans particularly in the market where we operate by arranging finance for clients who are often buying a business for the first time.

Our introduction will secure very competitive terms which ensures that loan repayments will be kept as low as possible.

EM&F Business Finance has enjoyed a sustained period with funding being approved for both freehold and leasehold / goodwill & asset enterprises. read more

Howells Solicitors - Legal Focus

Is now the right time to sell your business?

For many owners, deciding whether to sell their business, and often their livelihood is a difficult choice and almost every seller needs to decide whether or not it is a good time to sell.

Here at Howells, weíve seen steady levels in demand and, despite the recent economic instability, the number of sales being completed in the business transfer market remains high. read more

Entrepreneurial enthusiasm... is back – market overview

After nearly three years in the doldrums, the Business Transfer market is back on form reports Andrew Wilby of nationally represented Business Transfer Agents, E M & F (Everett Masson & Furby).

Finance is available despite the banks previous reserve in supporting small businesses, they are now beginning to compete with each other, deals are now starting to complete again and buyers are opening their front doors and seeing a "ray of sunlight" in achieving their goal to buy a business.

Post election the phones continued to ring in ever greater numbers and with a private sector bias now becoming the economic culture, buyers are returning. Price is still the key issue and for many vendors "there is still a reality nettle to be grasped". Over priced businesses be they pubs, hotels or shops are going nowhere, many vendors must now accept that to sell, prices must fall. read more

Post Offices - The Future is Strong

"We will maintain and invest in the Post Office Network and protect community Post Offices"
George Osborne, speaking in his comprehensive spending review October 20th.

After many years of being used as a political football the "Post Office" finally seems to have a future and the network of around 11,500 Post Office has an assured future.

"Lying at the Heart of the Community Post Offices are one of the all time favourite business buys, and with government support, interest is returning to the Post Office sector as buyers once again begin to see them as safe cash income generators in today's uncertain economic climate" comments Paul Dunbavin of EM&F Yorkshire. read more

Fish & Chips still the first choice for Fast Food

Fish & Chip takeaway outlets still remain the most popular takeaway business opportunity on the market at this time. They can prove ideal for families with a great number of outlets operating a traditional 5 day week, trading a couple of hours at lunchtime, slightly longer in the evening but still closing relatively early compared to those town centre fast food outlets.

With its own Federation and dedicated press the Fish & Chip industry has enjoyed a renaissance over recent years - considered to be the healthier take-away option, a standard portion of fish and chips contains LESS fat and LESS calories than other takeaway foods, there are only three ingredients, potatoes, fish and batter, you know exactly what you are eating.

Shops vie for coveted awards and top acclaimed TV chefs have moved into the market opening a number of shops. If you would like a piece of the action and are thinking of buying a Fish & Chip shop but worried about how you would cope, you need not worry, there are professional courses for you to learn the art of frying and most vendors will offer a hand over period together with training. read more 

Looking to change your lifestyle - Time for a Tea Room!

With corporate life changing for many the desire for a lifestyle change is a major reason why former company high flyers look to take on a new challenge. A recent sale by our Somerset regional office reflects what is available.

Recently sold by Everett Masson & Furby is the renowned Periwinkle Tea Rooms, attractively located on a National Trust Estate on Exmoor, close to the Somerset coast and the well known coastal town of Minehead. read more

Welsh Market - Showing Growth

With its vibrant Cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, historic market towns and numerous thriving villages coupled to a back drop of stunning coastlines and mountains, business buyers are continuing to be attracted to the businesses Wales has to offer. The country is growing in desirability, representing exceptional value.

As a major player in the Welsh Business Transfer market, Mark Harrison, of Everett Masson & Furby (Wales) comments, "2010 so far has seen a growing and sustained demand for businesses in Wales with discerning buyers looking in a variety... read more