Business Owners
Succession Planning
Plan your exit and protect your business legacy
Overview
Whether you're planning to sell, pass the business to family, or transition to new management, succession requires strategic tax and commercial planning.
We help business owners structure their exit, plan for tax efficiency, and ensure a smooth transition. Early planning (3-5 years before exit) gives you maximum options and tax benefits.
Key Areas Covered
What we cover as part of this service.
- Family succession vs. external sale considerations
- Management buyout (MBO) structuring
- BADR planning for eventual exit
- Trust and inheritance planning for succession
- Employee share ownership plans (ESOP)
- Dividend policy and succession implications
- Key person insurance and tax treatment
- Seller financing and earn-out structures
- Estate planning integration
Common Issues We Solve
Problems we see regularly — and how we fix them.
Succession Without Planning
Many business owners don't plan succession until it's urgent. Early planning gives you more options and better tax outcomes.
Family Succession Without Tax Planning
Transferring the business to family (without buying out other shareholders) can trigger tax complications. Proper structuring minimises issues.
Unequal Shareholdings
If you have multiple shareholders/family members, buyout arrangements and valuations become complex. We advise to minimise conflict and tax.
Pricing for This Service
Clear fees. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before we begin.
Private Clients
£700
Best for: Exit, family succession and management buyout planning
Get Your Fixed QuoteSuccession planning is typically strategic work requiring extended engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally 3-5 years before you want to exit. This gives time to clean up tax position, build sale appeal, and plan tax-efficient structures.
Your management team (or external investor) buys the business from you. Structure can be optimised for tax efficiency (seller financing, earn-outs, etc.).
Yes. You can gift or sell at reduced value. Tax-efficient structures include using trusts, spreading gifts over time, or financing the transition. We advise based on your wishes and their ability.
If you eventually sell shares to a third party (rather than gift), BADR applies if conditions are met. Plan to protect BADR throughout the transition.
Your employees become partial owners through a trust. Offers succession opportunity, motivation, and tax benefits. We advise on whether this aligns with your succession plan.
Why Choose UA Tax
Strategic Advisers
We don't just prepare taxes; we help you structure your exit optimally.
Integration
We integrate succession planning with corporate and personal tax strategy.
Long-Term Partnership
Succession takes years. We're your partner throughout the journey.
Ready to discuss succession planning?
Book a consultation and we will confirm what you need and provide a fixed fee quote.