UK-WIDE VALUATION SUPPORT

Business valuation reports

Discuss a scoped business valuation report, the evidence available, the valuation date and who needs to rely on the work.

Discuss your valuation ↗How it works

ICAEWChartered AccountantsUK-wideRemote enquiriesClear scopeBefore work begins

START A CONVERSATION

Discuss your valuation.

No documents needed to enquire.

What should a business valuation report explain?

A useful report connects its conclusion to the decision it was commissioned to support. Agree these points in the engagement scope rather than assuming every report offers the same coverage.

The subject: the entity, business assets or particular shares being valued, and the relevant date.
The evidence: financial records used, adjustments to earnings and information gaps.
The reasoning: why the selected methods fit the business and how material assumptions affect the result.
The boundaries: intended users, permitted use, limitations and any reliance restrictions.

Questions about this scope

Is a business valuation report the same as an audit?

No. A valuation considers value within an agreed brief. It does not automatically provide audit assurance over the accounts or verify every financial record.

Can I send the report to a buyer or lender?

Identify proposed recipients before commissioning it. Third-party use or reliance must be specifically considered and agreed; an owner-planning report may not be suitable.

Specify who will use the report

A report prepared for an owner’s planning decision may not be suitable for third-party reliance. Set out the intended recipients, purpose, valuation date and the interest being valued before commissioning the work.

Match the method to the business

Earnings-based approaches, discounted cash flows and asset-based approaches consider different evidence. The choice depends on the business, its stage, the purpose and the reliability of available information. A conclusion should explain the approach and material assumptions.

Define the deliverable before the engagement

Discuss whether you need an initial view, a written analysis or a report with specific reliance requirements. The scope should identify the information used, limitations, sensitivities and any specialist evidence needed.

UK-WIDE SUPPORT

Find your region

WHERE WE CAN HELP

Explore valuation support in your region.

Remote enquiries across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Regional pages describe the areas served, not branch offices.

Each regional guide includes a different business scenario and preparation checklist. Choose your region, then tell us the business town or postcode and the decision ahead.

Find business valuation support in your region ↗