There is no single correct valuation of a private company — there are only defensible ones. Accuracy comes from using a recognised method, working from clean and verified financial information, and having the work done by someone qualified and independent of the sale. A valuation is an informed opinion, not a fact.
In practice that means getting your records straight first. Reconciled accounts, a clear picture of recurring versus one-off income, properly stated stock and debtors, and any owner-related costs identified and explained. Buyers and their advisers will normalise your figures anyway, so doing it yourself removes surprises later.
Then take proper advice. A corporate finance adviser or your accountant can prepare or review a valuation, explain the assumptions behind it and stress-test them. If the number is going to be used in a transaction, tax planning or a shareholder dispute, that independence matters.
CW Asset Finance is a finance broker. We do not value businesses and do not give corporate finance or tax advice. Where a deal involves buying plant, vehicles or equipment, that part is our territory and we can look at how it might be funded.