How far ahead should I plan my business sale? 

The simple answer is as soon as possible. Once you are considering the possibility, you need to give yourself time to prepare your business for sale. Start with our Business Valuation Guide and when you are ready to take the next step, talk to our advisers who can arrange a detailed appraisal of your business and explain the sale process. For any business sale preparation is key, including getting the right advisers on board to guide you from instruction right through to a successful completion.