SELL YOUR BUSINESS

No hidden costs
Maximum exposure
Competitive fees
Named point of contact
Confidentiality
Specialist solicitors

IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING YOUR BUSINESS THEN SO ARE WE.

A Yorkshire company you can trust

We are a family-run business founded in 1976 by Alan J Picken and based in Yorkshire. Alan still runs the company to this day, along with his son Fraser and a small team of dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to meet the needs of our clients. Our prestigious offices are based on The Grove, in the highly sought-after town of Ilkley.

We have registered clients throughout Yorkshire, North of England, UK, and overseas, many of whom have used our services over the years, seeking to find and buy businesses across a variety of sectors.

The highest standard of advertising

Choosing Alan J Picken to sell your business means exposure on a grand scale. Not only will your business be profiled on our website, we also advertise discreetly through several major independent business sites with an audience in the millions including:

Advertising across our client base, through online business sites and leading regional newspapers, gives your business the exposure it needs to sell quickly and at a price that works for you.

Flexible payment methods

The majority of business transfer agents charge for advertising, although some will attract you with a promise of ‘no upfront fees’. These offers lead to hefty monthly advertising costs that mount up should your business take time to sell. The longer agents keep you on monthly advertising terms the more money they make, reducing their incentive to work hard for you.

At Alan J Picken we like to give you the option of how to pay, allowing you to decide what works best for you from our options:

The client-preferred option is usually to pay a fixed advertising fee upfront, and then pay nothing more until commission when your business sells. This option provides the peace of mind of understanding exactly how much you will be charged throughout the process. 95% of our clients choose this method, providing them the security of clear payment terms. Setting up in this way ensures that we put our money where our mouth is, showing dedication to selling your business, as the quicker we sell the less advertising outlay costs we incur.

We also do offer a ‘no advertising fee upfront’ option as we understand sometimes cash flow when selling a business can be challenging. This option allows you to spread the cost of selling your business if required.

We generally recommend the fixed advertising fee upfront, as this works out by far the cheaper way of selling for the vast majority of clients. For more information on our flexible payment options, please telephone us on 01943 609451. A member of our dedicated team will be more than happy to discuss which option best suits you.

Our promise to you

We only take instructions on businesses that we believe we can sell. Our use of fixed advertising costs ensures a sale is just as important to us as it is to you. We want to sell your business, not make money by just listing your business for sale. We’ll provide a realistic valuation following a visit to your business, and agree a commission figure that works for both parties.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

PAUL HAYES

I have recently sold my sandwich shop business using the agents Alan J Picken it has been a pleasure to work with this company from start to finish very professional with a family feel that they care about your sale I would definitely use them again and recommend them to anyone.

HYDE PARK SANDWICH SHOP – DONCASTER

ADRIAN PARKINSON

I've both bought and sold businesses with Alan and from both sides of the coin he, along with his son Fraser, guided me through the whole process in a really helpful way. When I came to put my business up for sale I knew Alan was my first choice. From start to finish they are at the
end of a phone with a really friendly, efficient and personal service. I've heard lots of nightmare stories about selling agents and my only advice to anyone who wants to avoid those companies and problems - sell your business with Alan J Picken.

UNION JACK WEAR LTD - KEIGHLEY

JOE HEPWORTH

I recently sold my business in 3 weeks with Alan J Picken and I can't review them highly enough. I had been burned by other agents and left with no sale and a big bill. Alan and Fraser were so helpful throughout whole process and delivered a quick sale, all within the agreed fees, which were also very reasonable and way cheaper than the competition. Top class service!

HEPWORTH'S DELI - LEEDS

BEN PARKER

I would like to thank (and recommend) Alan Picken for assisting us in finding a buyer for our business. From the initial valuation meeting through to completion was a 6 month process. Great to deal with, I would highly recommend. Good old fashioned honesty and professionalism is what you get here, bearing in mind I was bombarded with calls from agents all over the country I am delighted to have chosen Alan.

4G VOICE & DATA – CASTLEFORD

GRAHAM PENNEY

Despite having a unique type of speciality business, & having initial reservations about an "off the shelf" transfer agent, Alan J Picken BTA have performed extremely well on my behalf, having sold my business with the minimal of time & fuss. His team along with himself showed an excellent standard of professionalism throughout the whole procedure. Would I use them again, without a doubt! Job well done.

YORKSHIRE BRINE SHRIMP SUPPLIES – BRADFORD

ANDREW HARGREAVES

Over the years I have purchased and sold many Companies through Alan J Picken. I have found his Company to be highly efficient and extremely motivated. In this day and age it's very refreshing to deal with someone with the honesty and integrity of Mr. Picken. In the past I have also tried other business transfer agents but his Company is in a different league. When I have another business to sell I will only use him.

THE SOAP GALLERY – OTLEY