Every review we hold for the Ilkley office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleIt was a long and difficult decision to sell my business but once I had, the reality of how I do that hit me!
Decision made, my first step was to find out who had helped to sell other businesses in my area. I found Alan J Pickens name to be spoken of with great respect locally so I decided to reach out to them first. I am so pleased that I decided to do that because right from my first contact with Alan J Pickens I found them to be friendly, competent and efficient. Isla, Fraser and Alan have been absolutely amazing right from my first phone call. Isla has been knowledgeable as well as incredibly helpful in liaising with Fraser who in turn has reassured me with his deep business knowledge and competence. Alan has offered a skill in negotiation that seems to be lacking elsewhere these days. An absolutely fantastic team who I felt were all working together to get the best outcome not only for me but for my business - A business that I had poured my heart and sole into….They just seemed to get that and work towards getting the best outcome for my business and myself. I really can’t recommend Alan J Pickens enough. They are a fantastic and friendly team who are focused on getting the best outcome. Brilliant doesn’t even come close!
Mark · 15 November 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI was looking to purchase a premises (commercial), I was initially told by Alan that I need to put a Deposit down of £5000 first which then went down to £4000. However, I ended up paying £1000 after negotiations. At the time it felt weird at the way I was dubbed into paying it was more of a pushing tactic which I have emails to prove. Any way I paid on the rights of I will receive it back if it didn’t go through again I have in writing.Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to get any sort of mortgage for this commercial property as most broker felt it’s over valued hence why it’s been on market for 2 years. So on 11th March 2020 I emailed Alan to Let him know about the current situation and i would like my deposit back due to not getting a mortgage as agreed it shouldn’t be a problem. Communication just slipped, after many calls I was told i would receive it after a month due to ‘company policy’. Which I wasnt of at the start. Anyways after waiting a month I had already emailed and called them the week prior to reviving the funds I was ignored. Its funny before they asked for my money they used to respond back to me straight away even after working hours . After many calls and emails I received £750 which £250 they claim for administrations charges which I was not told about and like I said it was not mentioned in any form of communication. I have all my emails. I have not seen or been told of any company policy’s or emails that mentioned to this prior to paying now they claim it’s a part of it. I feel victimised due to the fact firstly the tactics to get £5000 deposit then £4000 in the scenario I ended up giving £1000 as I was unsure to why I need to give a deposit which I have emails where I asked for a contract and wordings which I was just told it’s a deposit not too worry; Any way beaware of the scammers. The premises I was going to purchase was still online there was no sstc and no contacts exchanged as again I thought it was abit suspicious. There was no contracts or signatures policy’s in place.I have all my emails. I have not seen or been told of any company policy’s or emails that mentioned to this prior to paying now they claim it’s part of it. Don’t know about as they were not mentioned to me atall the reason I feel victimised is due to the fact firstly the tactics to get £5000 deposit then £4000 in the scenario I ended up giving £1000 as I was unsure to why I need to give a deposit as at the time I was just interested in the property, which I have emails where I asked for a contract and wordings which I was just told it’s a deposit not too worry.
Luke · 13 June 2020
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We are disappointed that you were less than satisfied, but will take your comments on board to improve our services. We are happy to report that this business has since sold. Unfortunately the sale fell through with yourself as funders were not willing to support the proposed change of use. We will keep you informed on any suitable business opportunities in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMy wife and I have just sold our online Banger Rally travel business and found it all went very smoothly and would highly recommend Fraser and Alan at AJP. After an initial enquiry phone call with Fraser we decided to use him as we found him extremely helpful and informative, non pushy and professional, competitively priced and throughout the process of selling he has been extremely communicative, polite and patient with us too when I feel we’ve sometimes taken too long to respond with information he might need! Thank you very much for all your help :-)
Peter · 13 June 2020
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your kind comments. It was a pleasure doing business with you too - we were delighted that we could help process the transaction smoothly. We understand that our clients often continue to work in their businesses throughout the selling period, which is why we endeavour to take care of the paperwork for you. We are pleased that you were happy with our friendly and personal service, and want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent Service - From our initial conversations to completion of the business sale we experienced professional, friendly and efficient service. All matters were dealt with promptly ensuring swift completion which was important, including in-house contract support which saved us time and costs. Thank you to Fraser, Alan and Isla for your excellent service and assistance, we would not hesitate to recommend your services to others looking to buy or sell a business.
Clive · 14 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have recently sold my business and Alan and Fraser were instrumental in getting the sale through after extensive delays caused by a third party company who were in charge of managing the property that my business operates from. Their experience and network of contacts proved invaluable in the process. They provided support and expertise with a professional and friendly manner and were always available when I needed advice. Would highly recommend.
A · 14 June 2019
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Hi Alison, we thank you for your kind comments. You had an exceptional business and it was a pleasure to act for you. We wish you and Chris all the best for the future.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAVOID AT ALL COSTS!! I was given a valuation of £180k initially by Alan. After a few months I decided to go ahead & put my business for sale due to the strength of Fraser's confidence that the business would sell as 'we don't take on businesses unless we know we can sell them' & I believed him. I stated clearly I would appreciate a quick sale I agreed to sell at £150k. This was their renewed valuation which I accepted. 2 months went by & I heard nothing. I then was advised to lower the price. By month 4 I had dropped the price to £75k which is less than half THEIR initial valuation!! Emails dried up & their customer service particularly from Alan is disgusting. In 6 months they generated 2 enquiries, 1 of which I don't believe ever happened as the enquiry was to buy the building which very clearly wasn't advertised as such. The second enquiry & rather ironically was 1 week before the end of our exclusive 6 month contract. Twice a viewing was rescheduled. The number of the potential buyer never replied nor answered calls nor has there ever been another scheduled appointment, the buyers name i have researched & cannot find any trace of them on companies house, linked in or social media so highly suspicious but i know this is a ploy used often to make it look like there is interest when clearly there isnt. They took my money, showed no sympathy or apology for what is categorically a terrible 'service' so I urge people go with the professionals not these charlatans!!
Luke · 14 April 2024
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your feedback, we are disappointed that you are less than satisfied however we take on all feedback good and bad to help improve our service. Unfortunately, your review has a large number of inaccuracies. We initially gave you a “desktop valuation” based of the figures you told us over the phone and information you provided about the business. For us to gain a true picture we arranged to come out and meet with you personally so that we could run through everything so that we can give a full market appraisal of your business. We arranged an appointment for Fraser to come and meet with you at 10am (an hour and a half drive from our office) and YOU DID NOT SHOW UP or telephone us to advise that you were not attending. We subsequently advised you that for a quick sale we would recommend advertising at £150,000 from the information you had provided.
We never heard from you and then six months later, you came back onto us and wanted to proceed with marketing. We asked if you could please send over a copy of your accounts, which you did, and when we looked through the accounts the figures were different to what you had previously told us over the phone and our subsequent valuation was in the region of £110,000 to £140,000 and we advised to advertise at £124,950 but you insisted that you wanted us to put it on at £150,000. After four months of advertising at the higher price and not receiving positive responses, we asked if you could send us your recent accounts so that we could reevaluate. Once received we then noticed that in our opinion the business was in financial freefall and advised that the value was at this point circa £75,000 but on a declining rate. We then actioned a price change immediately and eventually we had an interested party wanting to view the business, whilst we were getting in contact with yourself to arrange the viewing the prospective purchaser came back to us and said that you had closed the business and handed the keys back. Had you met with us in the first instance we would have been able to work through the finances both past and present and taken into consideration the fact that you would be handing the keys back within 6 months we would have not wasted our time and resources at trying at a higher level, instead we would have marketed the business at £75,000 to get you something for the business.
However, with the above aside we do wish you every success for the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAll the team at Pickens are friendly and very approachable. Fraser and Alan have a vast wealth of experience in selling businesses and are very proficient in working through the different stages of the sale.I cannot rate them high enough in how effortless they made the whole process.
Gill · 16 February 2026
★★★★★ 2/5
GooglePoor service, slow communication and when our business partner decided to leave the business they wanted to change an extra £250 to re-sign. You were selling the same business and not the Director that left! …
Michael · 16 April 2023
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your feedback, we are disappointed that you were less than satisfied, but we take all comments good and bad on board to improve our service. … More
★★★★★ 1/5
FacebookAbsolutely terrible business
A deal didn’t proceed and I paid a £3000 deposit for purchase of a business which was refundable and it fell through after some time and they are now stating they are keeping this money with no prior warning or agreement
They obviously do this a lot and get away with small print which I will not allow.
Please do not do not use this company ! Absolutely rude and replies are rude and entitled
Pete · 25 May 2023
Agent replied · 23 May 2026
Good afternoon James, unfortunately we have searched through our system and we have no record of a James Barrow paying a deposit to purchase a business. Are you sure that you have got the correct agency?
★★★★★ 5/5
FacebookMy husband and I have just sold our online Banger Rally travel business and found it all went very smoothly and would highly recommend Fraser and Alan at AJP. After an initial enquiry phone call with Fraser we decided to use him as we found him extremely helpful and informative, non pushy and professional, competitively priced and throughout the process of selling he has been extremely communicative, polite and patient with us too when I feel we’ve sometimes taken too long to respond with information he might need! Thank you very much for all your help :-)
Anne · 24 May 2020
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOver the years I have purchased and sold many Companies through Alan J Picken.I have found his Company to be highly efficient and extremely motivated . In this day and age it's very refreshing to deal with some one with the honesty and integrity of Mr. Picken. In the past I have also tried other business transfer agents but his Company is in a different league. When I have another business to sell I will only use him.
Andrew Hargreaves
J · 14 June 2016
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAlan J Picken recently sold our gardening business for us, right from Fraser’s initial visit through to completion of the sale everything went smoothly. It was so reassuring to leave the whole process in safe hands, including the legal details at what can be a very stressful time. Thank you very much Alan, Fraser and Isla for your invaluable services, we have already recommended you to others. Chris & Joanna Peck
Becky · 19 May 2024
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleBe careful with this company.
My mum asked him for advice. Alan then sent an invoice for 3k.
Avoid. They also remove negative reviews
Updat to the reply on this thread :
That all sounds great, but when the signature is fraudulently acquired against the clients knowledge then this becomes a whole different situation.
You know what you did.
I urge people to be very careful.
A · 13 June 2021
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your review. We offer a free service for business valuations and advice and don't charge any fees until someone signs our Sole Selling Rights Agreement. As we received a signed Agreement for your family business, you were on our books and therefore liable to pay a fee when the business successfully transferred, as it has now done. We wish you all the best with the future of your business.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe couldn't be happier with the service that we received from Alan, Fraser and Isla, and would highly recommend Alan J Picken Transfer Agents. From the first meeting right through to completion they were always there with expert guidance, friendly advice, and a listening ear. We certainly couldn't have navigated the sale of our business without them.
Aquababies · 18 June 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have to say that Isla, Fraser and Alan have been fantastic from start to finish. The team got our sale online quickly and professionally and we were never short of interest. The team was always available to discuss things and acted …
Graham · 16 April 2023
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you Graham and Lin for your kind words and for your five-star review. We do wish you all the very best for the future and of course please do not hesitate to get in contact should you require our services in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have recently sold my online friendship business with the help of Alan Picken and his team. The team were very knowledgeable and helped guide us through the whole sales procedure. They also provided legal paperwork. It was good to …
Helen · 16 April 2023
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you very much for your five star review. We aim to give a professional and personal service, and it has been a pleasure handing the sale for you and we are delighted to have found you a buyer in a timely manner. We always have our … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have used Alan j picken twice now, I couldn recommend them enough! They helpful and friendly and do everything promptly.
Would defiantly use them again in the future.
Sherryl · 13 May 2025
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI bought half share of this business from Alan Pickens in 2006 2 years after my business partner bought the whole business in 2004. In 2020 we decided to semi retire and sell up. Our first agents were not very good and after 12 months we …
Simon · 16 April 2022
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you for your five-star review, it has been a pleasure to deal with you both when you purchased the business some 15 years ago and when selling. We will forgive you for testing the water with another agent who, as is the case with … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI sold a small business and the team gave the support I would expect from a large business sale. Alan made himself available during unusual hours and the support didn't fade at all during the COVID-19 crisis. Honest, straight forward and great communication for me and my buyer. Will use again.
David · 13 June 2020
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you very much for your comments. We are a family run business and like to provide a personal service to all our clients, big and small. We were delighted to facilitate the successful sale of your business and wish you and your wife all the best for the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service from all concerned. Alan was so helpful, prompt replies for any information or questions. Flawless completion of my purchase. Highly recommended. Thank you …
T · 16 April 2023
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you very much for your five star review. We aim to give a professional and personal service, and it has been a pleasure dealing with yourself with the business transfer and new lease arrangements for your acquisition of On A Roll in … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent and very fast service by Alan Picken. He help us to sell our business. Thank you so much and best wishes from me.
Amandeep · 16 April 2023
Agent replied · 12 June 2024
Thank you very for your five star review, it was a pleasure for us to act for you in the sale of your business 'Tasty Fryer'. We handled all of the legals in house, producing both the business contract and a new lease, and this was included … More
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleOur accounting business has referred clients to Fraser on a number of occasions and he has had successful outcomes on all. Having local knowledge and focus is a real benefit for anyone thinking of selling their business in the near future.
David · 14 April 2024
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleReally great company. Quick to get back to us, very professional. Your business is in safe hands.
Suzi · 26 March 2025
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleNot very impressed at all. I took my time out to assess the business. Did some research and needed to review a few more issues. Alan had a poor response rate. Found myself chasing up only to learn the business is no longer for up sale.
Since my initial review I have received an explanation. As a result I have increased my rating from two to four. I still believe there is room for improvement.
R · 14 June 2019
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
