# Kingsman ## Posts - [How to prepare your practice for sale (and maximise value)](https://kingsmanpartners.com/accountancysalepreparation/): Buyers aren’t only purchasing client lists or revenue. They’re investing in the stability and future of a practice. Proper accountancy sale preparation makes the business easier to assess, more attractive, and often more valuable. In 2024, UK professional services M&A activity grew by 9% year on year, with accountancy practices representing a significant proportion of deals. Firms under £2m in recurring fees remain especially popular due to manageable integration and reliable revenues. That means the pool of buyers is there—but the competition between sellers is rising. Owners who prepare in advance are best placed to achieve premium multiples, avoid prolonged […] - [Sell Accountancy Practice: Should You Sell Now or Wait?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/sell-accountancy-practice-should-you-sell-now-or-wait/): Many owners wonder if now is the right time to sell an accountancy practice. The answer depends on market demand, tax changes, and your firm’s performance. The Dilemma Owners Face It’s not unusual for practice owners to keep delaying. They think one more year of growth will add value. Or they hope to time the “perfect” market peak. Yet deals often fall through not because of numbers, but because of mismatched timing. Take the story of a mid-sized firm in Manchester. The partners planned to sell in 2022, but they delayed in hopes of a higher multiple. By 2023, staff […] - [When is the right time to sell your accountancy practice?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/righttimetosellyouraccountancypractice/): Some practice owners hold on too long. Others sell too early. Both risk losing value. Timing a sale well means looking at the market, your firm’s performance, and changes in tax law. With Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) set to rise over the next two years, owners need to plan ahead. Watch Market Demand Buyer appetite is strong. In 2024, professional services M&A rose by 9% year on year, with accountancy making up a large share (BDO, 2024). Firms under £2m in recurring fees are especially attractive, as they are easier to integrate and carry stable revenue. Cloud-based firms with […] - [How long does it take to sell an accounting practice?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-an-accounting-practice/): Time often becomes the real price tag. Sellers frequently find that completing a sale can stretch far longer than expected. A general timeline helps practice owners plan with clarity. Typical Timelines Selling a practice starts long before the contract exchange. Finding buyers can take weeks—or even years. One guide warns that sales can stretch out if asking prices or expectations are unrealistic. That’s why early planning matters (Maximiti, 2023).   If everything aligns—price, position, demand—deals may complete in about three months from offer to completion. Rapid, distressed sales do happen, sometimes in a few days, but they come with lower […] - [How to Sell your Bookkeeping Business](https://kingsmanpartners.com/how-to-sell-your-bookkeeping-business/): When it comes time to sell, many owners assume buyers will focus only on client lists and revenue. In reality, buyers often look first at recurring income, systems, and client retention. Selling a bookkeeping business is not just about fee levels—it’s about proving stability, efficiency, and growth potential. Check Market Demand and Timing Demand is stronger than many think. In the UK, bookkeeping sector revenue grew to £6.7 billion in 2024–25, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3% over five years (IBISWorld, 2025). Owners should time their sale when demand—especially for tech-enabled firms—is high. Use Real Valuation Methods Begin […] - [How to sell your Accounting Practice](https://kingsmanpartners.com/how-to-sell-your-accounting-practice/): One owner once shared: “Selling wasn’t just about numbers. It was about trust—passing clients to the right hands.” That’s the reality for many sellers. A sale is both financial and personal. Done well, it rewards years of work. Done poorly, it can stall. Understand the Market Selling an accounting practice in the UK takes planning. Owners must understand value, market demand, and what buyers expect. In 2024, professional services deals rose by 9% year-on-year, showing strong appetite for practices with reliable income. Get the Valuation Right The first step is valuation. Most firms sell for 0.8× to 1.7× gross recurring […] - [Valuing a Cloud-based Accountancy Practice vs Traditional Firm](https://kingsmanpartners.com/cloudvstraditionalfirm/): When one buyer reviewed two firms last year, the numbers told a story. Both had similar fee income. Yet the cloud-based practice achieved a higher offer. Why? Buyers saw stronger growth, better efficiency, and systems less reliant on the owner. That difference is shaping how firms are valued in 2025. Cloud-based accountancy practices are often seen as more profitable and flexible. A Wolters Kluwer survey found 71% of cloud practices reported improved profitability in 2023, compared with 55% of firms overall (Wolters Kluwer, 2023). Buyers like predictable income, but they pay a premium when systems support growth. Cloud models also […] - [How to spot overvaluation in an accountancy practice](https://kingsmanpartners.com/spottinganovervaluation/): When practice owners prepare to sell, it’s easy to hope for the highest possible price. But some valuations look too good to be true. Inflated figures often hide one-off income, unrealistic forecasts, or accounting tricks that don’t stand up to buyer scrutiny. Spotting overvaluation early protects deals and ensures a fair outcome. Kingsman Partners has seen how the right checks stop sales from stalling. Buyers typically check the following: 1. Unrealistic growth forecasts – Sellers may expect repeat strong years. But inflation and market dips can cut future profits. Bright assumptions without proof lead to overvaluation (HiltonsMythe, 2025). 2. Over-reliance […] - [Accounting Practice Valuation: What Buyers Look for in 2025](https://kingsmanpartners.com/whataccountancybuyerslookfor/): When a retiring partner shared his books with a buyer, the first question was: “How strong are your recurring fees and profits?” That moment highlighted what buyers really care about. Kingsman Partners helps practice owners see which valuation drivers matter most in 2025’s market. Buyers now target accountancy firms with strong recurring revenue, clear profit, and growth potential. In early 2025, private capital showed rising interest, driven by the appeal of predictable income and fragmented markets ripe for consolidation (Farrer & Co, 2025). Winning practices offer: •A large share of recurring income—usually via compliance or subscription services. •Healthy EBITDA margins, […] - [EBITDA vs GRF multiples – which drives practice value?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/ebitdavsgrf/): When practice owners talk about selling, the same question comes up: “Will buyers pay me for fees or profit?” That split between fees (GRF) and profit (EBITDA) is what drives practice value. GRF (Gross Recurring Fees) is the fee income expected each year from clients. It covers work like accounts and tax returns. In the UK, buyers typically value firms at 0.8 to 1.7 times GRF depending on client quality and systems (InforManagement, 2024). EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation) shows operational profit. Its multiple gives a clearer view of cash generation. ACCA shares that private equity buyers […] - [What is GRF (Gross Recurring Fees) and why does it matter in valuation?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/whatisgrf/): A partner once shared after selling: “My practice is worth what clients trust to come back every year.” That trust is GRF, or gross recurring fees. GRF is the regular annual income from existing clients. It matters because buyers rely on it to value accountancy practices. Kingsman Partners helps owners understand what their GRF means for the sale price. GRF is the base fee income a practice earns annually from long-term clients. It may cover compliance work like accounts and tax returns. Buyers see it as a stable and predictable income stream (Financial Accountant, 2023). In the UK, buyers often […] - [What is Goodwill in an Accountancy Practice Sale?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/accountancygoodwill/): Over the years, a firm owner found that buyers often value much more than the desks and software. That extra amount is goodwill. As a practice owner, that resonated—clients didn’t just pay for tasks. They paid for trust, reputation, and smooth service. Kingsman Partners helps owners understand that goodwill isn’t just on the balance sheet—it can make the sale. Goodwill is the premium paid above the fair value of a practice’s net assets, capturing its reputation, client trust, and recurring income potential. In simple terms: Goodwill reflects many hidden strengths: • Brand and reputation that draw clients • Long-term client relationships […] - [What Multiple Do Accountancy Practices Sell For?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/accountancypracticemultiple/): Over the past decade, the landscape of accountancy practice valuations has undergone significant transformation. As a practice owner, understanding the current market multiples is crucial for making informed decisions about selling your firm. This article delves into the latest data on valuation multiples, providing insights into what accountancy practices are currently selling for in the UK market. Understanding Valuation Multiples Valuation multiples are financial metrics used to assess the value of a company relative to a specific financial performance indicator, such as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) or gross recurring fees (GRF). These multiples offer a comparative […] - [How Do You Value An Accountancy Practice?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/accountancypracticevalue/): We’ve seen over the past 10 years how accountancy practices can be undervalued, overvalued, and everything in between. As a practice owner, we know how confusing valuations can feel. As a buyer, I’ve learned what really drives value in a firm. At Kingsman Partners, we focus on combining that experience with market insight to give owners a clear and realistic view of what their practice is worth. Why Valuation Matters Knowing your firm’s worth shapes every decision. It helps with succession planning, growth targets, and preparing for exit. Without it, owners risk underselling years of work or setting prices that […] - [How Much Is My Accountancy Practice Worth?](https://kingsmanpartners.com/accountancypracticeforsale/): When practice owners start exploring a sale, the first question is often the same: “What is my accountancy practice worth?” Valuation can feel complex, but in reality, it comes down to a few consistent methods, market benchmarks, and the current appetite of buyers. Gross Recurring Fees (GRF) Valuation The most common benchmark in the UK market is gross recurring fees (GRF). Buyers typically pay between 0.8× and 1.2× GRF, depending on the strength of the client base and how reliant it is on the owner (Accountants Growth Club). In some cases, especially where practices have strong systems, niche specialisms, or […] ## Pages - [How to sell my accountancy practice](https://kingsmanpartners.com/how-to-sell-my-accountancy-practice/): Sales How to Sell My Accountancy Practice Overview Selling an accountancy practice is rarely just a financial decision. For many, it’s the culmination of decades of work, relationships, and reputation. It can also be an emotional process – balancing what’s right for clients and staff with what’s best for you personally. This guide outlines the main steps and considerations when preparing to sell your accountancy practice, based on real experience from people who’ve been through it. 1. Clarify Your Reasons for Selling Before thinking about price or buyers, be honest about why you want to sell your accountancy practice. Retirement, […] - [Acquisitions](https://kingsmanpartners.com/acquisitions-2/): ACQUISITIONS Acquire with Confidence and Strategy Overview First-Time Buyers Whether you’re buying your first business or expanding your existing portfolio, Kingsman Partners offers hands-on support, market insight, and a growing pipeline of qualified opportunities worldwide. Acquiring your first business can feel overwhelming—from navigating valuations and contracts to understanding staff transitions, and client handovers. That’s where we come in. Through the direct experience of our Managing Partner—who has successfully acquired multiple businesses—we guide you through each step with clarity and confidence. We help you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to structure a deal that works in […] - [Blog](https://kingsmanpartners.com/blog/): Blog - [FAQ](https://kingsmanpartners.com/faq/): FAQ Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. FAQ What is Lorem Ipsum? To receive acquisition opportunities that align with your growth goals, simply complete the form below. There’s no fee to register, and we’ll be in touch as soon as a suitable practice becomes available. What is Lorem Ipsum? To receive acquisition opportunities that align with your growth goals, simply complete the form […] - [Firms For Sale](https://kingsmanpartners.com/firms-for-sale/): Firms for Sale - [Business Signup](https://kingsmanpartners.com/business-signup/): Business Signup Fill out the form below and let us take it forward! Most accountancy firm owners rarely need legal support during their career—until it comes to selling or acquiring a practice. At that point, it becomes essential. - [Order Received](https://kingsmanpartners.com/order-received/): Hi, we have received your order. We will validate the order and will take necessary steps to move forward. - [Thank You](https://kingsmanpartners.com/thank-you/): Payment is complete Congratulations, your payment has been completed! - [Payment](https://kingsmanpartners.com/payment/): Please select a gateway for payment - [Subscription](https://kingsmanpartners.com/subscription/): [wpuf_sub_pack] - [Login](https://kingsmanpartners.com/login/): [wpuf-login] - [Edit](https://kingsmanpartners.com/edit/): [wpuf_edit] - [Account](https://kingsmanpartners.com/account/): [wpuf_account] - [Dashboard](https://kingsmanpartners.com/dashboard/): [wpuf_dashboard] - [Contact Us](https://kingsmanpartners.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Let’s Talk Thinking of buying or selling a business or you have some other query? Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today. Chancellors House, 3 Brampton Lane, Hendon, England, NW4 4AB info@kingsmanpartners.com 0808 501 5385 Linkedin - [Privacy Policy](https://kingsmanpartners.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy Introduction This Privacy Policy explains how Kingsman Partners Limited (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, shares, and safeguards personal data when you use our services, visit our website, or otherwise interact with us. It also outlines your rights and how you can exercise them. “Personal data” refers to information that relates to an identifiable individual and is provided by you or collected through your use of our services. What We Collect We collect the following categories of personal data: Account Data – such as your name, job title, email, phone number, company name, and address when you fill […] - [Acquisitions](https://kingsmanpartners.com/acquisitions/): ACQUISITIONS Acquire with Confidence and Strategy Overview First-Time Buyers Whether you’re buying your first practice or expanding your existing portfolio, Kingsman Partners offers hands-on support, market insight, and a growing pipeline of qualified opportunities across the UK. Acquiring your first accountancy practice can feel overwhelming—from navigating valuations and contracts to understanding WIP, staff transitions, and client handovers. That’s where we come in. Through the direct experience of our Managing Partner—who has successfully acquired multiple firms—we guide you through each step with clarity and confidence. We help you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to structure a deal that […] - [Secretarial Support](https://kingsmanpartners.com/secretarial-support/): SECRETARIAL SUPPORT Admin Done Right, So You Can Focus on Clients Overview After a deal completes, operational integration is one of the most overlooked—but critical—phases. We offer an expert virtual assistant to support your business whilst critical mass is an issue. To ease the burden, we offer dedicated secretarial support from a specialist with over 10 years of experience working as a fractional VA within multiple different industries. From sending out terms to onboarding clients into your CRM system, our support ensures nothing falls through the cracks. You’ll receive weekly progress updates, designed to keep your client experience smooth, compliant, […] - [Outsourced Accountancy & Tax](https://kingsmanpartners.com/outsourced-accountancy-tax/): OUTSOURCED ACCOUTNANCY & TAX Cover Gaps, Protect Service Levels Overview Post-acquisition, it’s not uncommon for some team members to leave—whether due to culture mismatch or structural changes. This can create short-term pressure on your internal capacity and impact client service. To support you through this transition, we offer an outsourced accountancy and tax function, delivered by our London-based team of qualified professionals. Whether you’re facing temporary staffing gaps or a sudden uptick in workload, we can step in to ensure continuity. Our model is simple and cost-effective: we operate on a 40/60 fee split in your favour. For example, if […] - [Post Deal Integration](https://kingsmanpartners.com/post-deal-integration/): POST DEAL INTEGRATION Keep Service Flowing, Minimise Disruption Overview After a deal completes, operational integration is one of the most overlooked—but critical—phases. From aligning payroll, systems & software, merging two businesses can place a heavy burden on internal teams and risk client disruption. That’s why we provide access to an experienced integration specialist—someone who has successfully managed post-deal transitions across a range of industries. Working closely with your team, they’ll align key systems such as CRM, finance, and payroll, ensuring a smooth handover and uninterrupted client service. Offered on a flexible day-rate basis, this service is designed to safeguard your […] - [Pre Deal Advisory](https://kingsmanpartners.com/pre-deal-advisory/): PRE-DEAL ADVISORY Protect value before you sign Overview In most transactions, both buyers and sellers focus on two things: the sale valuation, and how the clients will be served post-deal. But the decisions made before the deal is signed can have just as much impact—on the seller’s goodwill receipt and on the buyer’s ability to retain clients. At Kingsman Partners, we offer pre-deal advisory grounded in first-hand experience. We’ve been through the process ourselves and understand the critical moments that can make or break the success of a deal. We’ll advise you on how—and when—to communicate the transaction to clients, […] - [Solicitors](https://kingsmanpartners.com/solicitors/): SOLICITORS Specialist Legal Guidance for the Deal That Matters Most Overview When buying or selling a business, it is essential that you have the right advisors in place. At Kingsman Partners, we work closely with a trusted legal team that specialises in mergers and acquisitions within the professional services sector. These are not generalist solicitors—they understand the specific terms, risks, and structure involved in service business transactions. Legal input begins at the right point—typically around the Heads of Terms stage—and continues through to final contracts and completion. Our legal partners focus on clarity, fairness, and efficiency, helping you avoid delays […] - [Sales](https://kingsmanpartners.com/sales/): SELLING YOUR BUSINESS A tailored, strategic approach— never just a listing. Overview We begin by understanding exactly what matters to you—whether it’s the buyer’s location, cultural fit, personality, leadership style, working philosophy, or how they’ll treat your staff and clients. We then discreetly introduce your firm to pre-vetted buyers who align with those priorities. No time-wasters, no poor fits—just serious buyers who match your goals. Throughout the process, we remain hands-on and transparent. We’re here to answer your key questions and guide you at every stage, including: How your business should be valued Deal structure and payment terms Your involvement […] - [Meet The Team](https://kingsmanpartners.com/meet-the-team/): Meet our Team The Team Behind Kingsman Partners We’re a team of six, each bringing hands-on experience across M&A, accountancy, tax, systems, and operational support. What unites us is a clear mission: to raise the standard of service in the M&A space for accountancy firms—especially those often overlooked by larger players. Alfie Charles Partner Saul Tiano Partner Charlotte Tarlton Systems Integrator Josh Tomlin Systems Integrator Joel Greenbaum Outsourced Accounts & Tax Agnes Kiss Secretarial Support Register Your Acquisition Interest To receive acquisition opportunities that align with your growth goals, simply complete the form below. There’s no fee to register, and […] - [About Us](https://kingsmanpartners.com/about-us/): Sell with strategy. Buy with confidence. About Kingsman Partners Kingsman Partners was founded to provide a higher standard of M&A support for businesses—delivering a full-service approach that guides both buyers and sellers through every stage of the deal process. Built to be Asset Smarter Built to be Asset Smarter A Founder’s Firsthand Frustration The inception of the business stemmed from the insight and experience of Saul Tiano, a former accountancy practice owner who successfully acquired five firms. He experienced firsthand the gaps in the M&A market—namely, the lack of practical support, strategic guidance, and post-deal integration. Saul recognised that many […] - [Newsletter](https://kingsmanpartners.com/newsletter/): [newsletter] - [Manage Subscriptions](https://kingsmanpartners.com/manage-subscriptions/): Why Kingsman Partners is Different We don’t just understand the M&A process-we’ve lived it. Our leadership and advisory team bring direct, hands-on experience from both sides of the deal table. Here’s what sets us apart: We Understand Accountancy Our Managing Partner successfully built and ran a £1 million GRF accountancy practice for over eight years.   First-Hand Acquisition Experience He has personally acquired five practices and understands the full lifecycle of a deal—from initial discussions to integration.   End-to-End Deal Expertise Our team has negotiated GRF/WIP values, worked closely with solicitors, and managed buyer and seller expectations through every stage. […] - [Home](https://kingsmanpartners.com/): Specialist M&A Brokerage for Professional & Support Services From first conversation to post-deal integration, we help professional and support services firms buy, sell, or merge with confidence—delivering hands-on support, expert valuations, and seamless execution at every stage. Who we are Kingsman Partners was founded in 2025 to challenge the traditional M&A landscape by focusing on small and mid-sized firms across the professional and support services sectors—businesses that have long been underserved. Who we are In recent years, the market has shifted. Large, recruitment-driven brokerages have entered the space, typically unwilling to engage with businesses below a certain size. Meanwhile, long-established […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)