About DBS
We are an independent small business consultancy with deep retail sector expertise. We help owner-managed businesses buy, sell, merge and grow.
Our story
DBS has advised owner-managed businesses since 2017, with particular depth in independent retail. We work with owners at decisive points (selling, buying, merging, expanding) and keep our advice commercial and practical.
Retail is where we started, and it is still what we know best. The same commercial thinking serves owner-managers in other sectors, who face the same decisions about what to sell, what to buy and how to grow.
Hands-on experience across convenience, off-licence and independent retail, as well as hospitality, trades and professional practices.
Who we work with
Independent retailers
Owners of convenience and symbol-group stores, off-licences, independent grocers, specialist shops and food-to-go businesses who are thinking about selling, buying, expanding or improving performance.
Other owner-managed businesses
Owner-managers of small and medium-sized businesses at a turning point, such as succession, a sale, an acquisition or growth. That includes hospitality, trades and professional practices.
Buyers
People looking for their first or next business, who want a commercial view of an opportunity before they commit.
Retail at our core
We know how shops really trade day to day, and what that means when you come to buy, sell, combine or expand.
The retail businesses we work with
- Convenience and symbol-group stores
- Off-licences
- Independent grocery
- Specialist and independent retail
- Food-to-go
What we look at
- margin and range mix
- symbol-group and wholesaler relationships
- footfall and catchment
- labour models
- shrinkage
- store refits
- multi-site operations
- the realities of selling and buying shops
The moments we help with
Selling a Business
Helping owners prepare for and achieve a well-run exit.
Buying a Business
Helping buyers find the right fit and avoid expensive mistakes.
Mergers
Bringing businesses together so the combination is worth more than the parts.
Growth & Expansion
Scaling sensibly, from one site to many, or into new markets and formats.
How we work
Initial conversation
Free, confidential, no obligation, booked through the contact form.
Scoping
A written proposal setting out scope, deliverables, timing and fees.
Delivery
Structured work with regular check-ins.
Follow-through
Support through to completion or implementation.
Our principles
Plain English
We explain what we see and what we recommend without jargon, so you can decide with a clear view.
Your interests first
We start from what you want for yourself and your business, and build our advice around it.
Independent advice
We are an independent consultancy, so the view we give you is our own.
We know where our expertise ends
We'll tell you when you need a specialist, and work alongside your own solicitors, accountants and other advisers.
What we don't do
DBS provides commercial consulting only. We do not provide legal, tax, accountancy or regulated financial advice; where these are needed we work alongside your own professional advisers.
DBS works alongside your own solicitors, accountants and other advisers. We cover the commercial side and leave the specialist work to them.
Want to talk it through?
Tell us a little about your business and we'll come back to you, usually within two working days.
Start a conversation