Succession Planning That Protects What You Have Built
You have spent years building your business. How you leave it matters just as much. ABM Chartered Accountants helps you plan your exit, value your business, structure the transfer tax-efficiently, and hand over to the right people at the right time.
Exit on Your Terms With a Clear Plan
Succession planning is about deciding how and when you leave your business, and making sure the financial outcome reflects the value you have created. Whether you are selling to a third party, passing ownership to family, supporting a management buyout, or transferring to an employee ownership trust, ABM Chartered Accountants plans the route.
Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified accountants work with you well in advance of your planned exit. We value your business, identify the most tax-efficient exit structure, prepare your financials for buyer scrutiny, and guide you through the ownership transfer so nothing is left to chance.
What Our Succession Planning Service Covers
From designing your exit strategy to completing the ownership transfer, here is how ABM Chartered Accountants ensures your succession is planned, structured, and delivered properly.
Exit Strategy Design
Mapping out the right exit route for you, whether that is a trade sale, MBO, EOT, or retirement.
Business Valuation
Establishing a realistic market value so you understand what your business is worth before you exit.
Ownership Transfer
Structuring the transfer of shares or assets to the next owner in the most tax-efficient way.
MBO Support
Supporting management buyouts with financial modelling, funding structures, and deal negotiation.
Tax-Efficient Exit
Planning your exit to make full use of Business Asset Disposal Relief and other available reliefs.
Family Succession
Guiding family businesses through generational transfer with clear roles, fair valuations, and tax.
Leave Your Business With Its Value Intact
Without a succession plan, business owners often exit in a rush, sell at the wrong time, or hand over without the right structure in place. The result is lost value, unnecessary tax, and a transition that damages the business. ABM Chartered Accountants prevents this by planning years ahead, not weeks.
Tax planning is central to any succession. Business Asset Disposal Relief, hold-over relief, entrepreneurs’ relief provisions, and employee ownership trust structures all offer significant tax savings if used correctly. We make sure the right reliefs are claimed and the transfer is structured to keep as much value as possible.
Succession Planning for Business Owners Right Across the UK
Based in Canary Wharf, London, ABM Chartered Accountants provides succession planning for business owners throughout the UK. We work with you over the long term to deliver the exit you want.
Succession Planning for Every Type of Business
We advise on succession for businesses in professional services, construction, property, retail, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. Whether you run a family firm or a growing company, we plan your exit.
Why Owners Choose ABM Chartered Accountants for Succession
Chartered Exit Advisors
ICAEW and ACCA qualified planning your business exit.
Tax Reliefs Secured
Every available relief identified and claimed for you.
Planned Years Ahead
Succession structured early so nothing is left rushed.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the succession planning questions we hear most often. Contact our team for tailored guidance.
What is succession planning?
Succession planning is the process of preparing for the eventual transfer of ownership and control of your business. It covers everything from deciding who takes over to structuring the deal, managing the tax consequences, and ensuring the business continues to perform after you step back.
How far in advance should I start planning?
Ideally, you should start planning at least three to five years before your intended exit. This gives you time to increase the value of your business, implement tax-efficient structures, and prepare the next generation or buyer for a smooth handover.
What is Business Asset Disposal Relief?
Business Asset Disposal Relief reduces the capital gains tax rate to 14 percent on qualifying gains up to a lifetime limit of one million pounds when you sell your business. From April 2026, this rate rises to 18 percent. ABM Chartered Accountants ensures you qualify and claim it correctly.
What is an employee ownership trust?
An employee ownership trust is a structure where the business is sold to a trust on behalf of employees. The seller can receive the first 250,000 pounds of the sale proceeds free of capital gains tax. ABM Chartered Accountants advises whether an EOT is right for your business.
Can you help with a management buyout?
Yes. We support management buyouts by preparing financial projections, modelling the funding structure, advising on deal terms, and working with lenders. ABM Chartered Accountants helps both the outgoing owner and the management team reach a deal that works for everyone.
How much does succession planning cost?
Fees depend on the complexity of your exit and whether a sale, family transfer, MBO, or EOT is involved. We offer fixed-fee packages for each stage. Contact ABM Chartered Accountants for a confidential discussion about your plans and timeline.