Specialist valuations for trades, sub-contractor and construction businesses.

Trades and construction business valuations require methodology that handles project-based revenue cycles, working capital intensity, licence and certification dependency, and the variation between recurring service revenue and project revenue. Oliver Group prepares evidence-led valuations for electrical, plumbing, building, HVAC, civil and specialist trade businesses.

Trades and construction-specific factors

Working capital is often a large component of the enterprise value — receivables, work-in-progress and retentions sit on the balance sheet and affect both the methodology and the consideration structure. Licence and certification dependency means the transferability of the business depends partly on the new owner's credentials. Project pipeline and forward order book are key inputs to the supportable position.

Methodology considerations

Capitalisation of maintainable earnings is the primary method, with careful normalisation of owner-operator remuneration and project margin smoothing. Where the business has a service component (maintenance, recurring contracts), that segment may be valued separately. Net asset value provides cross-check, particularly for businesses with significant plant and equipment.