FEATURE
Taking care of business
Demand – Parker Barras director John Taylor says there was a proven need for the firm ’ s new business sales department .
Parker Barras expands into business sales
WORDS : PAUL FRASER
Leading commercial property agent Parker Barras has expanded and officially launched a business sales department .
The Middlehaven-based company , with a well-established reputation across the North-East , has seen demand for the new service grow rapidly .
Owners aren ’ t always sure how to sell their businesses , often asking their accountants who , in turn , refer them to Parker Barras . It was clear there was a real gap in the market to what people expect and what service they receive from business transfer agents .
Parker Barras already boasts a wide range of new clients looking at selling their business since expanding its offering in October .
Director John Taylor said : “ Recent instructions from business owners looking to sell across a range of sectors include a haulage company , a timber merchant and we have been instructed to dispose of a micro-brewery .
“ We are currently working with a carpet retailer who is looking to sell his business after 33 years due to retirement . A sign of our reach is how we can go from working with a children ’ s play centre to selling hotels , pubs and takeaways .
“ It just proves there is a need for the service . There is a strong demand for people wanting to buy and sell businesses .”
While there has always been a market for business sales , John does not think Teesside and the surrounding areas have been blessed with agents looking to help secure deals .
He said : “ The market tends to be dominated by a handful of firms located in the south . We have a good presence in the region , a good track record . We have built up solid relationships over the years and it is reassuring to come to a local agent and see someone you can trust .”
Parker Barras does not charge up front and there are no hidden fees either .
John added : “ You hear horror stories where businesses are placed on sale then they are charged thousands of pounds , even though the agent hasn ’ t done a thing and sometimes not even sold the business .
“ Even though we charge no upfront fees , we are invested to the point where we want the right outcome for the seller . We will deliver a good service .”
The demand for a good service in the business sales area has grown significantly over the last 18 months . That is down to a variety of factors , but there is no disguising how Covid-19 has led to a lot of rethinking from business owners , employers and employees .
John , who founded Parker Barras in 2007 , said : “ People want a good return on their money or a change of lifestyle , especially after the pandemic . People having taken stock of their lives and had a major rethink , while some want to sell their businesses for retirement . The business might also not be performing as well as pre-pandemic .
“ The amount of people I have spoken to after the pandemic lockdowns who are ready to sell is huge . It was a wakeup call for individuals and companies . Research suggests business sales are up in the region by 130 per cent in the last 12 months .
“ Launching a business sales department was a natural progression for us , it complements our commercial property department . This means we can assist if you are in rented property with the assignment of the lease or we can assist with a new lease being granted or indeed the sale of the commercial property .”
Parker Barras has become a proactive , modern , trusted commercial property agent , one of the leaders on Teesside . With its headquarters in Middlesbrough , it is well positioned to take care of your commercial property matters and / or business sales .
John said : “ If someone wants to sell a business , many people aren ’ t sure how to dispose of a business they care a lot about . Those business owners will have shed blood , sweat and tears over several years , it can be a real lifestyle change .” Parker Barras is an award-winning family-run firm of trusted advisors which is local to the area and can assist you through the whole process , giving you piece of mind and taking the hassle away .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 117