Steve Davey, Business Broker and Partner with ABC Business Sales, Manawatu

24/09/2026

You never quite know what great businesses are operating right under your nose.

**Scullys is one of them.**

Operating from Bulls, this little-known local success story has actually been around since **1992**.

You may recognise the name. You may have bought their products. You may even have some sitting in your bathroom right now.

Best known for its lavender range of home and body products, Scullys has quietly built an impressive national business.

Today its products are sold through around **500 retail stores across New Zealand**. Add in its online, at its own retail store in Bulls and the business is generating **close to $1 million in annual revenue**.

And here's the interesting part...

Scullys doesn't manufacture many of the the products itself. That's handled by two contract manufacturers in Auckland. The Bulls operation primarily takes care of warehousing and distribution.

That means a new owner doesn't need a factory. In fact, the business could be **relocated virtually anywhere in New Zealand**, with an owner concentrating on the things that really matter – sales, marketing and growing the brand.

After more than 30 years, Scullys has something that's very difficult to create from scratch: **a recognised brand, proven products, established customers and national distribution.**

Unfortunately, the company has encountered IRD challenges and is now in liquidation.

But the underlying business remains profitable, with FY26 EBITD of approximately **$180,000**.

So now someone else gets an opportunity.

Maybe that's an existing business that can add Scullys to its stable.

Or maybe it's someone who's always wanted to run their own ship and likes the idea of taking an established Kiwi brand into its next chapter.

Either way, **Scullys must be sold.**

Offers close at **1pm Wednesday 8 October**.

If you're curious, get in touch with me or follow the link to find out more.

Sometimes the best business opportunities aren't about starting something new. They're about recognising the value in what's already been built.

Best known for its beautiful lavender-inspired home and body products, Scullys is an established New Zealand brand with close to $1 million in consistent annual sales and products stocked through...

31/08/2026

Join us for some insights into where the New Zealand economy is heading and what it could mean for businesses. Hear from leading experts as they share their perspectives on the economic outlook, business confidence and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

28/08/2026

Today the ABC team and friends were out at ANZs Daffodil Day Golf tournament in support of the amazing work done by our local cancer society. A fantastic day for a very good cause.

27/08/2026

Could you be a great boss?

You’ve done the years on the tools.
You know construction.
You know what good workmanship looks like.
You’ve probably even had a few thoughts about how you’d run things if you were the boss.

So… maybe it’s time to find out?

Turbine Residential is an established, multi award-winning Manawatu construction company – and it’s looking for its next owner.

But this isn’t about buying yourself another job on the tools.

There’s already a great team in place. Strong systems. A fantastic reputation. And importantly, a solid pipeline of work stretching well into next year.

The current owners focus primarily on running the operation – and that’s where we see the opportunity.

This could be perfect for an experienced builder, foreman, project manager or construction professional who is ready to get off the tools, back themselves and take the leap into business ownership.

You already know how to build houses.

Maybe it’s time to build a business of your own.

If you've spent years working in the construction industry and thought about owning your own business, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Turbine Residential 2014 is a multi...

25/08/2026

Can’t sleep? You might as well make some money. 🌷

If you’re one of those people who wakes up ridiculously early and wonders what on earth to do with yourself, we may have found your perfect business.

Manawatu Flower Market is for sale.

The business connects flower growers from around NZ with a loyal group of commercial buyers, including florists and supermarkets, through two regular flower auctions each week.

Yes, the starts are early.

But here’s the beautiful part…

By around 10am, your working day can be DONE.

Meanwhile, the rest of us are only just getting onto our second coffee and wondering where the morning went.

☀️ Early starts
🌷 Two auctions a week
🔁 Regular repeat customers
🇳🇿 Growers from around NZ
🎓 No flower industry experience required
🏌️ And plenty of daylight left to do whatever you like

It’s straightforward, established and full training will be provided.

So, if you’re an early riser, a terrible sleeper, or simply someone who thinks being finished by 10am sounds considerably better than working until 5pm, this could be worth a look.

Manawatu Flower Market – perhaps it’s time to turn those early mornings into something profitable.

What if owning your own business didn't mean working 50 hours a week? Manawatu Flower Market offers something refreshingly different - a straightforward, established business built around just two...

04/08/2026

Every hospitality professional has probably said it at least once...

"If I owned that place, I'd do it like this..."

Well, this could be your chance.

The Strongroom isn't a blank canvas—it already has the character, reputation and loyal following. What it needs now is someone with hospitality experience to bring their own personality, ideas and energy to take it to the next level.

🏦 An iconic former bank building full of character
🍽️ Unique private dining rooms inside the original bank vaults
🥂 Popular bar and restaurant with an upstairs function and event space
📍 Prime high-profile corner location in Feilding
📈 Sales averaging around $14,000 per week, with a proven history of significantly higher turnover

This is the sort of venue that would take years—and a substantial investment—to recreate. Instead, you can step into an established business and make it your own.

If you've been waiting for the right hospitality opportunity, this might just be it.

📅 Deadline Sale closes 21 August, so don't wait too long to find out more.

Get in touch with me for a confidential discussion.

https://www.abcbusiness.co.nz/property/36816/-palmerston-north/

27/07/2026

Can you believe The Elm Cafe is for sale? ☕

For years, Elm Cafe has been one of Palmerston North's favourite places to catch up over coffee, enjoy breakfast or lunch, and meet with friends. It's become a genuine local institution.

What many people probably don't realise is that behind the scenes it's also a highly successful business, with great profits and very consistent financial performance.

Even more surprising? The current owner doesn't work in the café day-to-day. The business operates under a semi-passive ownership model, giving the new owner the choice of continuing that approach or becoming more hands-on and taking it to the next level.

Whether you're an experienced hospitality operator, dreaming of owning your own café, or looking for an investment with an established team and loyal customer base, opportunities like this don't come along very often.

If you've ever walked through the doors of Elm Cafe and wondered what it would be like to own it... now's your chance.

📩 Get in touch to learn more about this iconic Palmerston North business.

Some cafés are still trying to build a reputation. The Elm Cafe already has a great one. A well-established Palmerston North favourite, The Elm Cafe has become a destination for locals who...

23/07/2026

Business Sales myth of the week

20/07/2026

The less your business depends on you, the more valuable it can become.

16/07/2026

One of the highlights of last week was being invited to judge the business plan presentations at International Pacific University (IPU).

More than 20 Master's students had spent the year developing their business concepts before pitching them to the judging panel in just 10 minutes each. The room was full of energy, creativity and some genuinely impressive ideas. Choosing the winners was no easy task, with so many well-researched and thoughtfully presented business plans.

I always enjoy opportunities like this. Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders is a privilege, and it's a great way to give back to our community.

A big thank you to IPU for the invitation and for the warm hospitality. To all of the students who presented, congratulations on your hard work and courage to put your ideas forward. I wish you every success, wherever your careers and entrepreneurial journeys take you.