What to Do Financially When Selling Your Business

Practical financial steps to take before, during, and after the sale

Selling your business – whether it’s a dental practice, a GP partnership, or a private clinic – is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. It can also be one of the most rewarding, if approached with the right strategy.

But too often, healthcare professionals focus solely on the sale price – and not on how to structure, protect, and grow the wealth they unlock. If you’re planning to sell in 2025, here’s what you should be thinking about financially.

1. Understand the Tax Implications Early

One of the biggest financial oversights sellers make is failing to prepare for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in advance. In 2025, CGT allowances are lower than in previous years – just £3,000 per individual – and the Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), while still offering a reduced rate from normal CGT, has been increased by the current government up to 18% from April 2026. It also comes with its own limits and qualifying criteria.

Key action:
Speak with your accountant and independent financial adviser before you go to market. The way your business is structured – whether sole trader, partnership, or limited company – will affect how the sale is taxed.

2. Think Beyond the Sale Price

The number on the headline offer is important – but what you do with that money next is even more so. Many healthcare professionals underestimate the cost of transitioning from a high-income, asset-rich position to a retirement or semi-retirement lifestyle that still needs to be funded for 20+ years.

Key action:
Create a personal financial plan that maps out how you’ll convert the lump sum into reliable, long-term income. This may include pensions, ISAs, investment portfolios, cash planning, or even property.

3. Use the Sale to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan

A business sale is a rare opportunity to supercharge your retirement savings. Whether you’ve got an NHS pension or a private scheme, there are often opportunities to top-up contributions in a tax-efficient way – especially if you act in the same tax year as the sale.

Key action:
Work with your financial adviser to explore annual and carry-forward pension allowances and the most suitable pension type to add to. This could help reduce your income tax / corporation tax + CGT liability in one, and enhance your post-sale income security.

4. Protect Your Proceeds and Legacy

Once the funds are released, it’s vital to protect them from market risk, tax erosion, and even family disputes. This might mean using trusts, writing/updating your will, or creating a tax-efficient investment strategy aligned with your long-term goals.

Key action:
Speak to your adviser about wealth preservation, particularly if you plan to pass funds to your children or loved ones in the future.

Final Thoughts

Selling your business is the end of one chapter – and the beginning of another. The best outcomes happen when financial planning starts early and is closely aligned with your professional, personal, and lifestyle goals.

At FTA Financial & Wealth Management, we’ve helped countless healthcare professionals navigate the financial side of business exits – making the most of the opportunity and helping them feel confident about the future.

Ready to plan your perfect exit?

Let’s start a conversation and build the right financial plan around your business sale.