6 January 2026
New Year sees an influx of Yorkshire hospitality businesses listed for sale – and always offers great opportunities for buyers
By Andrew Spencer, Agency Director
Following the hectic festive period which sees those in the hospitality industry rushed off their feet as they look to maximise income, it is typical to see many then take the decision in the New Year to do something new and place their business on the market for sale.
At Barry Crux & Company, given our work is focused on the license and leisure commercial property sector across Yorkshire, and particularly York and North Yorkshire, it means the first quarter of a new year is usually hectic with new instructions.
Such an influx of hospitality businesses coming onto the market at one time could look to some as an indication that they are the ones that have been struggling, but that is certainly not always the case.
It is the nature of the hospitality and leisure industry that January to March is always a period of significant change. Many who have long intended to sell wait until after New Year to do so, and it makes sense to sell at one of the quieter periods of the year.
Each and every year, our team at Barry Crux sees great opportunities for buyers come onto the market, so for those considering getting into the hospitality sector, there are usually some excellent deals to be done in the first quarter of a new year.
How hospitality and leisure business owners can increase chances of a sale
Once an owner has decided they want to sell their hospitality business, the last thing they want is for it to remain on the market, with no buyer for a lengthy period of time, when their heart is no longer in it.
It’s therefore essential to ensure the business is fully ‘ready for sale’, with all potential hurdles overcome to prevent problems during due diligence, and also increase its appeal to buyers, and possibly also its value.
Our five priorities would be to ensure you have:
Clean, accurate and up-to-date financial statements
It is important to have up-to-date bookkeeping and ideally at least three years of full financial statements to show the potential buyer profit and loss, the balance sheet and cash flow.
Tax filings should also be complete and up-to-date with outstanding payments.
All legal and compliance requirements in order
This includes licences such as alcohol licences, entertainment and music licences, food hygiene certificates, health & safety certifications, fire risk assessments, alarms, extinguishers and evacuation plans. Insurance policies are key also, including public liability, employer’s liability, buildings and contents.
TUPE arrangements in place
The TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) requirements must be met.
This includes providing up-to-date details of staff, wage structure, with individual roles and responsibilities clearly defined, as well as holiday entitlement and notice periods. Staff should be on legally compliant contracts and payroll. Any disciplinary and grievance records, absence records and any existing claims, disputes, or potential liabilities must also be provided at least 28 days before the transfer.
HR policies should also be provided, and it is important that employees are notified of the transfer, and of any changes or potential risks.
Clarity of what a buyer is purchasing
A full asset list should be included for the buyer to ensure all are in agreement of exactly what forms part of the sale.
This includes kitchen equipment, furniture, point of sale systems and appliances, with service and maintenance records for items such as boilers, HVAC, kitchen equipment, lifts and fire systems helpful.
Clarity over lease agreements
If premises are leased this needs to be clearly documented and transferable. Buyers will also want to know how long a lease term they will be committing to. Businesses with longer leases are generally easier to sell and more attractive to buyers as they give greater protection from being forced to move and a solid foundation to build from.
There are of course many more things which can be done to help improve the chances of a quicker sale, including ensuring the premises are well-maintained, clean, and professionally presented, and that any marketing materials and systems are accessible to the new owners, such as website ownership and management, any social media accounts with admin access, and any reservation systems used.
Opportunities for growth in hospitality and leisure businesses
Each year our team at Barry Crux & Company sees many hospitality businesses come on the market which offer fantastic opportunities to buyers.
Whilst many buyers may of course look to find a business which has been very profitable, there are always businesses coming onto the market where their potential hasn’t been met, and can offer an opportunity to quickly establish new cash streams.
Common opportunities for growth potential include:
- Increasing trading hours.
- Adding food service, or breakfast/brunch if already serving evenings.
- Adding an alcohol licence.
- Expanding seating capacity (many have space outside which can be used).
- Opening rooms for stays (ideal for countryside pubs).
- Adding new amenities.
- Better marketing and social media presence.
Added to these, any businesses in areas which benefit from local tourism, recent nearby or future planned developments, and local government investment, could well prove to be a bargain.
Despite the increases in the cost of living, the hospitality sector has enjoyed a strong recovery in the years since the pandemic lockdowns, with record turnover levels.
The key is finding that great next opportunity, one which offers the opportunity to add something new and grow, and January to March 2026 will no doubt be that time.
