Welcome

Established in 1956 by Ernest Wilson, we are now the largest, independent Business Transfer Agent in the United Kingdom and we firmly believe that you only become the biggest by providing the very best possible service to clients.

During the past 55 years we have led the business transfer industry and there has been many firsts.  We were the first business transfer agent to invest heavily into computer systems in the early 1980’s with an IBM System 36 “main frame” computer and we have continued to invest heavily into our business to achieve the best possible results for clients.  Not only by investing in  computer systems, although during 2009/2010 we have developed an entirely new system to keep us ahead of our competitors; but also into substantial advertising of businesses for sale in both traditional, print media, radio advertising and new media such as the internet.

Ernest Wilson was a pioneer of the business transfer industry who built our company upon professionalism, principled conduct and the highest ethical standards.  These founding principles continue to guide us in everything we do today.

Buying a Business?

If you're are trying to find a business for sale, you need to know you're looking in the right place.  A business transfer agent is much more than a simple list of adverts of businesses for sale.  Ernest Wilson has been established over 50 years and has the experience and a professional team of qualified valuers who attend at our clients premises to appraise every single business and/or property which is listed for sale here on our website.  We are much more than simply a host of business listings and provide an unrivalled service for clients looking to buy a business.

This means that you receive the safety and security that each of our seller clients has been able to draw on our extensive knowledge of the market and has received advice as to the value of their business before placing it on the market.

Interested in buying a Post Office?

We also offer a service to buyers to provide you with the information you will need to start your search for that right business such as price range, finance, etc.  We would welcome the opportunity of meeting with you to discuss your aims, requirements and provide you with information of specific businesses which may be of interest to you.  We are able to discuss the steps you will need to take to make a successful acquisition of your dream business, such as arranging finance through the High Street Banks, appointing solicitors, accountants and guide you through the bureaucracy of dealing with Landlord's to obtain their consent to accepting you as their new Tenant.  In the meantime, if you wish to download a copy of our current catalogue, please click Businesses for Sale Catalogue.

“Thinking About Buying A Business?”
Learn How!

Attend a one day seminar and learn how to buy your own business.

Napoleon reportedly said "L'Angleterre est une nation de boutiquiers." (Namely we are a “Nation of Shopkeepers”) in dismissing England’s preparedness for war against France. Certainly it is our continued experience at Ernest Wilsons that many of our countrymen still harbour a desire to run their own business even in these challenging economic times, whether that be a Café, Post Office, Newsagent, Off License & Convenience Store, the list goes on. According to a survey of 2,000 youngsters, commissioned to support the Ambition AXA Awards, around half (47 per say that they have always wanted to be their own boss, buying a business is one way to achieve that goal. Another recent survey by oneworkinglife.com revealed from a sample of 2,000 full and part-time employees across the UK, 18% want to run their own business. However David Singleton, the former Managing Director of Lloyds TSB Business, said some years ago, "There is no doubt about the British appetite for business ownership, but sadly this desire fades largely through fear of the unknown”. In order to help people get to know the “unknown” Ernest Wilsons are running a number of seminars titled “Thinking of Buying Your Own Business – Learn How? As the title suggests this is aimed at benefiting people who have thought of running their own business but that is as far as they have got, maybe because of fear of the unknown and the many questions and/or anxieties they have about it have gone unanswered. During this one day seminar on 8th March 2012 they will spend time with Business and Stock Valuers, Bankers, a Solicitor and Accountant covering and answering questions all about the “ins and outs” of buying a business. It is our hope that by attending this educational informal seminar people will feel more confident about exploring the dream they may have to run their own business. We appreciate that we are a Business Transfer Agent and it is in our interests to encourage people to buy their own business, however the seminar is not about us! There will be no selling of businesses; it is about helping people who have an interest in buying a business taking that next step which is learning how. Some will go on to fulfill an ambition in this respect; others will decide it is not for them. We speak to people day in and day out and many have understandably little knowledge of the business purchase process and feel nervous about taking what can be such a big step in their lives. Francis Bacon said “knowledge is power” and the knowledge gained at these seminars can equip people to consider more ably whether or not buying a business is for them and if it is how to go about it. We hope to see you there if buying your own business is a dream of yours!

The presenters will include Business and Stock Valuers, a local Solicitor, Accountant
and Banker. Throughout the day they will cover:-
•    Overview of the Business Sales market in 2011
• Deciding what kind of business you should buy
• Deciding what you can afford
• How businesses are valued
• The research and decision making process, viewing techniques, making an offer
• Raising finance, how to go about this in the present environment
• The legal aspects of buying a business including buying goodwill, leasehold and freehold properties
• Tax/Vat - what key things to think about when buying a business
• How do you value and acquire stock?

This is a no obligation, educational and informal seminar to help people who are
thinking about buying a business, have never bought one before, and want to learn
how they can go about it, have their questions answered and take the next steps, if
the time is right for them.

When?: Thursday 8th March 2012, 9:15am – 5:00pm (Lunch and
Refreshments provided)

Where?: Ernest Wilson & Co Limited, The Business Centre, Deanhurst
Park, Gelderd Road, Leeds, LS27 7LG

Cost: £35 plus VAT per person (£65 plus VAT couples)

How do I apply?: Contact Julie Walton on 0113 238 2900 or
E-mail Julie.walton@ernest-wilson.co.uk
(Places subject to availability. If you would like to attend the course but the 26th January is not convenient

please enquire about other up and coming dates)

Got an iPhone?

Selling a Business?

Ernest Wilson is the leading business transfer agent in the North of England, our valuers are all professionally qualified and their experience ranges from a minimum of 15 to 40 years valuing and selling businesses of all different types and sizes. 

We offer a service which we believe is second to none, if you would like to view a short list of some of our recent sales, please click businesses sold. 

We will not charge you money up front like the majority of other business agents but we will consistently advertise your business in major regional and local newspapers together with consistent internet advertising to ensure your business is discreetly shown to the widest possible audience of potential buyers. 

We understand fully the importance of maintaining a confidential sale which is why in over 99% of cases, we sell businesses without the need of a “For Sale Sign” or the publishing of pictures/trading names/addresses in the public domain.  Combine this with our unrivalled database of potential buyers, our attention to detail to ensure the best chance of selling your business at the best possible price and we are the right choice of agent to sell your business.

Beware not all business transfer agents are the same.  Many will charge you a substantial fee in advance and leave you feeling disappointed with the paltry level of advertising they carry out on your behalf.  Other agents may do little more than erect a For Sale sign above your business which tells your staff and customers of your intentions and could jeopardise your business and therefore your sale. 

For a free, no obligation valuation, call Ernest Wilsons’ now on 0113 238 2900.