When Surrey SME Owners
Need a Defensible Number
Every valuation we produce is built around a specific transaction or trigger event. Here are the situations Surrey business owners most commonly come to us for.
Preparing for an Exit
Most Surrey SME owners only think about valuation when a buyer appears. By then, it’s too late to close value gaps. With Surrey businesses frequently acquired by London-based buyers and PE houses, we work with founders 12–36 months ahead of sale — identifying what buyers will challenge, what drives your multiple, and how to maximise your defensible exit price before heads of terms are signed.
SSAS Pension Business Valuations
A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) can lend money to your business or purchase commercial property — but the transaction price must be independently justified at open market value. HMRC will scrutinise connected-party SSAS transactions. Our ICAEW-backed valuation gives trustees and scheme administrators the documented, defensible evidence they need to satisfy both the Pension Regulator and HMRC.
Management Buyout (MBO) & MBI
When a management team buys the business from the founder — or an external team buys in — both sides need an independent valuation they can trust. An MBO without a credible, documented value creates disputes that unwind deals and destroy relationships. We produce neutral, ICAEW-quality valuations that give management teams and exiting owners a fair, agreed starting point for negotiations and lender due diligence.
Shareholder Disputes & Unfair Prejudice
Disputes between co-founders and shareholders often hinge on business value. Whether you’re buying out a minority, responding to an unfair prejudice petition, or navigating a deadlock, you need a valuation that is documented, methodology-driven and capable of withstanding legal challenge. Our reports are prepared to the standard expected by solicitors and the Courts.
EMI Option Schemes & HMRC Share Valuations
Enterprise Management Incentives are among the most powerful tools for retaining key London talent without cash outlay. But HMRC requires an agreed valuation before EMI options can be granted. We prepare your AMV (Actual Market Value) and UMV (Unrestricted Market Value) reports to HMRC’s SAV standard, submit on your behalf, and resolve any queries — so your scheme launches without delay or challenge.
Fundraising & Investment Rounds
Surrey’s tech corridor — Guildford, Camberley and the M3/M25 belt — has significant VC and angel activity, and investors expect founders to enter with a defensible, methodology-backed valuation — not a number from a multiple calculator. Our investment-grade valuation reports prevent unnecessary dilution, anchor your pre-money number, and accelerate due diligence because investors can see the work behind the figure.
Why ICAEW Credentials
Change the Outcome
For a SSAS transaction, the Pensions Regulator and HMRC both require evidence of open market value. For an MBO, lenders providing acquisition finance will conduct their own due diligence against your valuation. For a shareholder dispute, your solicitor needs a report that can withstand cross-examination. In every case, an ICAEW Chartered Accountant’s sign-off is the professional credential that closes the argument.
Kishen trained at Deloitte and has 12+ years preparing valuations across Investment Banking and corporate advisory, with strong familiarity across Surrey sectors including tech, professional services, life sciences, and financial services. Every report is partner-led, methodology-documented, and prepared to the standard that HMRC, the Courts, investors, and acquirers recognise.
SSAS valuations accepted by HMRC and scheme trustees — no queries or challenges
MBO reports used by management teams, exiting founders, and acquisition lenders
EMI valuations submitted directly to HMRC SAV — zero back-and-forth delays
Shareholder dispute reports prepared to solicitor and Court-ready standard
Kishen Patel
Founder, Consult EFC · BFP ACA
ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Big Four trained at Deloitte. 12+ years across Investment Banking, Big Four audit, and UK SME corporate advisory. Personally leads every Surrey engagement — SSAS, MBO, exit, EMI — from first call to signed report.
From Enquiry to Defensible Report
Three steps. 7–10 days. A number that holds up in any room.
Tell Us What You Need
Exit, MBO, SSAS, EMI, dispute — describe your situation. ICAEW Chartered Accountants reviews every Surrey submission and responds within one business day.
ICAEW-Grade Analysis
DCF modelling, normalised EBITDA, and comparable transactions — calibrated to your sector, your use case, and your London market context.
Your Signed Report
Delivered within 7–10 days. Signed by an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Ready for HMRC, your lender, investors, solicitors, or the opposing side.
“Setting up an EMI scheme felt daunting until we found Consult EFC. The valuation was handled entirely professionally, Kishen kept us informed at every stage, and HMRC accepted it without challenge. Exactly the kind of expert we needed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatever the situation —
the number has to be right.
No obligation. Fixed fees. ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Response within one business day.