Optival provides independent business valuation reports for UK SMEs. Whether you need a valuation for an EMI share scheme, a shareholder agreement, an exit, or tax-related matters, we deliver clear, well-supported reports on a fixed-fee basis. No hourly billing. No surprises.
Fixed-fee pricing from £1,200 to £3,000 depending on complexity - agreed upfront before any work begins.
Our valuation services
SME business valuations
We value privately owned UK businesses across a wide range of sectors, including professional services, technology, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Our reports are used for shareholder disputes, exit planning, succession, fundraising, and management buyouts. Each valuation applies the methodology most appropriate to the circumstances, whether earnings multiple, net assets, or discounted cash flow, and is clearly documented for discussion with advisers, investors, or HMRC where relevant.
EMI share valuations
The Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme allows eligible UK companies to grant tax-advantaged share options to employees. In practice, companies commonly seek advance agreement of the unrestricted market value of their shares with HMRC before granting EMI options. Optival prepares the valuation report and can support the submission process to HMRC, helping companies approach the process with a clear and well-reasoned valuation.
Transaction support
Buying or selling a business? Our transaction support service provides independent valuation analysis to inform price negotiations, assess deal structures, and support discussions during due diligence. We work alongside your solicitor and accountant to ensure the financial case is clear, well supported, and aligned with market context.
Why founders and advisers choose Optival
- Independent valuations prepared for owner-managed businesses and private company shares
- Fixed fees agreed upfront - typically from £1,200, with no hidden charges
- Clear turnaround - usually within 5 working days from receipt of complete information
- Practical, well-supported reports tailored to the purpose of the valuation
- Support for HMRC-related matters including EMI valuations and share-related submissions
- Conflict-free approach focused on independent analysis
Who we work with
Optival works with owner-managed SMEs, founders implementing EMI schemes, finance teams preparing for a transaction, and solicitors or accountants seeking an independent valuation for their clients. We also assist with valuations for shareholder agreements, growth share schemes, and other share-related matters.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a business valuation cost in the UK?
Optival typically charges a fixed fee between £1,200 and £3,000 depending on the size, complexity, and purpose of the valuation. The fee is agreed before any work starts.
How long does a business valuation take?
Our standard turnaround is typically 5 working days from receipt of the information we need. Faster turnaround may be possible for urgent matters.
Do I need HMRC agreement for an EMI valuation?
Advance agreement with HMRC is not legally mandatory in every case, but it is commonly sought as part of good practice before granting EMI options. This can help reduce uncertainty around the tax treatment of the options.
What methods do you use to value a business?
We apply the methodology most appropriate to the business and the purpose of the valuation. This often includes earnings multiples for trading businesses, net asset value for asset-rich companies, and discounted cash flow where forecasts and cash flows are sufficiently reliable.