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BizHistoryCheck

Buyer Risk Scorecard: is the business you're buying safe?

Two minutes, 12 questions.

Times are uncertain, so know the facts before you buy.

Getting the facts about a business helps you spot the risks early, so you can reduce them before you commit.

Each question can be answered Yes (2 points), Not sure (1 point) or No (0 points).

1. Have you seen at least three years of filed accounts for the business?
2. Do the takings the seller quotes match the accounts?
3. Have you confirmed who legally owns the business?
4. Have you checked for unpaid debts, county court judgments or insolvency notices?
5. Have you read the full lease, including rent reviews and break clauses?
6. Do you know how many years are left on the lease?
7. Is the premises licence in place and transferable to you?
8. Have you checked the food hygiene rating, if food is served?
9. Have you checked for planning or enforcement issues at the premises?
10. Do you know which staff will transfer to you under employment law?
11. Have you checked recent customer reviews for repeated complaints?
12. Has the seller given a clear reason for selling?

See your result

Enter your email to see your score with a practical tip for each gap.

We keep your details securely in line with our privacy notice. You can ask us to delete them at any time by emailing [email protected].

Your Buyer Risk Scorecard result

Next step: got a specific business in mind? Run our free Advert-Gaps check on its advert.

Run the free Advert-Gaps check

When you want the full picture, a paid report is the next step after that.

What to do next

    Your result is general guidance only. It is not financial or legal advice. Always ask a solicitor and an accountant to review a business before you make an offer.