Market trends – February 21

It’s been a year since the first lockdown started and many business owners have had polarised experiences on how it has impacted their businesses. Many businesses considered essential and/or able to safely work have in many cases managed to thrive, such as supermarkets, cleaning services and online businesses. Whilst other businesses such as in the hospitality and travel sectors have had to try and adapt if possible or completely close. What is happening across the UK is also reflecting on daltonsbusiness.com. It is clear to see this has impacted what businesses are getting the most interest. The businesses that have been able to remain open have recorded significant enquiry increases year on year with buyers holding off on enquiring to businesses that are currently closed for lockdown.

The most enquired to business type is ‘Convenience stores’ which have seen an increase of nearly 74% year on year in enquiries. This is followed by ‘Off licences’ which have had 134% increase. ‘Pubs’, ‘Cafes’ and ‘Coffee shops’ still remain in the top ten of most enquired to businesses, however have seen a decrease year on year. Once the restrictions of lockdown begin to lift April, we expect enquiries to these businesses to bounce back. The top ten category bucking the trend is ‘Hairdresser Salon businesses‘. Despite hairdresser salons being closed for lockdown, there has been a 30% increase year on year in enquiries. For many owners of businesses waiting until restrictions have eased to sell their business, pent up demand built up throughout the last year is likely to bring many opportunities to both sellers and buyers.

 Category% difference
1Convenience Stores73.65%
2Off Licences134%
3Post Offices69%
4Fish & Chip Shops30%
5Cafes-33%
6Public Houses-18%
7Restaurants-6%
8Newsagents35%
9Bed & Breakfasts-20%
10Hairdressers Salons30%
Top Ten categories – Enquiry increases/decreases Feb 20 vs Feb 21

Search for the latest businesses for sale on daltonsbusines.com

Market trends – February 21