Dear << Test First Name >>

We’re incredibly excited to share some significant news with you today.

After months of in-depth research, countless interviews with industry leaders, and thorough market analysis, we've just published our first-ever region-specific report:

The 2025 bizval SMB Report: Unpacking the current state of M&A for UK SMBs

It’s been a long time in the making and we have learned a lot through the process of pulling it together. We hope that you get as much value out of reading it as we did in making it!

Why this report matters now

If you're a business owner in the UK's SMB space or an advisor to such businesses, you're likely sensing the shifts in the M&A landscape. The market is in flux, shaped by demographic changes, technological disruption, and evolving investor priorities that are transforming both exit and growth strategies across the board. Understanding these trends will go a long way to ensuring that you can maximize the value of your business and efficiently crystallize that value when the time comes.

Our comprehensive analysis focuses specifically on companies with turnover between £2m and £25m in the UK, offering insights you simply won't find elsewhere in such a targeted format.  As our CEO Graham Stephen notes in the foreword, "This is the first region-specific report we've produced here at bizval, and we hope that readers can extract a lot of value from the insights we've discovered through a long and in-depth research process."

Part of our mission here at bizval has always been to provide clarity in an often opaque market. We believe that better information leads to better decisions, and ultimately better outcomes for business owners who may be considering one of the most significant transactions of their lives.

Unlocking the UK SMB M&A landscape: A sneak peek

To entice you to read the report, here are some of the key insights that set the stage for a fresh approach to dealmaking in today’s challenging environment:

Shifting market: The report outlines how shifting demographics, technological disruptions, and evolving investor priorities are reshaping M&A strategies. With many SMB owners approaching retirement and a competitive marketplace in full swing, succession planning has never been more critical.

Digital transformation drives change: Rapid advances in digital technology are prompting businesses to seek strategic acquisitions that bolster their technological capabilities. This move not only helps companies stay competitive but also drives horizontal integration among tech-focused SMBs.

New financing and valuation realities: Economic uncertainty, high financing costs, and cautious lending practices are influencing more conservative valuation approaches. The report discusses how innovative financing structures and professional valuation practices are becoming key to navigating these challenges.

Expanding role of private equity and cross-border activity: A diversified landscape now features not only traditional bank financing but also active participation by private equity firms and family offices. Additionally, increased cross-border M&A activity is opening international avenues for growth, with strategic buyers eyeing opportunities in markets like the USA and UAE.

Sector-specific trends: From technology and healthcare to renewable energy, the report highlights sectors with strong growth prospects alongside those facing consolidation pressures. Regional hotspots such as London, the South East, and emerging areas in Scotland, North West, and Midlands are also spotlighted.

Navigating challenges: The report doesn’t shy away from the hurdles—be it regulatory complexity, misaligned valuation expectations, or post-merger integration risks like talent retention and cultural shifts. It provides actionable insights for overcoming these obstacles.

Looking ahead: With predictions for 2026 and beyond, the analysis underscores that M&A is not a one-off event but part of a broader strategic journey. The focus is on preparing businesses to not only survive current market conditions but to thrive in a future defined by digital integration and sophisticated advisory support.

The full report offers detailed analysis and expert commentary designed to equip business owners, investors, and advisors with the foresight and tools needed for successful transactions.

Read the full report

What we've shared above barely scratches the surface of what's contained in the full report. To access the full report, including our predictions for 2026 and beyond, please click here to download the complete report.

After reading, we'd love to hear your feedback and insights. Has your experience in the market aligned with our findings? Do you see trends we might have missed? This report is just the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing conversation with our community.

Secondly, if you do find the report valuable, please consider sharing it with peers who might benefit from these insights. Or if you’d like to discuss how these findings might impact your specific situation or explore how our valuation services could support your strategic planning, please don't hesitate to reach out.