Tax, legal and finance: who you will need, and when.
This page tells you which professionals you will need for tax, legal and finance before selling an electrical business, and when to bring them in. It is not advice.
Part of the Reads Pre-Sale Programme.
Why these people come in early.
Tax, legal and finance questions shape a sale long before completion: how the business is held, how the price is paid and what you keep after tax. Leaving them to the last month narrows your choices.
According to GOV.UK, Business Asset Disposal Relief is charged at 18% on disposals from Mon 6th Apr 2026, up from 14% the year before, with a lifetime limit of £1m, and the completion date decides which rate applies. Whether and how it applies to you is a question for your accountant or tax adviser.
The professionals to line up.
An accountant or tax adviser
For the tax position on the sale, Business Asset Disposal Relief, how the business is held and the timing of completion. Bring them in when you first plan the sale, and again before heads of terms.
A corporate solicitor
For heads of terms, the sale agreement, warranties and TUPE for your electricians. Choose one who handles business sales, ideally before you accept an offer.
Finance for the buyer
Where a buyer is borrowing to complete, Reads Commercial Finance handles the funding side, so it is dealt with alongside the sale rather than after it.
Where to start.
Talk to your own accountant first, since they already know your figures and can bring in a tax specialist if one is needed. Once there is a plan, a corporate solicitor who handles business sales comes next.
Talk it through in confidence.
We can tell you when each professional is likely to be needed in your sale; the advice itself comes from them.