We are delighted to report that January and February 2020 have got off to a cracking start for us, with a huge increase in people looking to buy businesses.

National viewings by prospective purchasers of businesses at Guy Simmonds are up 24% compared to the same buoyant period from last year.

Our pipeline of businesses 'sold subject to contract' (and with solicitors instructed) has also increased dramatically and pro-rata in this period. I am confident this will continue for the whole of 2020, commensurate with completions.

This rise in purchaser activity at Guy Simmonds is probably as a consequence of a couple of main factors:

We have further invested heavily, with additional innovative marketing and in web technologies/domain names and are attracting both a greater diversity and higher number of prospective private and corporate purchasers. These are looking for suitable/properly valued Freeholds, our speciality desirable private Free-of-Tie leases, in addition to relative 'low-cost of entry' Pubco leases.

Also, The General Election in December together with the definitive Boris Johnson majority, culminated in us leaving the EU, and onto the 'horse trading' transition period. Whatever your own political/personal views, it would seem the end to the Brexit debacle (together with the related uncertainty) has psychologically triggered further purchasers into deciding 'Onwards and Upwards' with 2020 now being a good time to purchase or lease a suitable business opportunity in the UK.

To replace our on-going sales, we are naturally keen to hear from freeholders and leaseholders who are thinking of selling now or anytime in 2020. We would be delighted to visit you over a coffee, discuss your exit strategy/options in complete confidence, and provide you with a free no-obligation valuation.

For freeholders, we provide a valuation for those looking to sell both the freehold and business (entirety).

In addition, we can discuss the alternative (Guy Simmonds speciality) option of keeping the freehold property for investment income - linked to the inflation index.

We sell the business and find you a suitable lessee, by way of advising upon creating a new Free-of-Tie long term lease at realistic/sustainable rental. This way, you the freeholder receive a pragmatic annual rent/retirement income, in addition to an upfront sum for selling the business.

Selling or buying a pub, hotel, restaurant or any business. For professional, personal and friendly service plus a free valuation, contact Guy Simmonds on 01332 865112. Email. sales@guysimmonds.co.uk