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

24/06/2026

How would you like to own a business that returns about $200k to its owner - who only works about 6 hours a week?

Sounds like a good deal to me.

Imagine also if you have sufficient scale so that you have 1,200 repeat customers and have the Manawatu region pretty much sewn up.

That's what you get with this awesome business that's just come to market.

And if you have a passion for music even better.

Click to learn more about this very unique opportunity.

Would you like to turn your passion for music into a business generating returns of more than $200,000 to its owner? This highly regarded Manawatu-based music education business is the premier...

07/05/2026

Still buzzing after last night’s ABC Business Sales 40‑year celebration. Proud and humbled to walk away with three awards: 100 Sales Club, Regional Broker of the Year, and Top Achievers Group (Fiji, here we come).

Massive thanks to my clients — your support made this possible. Grateful for every opportunity to work alongside you.

04/05/2026

NEW LISTING - Screenprint Services

Ever thought about owning a business that’s actually enjoyable to run?

For over 25 years, Mary and Jed have built Screenprint Services into a go-to for schools, clubs, sports teams and businesses needing quality branded gear.

It’s one of those businesses that’s built the right way — great service, loyal customers, and plenty of repeat work.

Now, with grandkids calling, they’re ready to pass it on.

This would suit a couple or hands-on owner looking for a fun, dynamic business with a strong reputation and solid foundations.

👉 If that sounds like you, click through to learn more
https://www.abcbusiness.co.nz/property/36544/-palmerston-north/

24/04/2026

Anzac Day always makes me pause and reflect on the commitment and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. Years ago, while travelling through Europe, I spent Anzac Day visiting a concentration camp in Austria. It was chilling, confronting, and it made the reality of what our troops were fighting against hit hard.

Later on that trip, I visited the Commonwealth Cemetery at Monte Cassino in Italy. Standing there, looking at more than 400 Kiwi graves, was incredibly humbling. It was heartbreaking to see how many young lives were lost so far from home.

Those experiences have stayed with me. As we acknowledge another Anzac Day, I’m reminded of the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who served — and I’m deeply grateful.

Lest we forget.

16/04/2026

With a new financial year upon us, there’s a massive opportunity to create better value in your business — often just by doing a few things differently.

Let’s face it, we all like to avoid a bit of tax. But when it comes to improving the value of your business, sometimes paying some tax is actually a good thing.

As a general rule, the value of a business is heavily driven by its financials. So if you can show improved performance — and/or cleaner, clearer financials — it will go a long way toward achieving a better sale price.

A classic example is cash. If you put it straight in your pocket, you lose the ability to include it in the value of the business. Every $10k in cash you don’t declare could effectively reduce your business value by $20k (based on a 2x multiple). You can’t have your cake and eat it too — you need to decide which path you’re taking: minimise tax, or maximise value.

The same applies to personal expenses running through the business. I don’t mind in the slightest if your home rubbish bin is paid by the business or your kids help clean the office. But it’s important to separate these out properly. Clean financials make it far easier to present your true earnings and add back those non-core costs at sale time.

I regularly see owners wanting to sell, but their financials aren’t in great shape from a sale perspective. By that stage, it’s often too late to add real value. Had we had the conversation 2–3 years earlier, there are usually simple changes that could have made a significant difference.

The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to reset and get things right. Even if selling isn’t on your radar, small steps like banking all income and coding expenses correctly can have a big impact down the track.

I’m a big fan of the saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” The same applies to your financials — start now.

And when your year-end accounts are done, feel free to get in touch for a free and confidential business appraisal. I’m always happy to share a few ideas on how you can improve value.

07/04/2026

I’ve recently hit the 10-year mark with ABC Business Sales, which feels like a good moment to pause and reflect.

I started in business broking with a simple goal — to help business owners exit well. In those early days I worked from home (before it was a thing), and when I eventually took the leap into an office, I was often there on Sundays cleaning it myself. Safe to say, it’s been quite the journey.

Over that time, ABC has grown into a highly successful and forward-thinking company, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it. The way we work has changed massively too — from pen-and-paper processes to a largely digital world. But despite all that progress, one thing hasn’t changed: this business is still all about people.

While the numbers are nice — over $60m in sales — it’s the people and their stories that stick with me. Sellers who’ve been able to retire and chase new adventures, and buyers who’ve taken the leap into business ownership and are now reaping the rewards.

Ten years has flown by. I’d like to think I’ve got at least another 10 in me. And while $100m in sales is the next milestone, the real motivation remains the same — helping people achieve their goals.

01/04/2026

Another successful sale and another addition to the wall 🙌

Dannevirke Dairy Supplies (DDS) is now sold, with Simon acquiring Nicola’s shareholding in what is a fantastic rural servicing business in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Every time we complete a sale, it goes up on our Wall of Success — and as you’ll see, space is becoming a premium.

If you’ve ever wondered what your business might be worth, or if now is the right time to sell, it might be worth a conversation.

01/04/2026

SOLD – The Herb Farm Café 🌿

Huge thanks to Sarah for the opportunity to bring this one to market — a special business in a stunning setting.

Congratulations to the new owners, Kaylee and Josh. They’re fantastic operators and I’ve no doubt they’ll take things to the next level.

The café will be rebranding to River and Range — make sure you give them a follow to see what’s coming!

With Easter coming up and some family-friendly plans in the works, it might just be the perfect time to check it out 🐰

Easter with River & Range at The Herb Farm! 🐰🌿

We are so excited to welcome you all for our very first event! With the gardens looking beautiful, there's no need to travel far to find a bit of magic, we can’t wait to see the community enjoying our favorite local spot.

Pack a picnic blanket, grab the kids, and come spend the day immersed in nature. Whether you’re here to explore the bush tracks or just soak up the fresh air, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy the setting.

The Easter Fun:
- The Great Egg Hunt: Explore the gardens to find a hidden egg! Bring it back to the café to discover the surprise waiting inside (Limited number of eggs available, one egg per child so everyone can join the fun).

-Coloring Competition: Get creative for a chance to win one of two awesome prize packs! Winners will now be drawn on Monday, 13th April.

It’s all about a relaxed, local family day out and good food. We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Sunday, April 5th, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 86 Grove Road, Ashhurst