CONFIDENTIAL SALE: DAYBOAT HIRE & RIVER TOURS BUSINESS - SUFFOLK

This established marine day boat hire and river tours business operates within a popular inland waterway setting and has been trading successfully for many years. It provides day boat hire services to both local residents and visitors, catering to a strong and consistent seasonal market as well as offering river tours to the general public or by private charter.

The business benefits from its waterside location, offering customers easy access to leisure cruising and recreational boating in a scenic and highly frequented region. The surrounding area attracts significant tourist footfall, ensuring reliable levels of demand throughout the year.

BUSINESS:

The business operates as two separate businesses each with their own website but with combined marketing. One specialises in the hire of self drive boats whilst the other offers passenger services and cruising along the River Waveney, providing a simple and accessible way for customers to enjoy the waterways. It also holds permissions to operate as a boat brokerage, giving a new owner additional revenue potential.

Trading is supported by a seasonal team of staff alongside the owner, with low fixed operational costs. Licences are held in respect of the right to use the moorings and storage/office units as well as with the Broads Authority, and the operation benefits from no direct local competition, presenting further scope to expand.

The business currently achieves a healthy turnover with good margins, supported by repeat customers and high occupancy during peak season. Opportunities exist to introduce additional vessels, expand brokerage services, and further develop marketing to grow revenues.

The business would ideally suit both a new owner operator who would enjoy taking on a seasonal business in an ideal setting with the lifestyle benefits this can bring or equally an existing marine company who would like to expand their business operations.

Whilst it is intended to sell the two businesses as one whole package there may be the opportunity to dispose of each individually if buyers for each can simultaneously complete their acquisitions.

PREMISES:

The businesses operate from adjoining sites each with their own lease. The dayboat premises comprise of a small office/storage unit situated in front of where the boats are moored whilst the passenger boats have their own dedicated booking office and quay heading. Both are surrounded by businesses aimed at the tourist market and have ample access to the waterside . A large pontoon provides berthing for vessels, supported by the use of a slipway, with capacity for further development if required.

The site layout allows for efficient day-to-day operations and offers scope for expansion, including the addition of further pontoons or vessels. Its location provides direct access to the water and convenient facilities for staff and customers alike.

KEY INFORMATION:

AGENTS NOTE: This is a business for sale as a going concern, not an empty premises for sale or let.

CONFIDENTIAL SALE: This listing is confidential at the vendor's request. In order to release further information on the business - including the business name, location and the accounts, we require you to complete a short online non-disclosure form. Please contact our office and we will provide full instructions and assist where required. We have used our office postcode for this listing to protect the confidentiality of the business name and location, as online platforms require a valid postcode to market a business or premises.

REFERENCE NUMBER: M36456E.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday, 9:00am to 5:00pm in season.

TENURE: Leasehold - In respect of the river tours company a 9 year lease is in place from August 2025. In respect of the dayboat hire company the previous lease has expired and the business operates under a licence until such time as a new lease is granted with confirmation received that a new licence would be issued to a new owner.

The purchaser will be responsible for the landlords costs and fees in connection with the assignment of the lease.

RENT PAYABLE: River Tours - £5,000 per annum. Day Boat Hire - £4,500 per annum.

RATES PAYABLE: Nil. We are advised that the business benefits from Small Business Rate Relief.

This information has been provided to us by the vendor and any interested party is advised to enquire of the local authority to check the position with regards to business rates that will apply to a new owner.

STAFF: One full time member of staff is employed supported by the owners and around four seasonal staff.

EPC: We are of the understanding that an Energy Performance Certificate is not required in this instance.

PRICE: £345,000 PLUS ASSETS AT VALUATION.

Comprising the licences to operate, assignment of leases, business goodwill, fixtures, fittings and equipment. Assets (Boats) to be acquired by separate valuation on completion, currently estimated to be in the region of £285k. Business offered for sale as a going concern. If the businesses were to be sold separately the price would be split so as to £150,000 for dayboat business plus assets of c. £135,000 and then £195,000 for the river tours business with assets of c.£150,000. The sale of the two business on an individual basis would only be considered if two purchasers were able to complete the transactions at the same time.

VIEWING: Viewing is strictly by appointment only. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a time that suits you.

FINANCE: If you require assistance with business financing or commercial mortgages (subject to eligibility), we may be able to help. Let us know if you would like our support, and we will gladly put you in touch with our recommended whole-of-market broker.

BUSINESS TO SELL: Thinking of selling your business? That's our specialty. If you're curious about its value, we offer a free, confidential valuation service. Simply pick the day and time that work best for you, and we will provide an honest, professional assessment. Feel free to get in touch with our office at your convenience to book an appointment.

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DISCLAIMER:

1. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS: Prospective buyers will be required to provide identification documentation and proof of funding during the purchasing process. Cooperation is appreciated to ensure the sale proceeds without unnecessary delays.

2. PARTICULARS: While we strive to ensure all information is accurate and reliable, it serves as a general guide only. Should any particular details be of special importance, please contact us so we can verify the information before you travel to view.

3. MEASUREMENTS: Provided room sizes are approximate and intended solely for general guidance. Prospective buyers are advised to independently verify all measurements to ensure accuracy.

4. SERVICES: Please note we have not tested the services or any of the equipment or appliances.