Business Appraisal
A quick, cost-effective read on what your business is worth
Whether you're weighing up a sale, seeking investment, or planning ahead, knowing roughly what the business is worth helps you make decisions with something solid underneath them. A business appraisal gives you that: a high-level assessment of financial health, market position and growth potential, without the time and cost of a full valuation.
An appraisal is a lighter-scope alternative to a full valuation. It gives you an estimated value range based on financial performance, market conditions and industry benchmarks. It won't carry the depth or the standing of a formal valuation, so it suits planning and preparation rather than transactions, disputes or tax. If you're not ready for a full valuation but need a clear sense of where you stand, an appraisal is usually the right starting point.
What a business appraisal includes
Financial performance review
A clear read on where the business stands financially, covering revenue trends and profitability, cash flow health, and how efficiently the cost base is running. It shows you the financial strengths and the areas worth addressing before any bigger decision.
Market positioning and benchmarking
How the business compares within its industry: the trends and demand shaping your market, where you sit against similar businesses, and the value drivers that set you apart to a buyer or investor.
Risk and growth potential
An assessment of what could hold value back and what could lift it, covering operational risks that affect future value, room to scale, and the areas most worth improving ahead of a full valuation or sale.
Appraisal summary report
A clear, data-backed report you can act on. It sets out your estimated value range, the key financial insights behind it, the market and industry benchmarks used, and practical steps to strengthen the value from here.
When a business appraisal makes sense
You're considering selling but not ready for a full valuation. An appraisal gives you an initial value range to guide pricing and exit planning.
You want to approach investors or buyers. A grounded appraisal gives them a clear starting point for the conversation.
You need a base for strategic planning. Knowing roughly where value sits today helps with goal setting and decisions.
You want to lift value before a sale. An appraisal shows you what to work on before committing to the full valuation process.
Business Appraisal vs. Full Business Valuation: Which Do You Need?
Business Appraisal | Full Business Valuation |
|---|---|
High-level estimate for planning | Formal valuation suitable for transactions, disputes and tax |
Mid-level Detail | Comprehensive Detail |
Basic industry benchmarking | Extensive industry benchmarking |
No detailed financial modelling | Detailed financial modelling |
Supports early preparation when selling | Good for Legal/Tax purposes and supports final negotiations when selling |
An appraisal is for planning and preparation, a valuation is for when a number has to hold up to someone else. If you're not sure which fits, it's worth a quick conversation to work out. Get in Touch
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Independent business valuations and CFO-level advice for small and medium-sized businesses.
25+ years industry experience
Advice you can count on
Real strategy, with real results
Fast and Cost-Effective
A clear value estimate without the time and cost of a full valuation.
Market and Financial Expertise
Grounded in real experience across business sales, financial analysis and strategic growth.
Advice you can act on
Not just a number, but practical steps you can take to improve the value of your business.
Experience across industries
I've worked with owners in a range of sectors to assess value and prepare for what's next.
