Build and Exit

Steven Pettigrew: How buying a distressed business helped to double operations

Distressed business deals can be a quick and high earning way to grow by acquisition. It took Steven Pettigrew 4 days to close a distressed deal and since then has grown a business of 80 people.
 
In this episode Steven gives his insights into how to grow through distressed acquisition deals, managing seller relationships, and the strategies behind industry deals.
 
Steven Pettigrew is an entrepreneur with over 13 year’s experience across multiple industries. He has been involved in M&A since 2014 which opened up an exciting new chapter in his career. He also works with a select group of joint venture partners, allowing him to be dynamic in his approach with business owners in order to achieve a win-win scenario for all parties.
 
*** Join Julie’s Masterclass How To Understand Accounting Lingo on Tuesday 5th September 12pm BST. Get your ticket here - https://shorturl.at/bsQZ5 ***
 
 
“If I were to do it again, I would acquire a business rather than start one” - Steven Pettigrew
 
Timestamps
 
01:45 - An introduction to Steven
03:18 - How quickly did the business grow to 80 people?
05:55 - What you need to do a distressed business?
07:06 - Was the seller relationship hard?
07:59 - Was the acquisition planned?
10:48 - Is there a strategy to industry deals?
12:48 - Why did Steven start his own business?
18:52 - Can you utilise staff across acquisitions?
 
Connect with Steven Pettigrew
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-pettigrew/
Opulentia Capital - https://opulentiacapital.com/
Opulentia Capital on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/opulentia-capital/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLg_vCxtwB7LV7IgzPtxasw
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opulentiacapital/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Paul Avins: Growing by 8 figure acquisitions

Knowing the right way to exit a business is not easy if you don’t know what your options are. Having the information you need to find the right exit strategy is what will make your exit plan both achievable and enjoyable.
 
Paul Avins has a wealth of experience in the acquisitions space and in this episode he gives his insight into why the hard work starts after acquisitions, the different types of exit strategies available and the importance of doing your research on who you are buying from.
 
Paul Avins is an award winning business coach, speaker and mastermind mentor who is highly sought after in the UK by entrepreneurs and business owners to help them breakthrough the Scale Up Ceiling to create Shareholder Value worth Millions!
 
 
*** Join Julie’s Masterclass How To Understand Accounting Lingo on Tuesday 5th September 12pm BST. Get your ticket here - https://shorturl.at/bsQZ5 ***
 
 
“Nothing is passive in business” – Paul Avins
 
Timestamps
 
03:22 - Paul's background in acquisitions
10:27 - The hard work starts after acquisition
12:04 - How to fund acquisitions
18:58 - How to make an asset safer to buy
24:48 - The importance of bringing people on board
28:12 - Why to Google who you are buying from
36:17 - How to interview for an FD
 
 
Connect with Paul Avins
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/
Paul Avins’ Website - https://www.paulavins.com/businessgrowthcoach
Paul’s free business growth strategies - https://www.paulavins.com/67-growth-tips
Listen to Paul’s podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grown-up-business-podcast/id1536822833
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Mathew Wainwright: Global entrepreneur generating £125m from acquisition sales in 12 months

Generating £125m from acquisitions in a year is the M&A specialist’s dream. That is exactly what the guest in this episode has achieved. Mathew Wainwright discusses what it takes to start out in the acquisitions space as well as going into the nitty gritty of how Opulentia achieved that incredible milestone. He also covers what leveraged buyouts are, how to mitigate risks in acquisitions and what cash flow problems he has faced.
 
Mathew Wainwright is the Director of Operations within Opulentia Capital. In the last 18 months Opulentia have grown their turnover portfolio by 125M GBP in revenue. Their trademarked model: "Buy, Build, Sell™️" is to buy or take equity stakes in Small & Medium Sized enterprises inside fragmented industries that they believe they can consolidate through inorganic & organic growth, by working with Owners that want to exit to them or want to partner with them in their next growth spurt and build the group to 50-100M+ pa.
 
“It’s easier to get bigger deals done that it is smaller ones” – Mathew Wainwright
 
Timestamps
 
01:49 - An introduction to Mathew
03:43 - What is a leveraged buy out?                                    
07:03 - How to mitigate risks in acquisitions
15:16 - Julie's thoughts on dividend payments
22:00 - What to do before going to financiers
28:22 - Has Mathew ever had acquisition cash flow problems?
 
Connect with Mathew Wainwright
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-wainwright/
Opulentia Capital - https://opulentiacapital.com/
Opulentia Capital on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/opulentia-capital/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLg_vCxtwB7LV7IgzPtxasw
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opulentiacapital/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Chris O’Connell - Losing everything after selling a £25m business only to come back fighting

*Content warning* – this post discusses suicidal feelings
 
How do you see your life after selling your business? You may see happiness, wealth, and security. But just because you sell your business doesn’t mean they are guaranteed. In this episode Chris O’Connell shares his story of selling his business for £25 million only to find his life unravel afterwards. From losing his home, his children, divorce and 3 suicide attempts, Chris’ story is one not to be missed.
 
After exiting his last business, Chris now coaches leaders on how to build purpose-led businesses that perform. Chris helps businesses solve problems by solving people problems. Because people without a purpose have no centralised reason driving them to perform.
He works on best processes, vision execution and harmonising your life with your work.
 
If you need support for the topics raised in this episode call The Samaritans on 116 123
 
“Money, scaling and growing a business is not the key to happiness” – Chris O’Connell
 
Timestamps
 
01:43 - The highs and lows of Chris' story
05:20 - How Chris came through the other side
07:01 - Was the business ready to sell?
08:42 - Chris' involvement after the sale
10:17 - What happened when it all went wrong?
12:36 - Company problems caused by culture
14:03 - What does Chris do as a coach?
20:16 - The power of a decent board pack
22:13 - Chris' experience with meditation & manifestation
 
Connect with Chris O’Connell
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/itschrisoconnell/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chrisoconnellcoach/
Basmindset website - https://basemindset.com/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoconnellcoach
 
Listen to Chris’ show The Purpose Led Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/72edQlrSeUvLmC2LsqOrQG
 
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Kam Kaur Singh - How to maximise your wealth from an acquisition

Knowing how to maximise your wealth through acquisition and exit planning is something you need to consider. A financial planner can help you to see things you would otherwise miss that will increase your wealth potential. Kam Kaur Singh is here to show you how a financial planner can benefit your exit planning as well as prepare for the worst-case scenarios. She also gives her advice on investments and what the consequences of not planning your finances are.
 
Kam has an extensive banking career as well exploring the entrepreneur world for 10 years, successfully planning and implementing financial planning solutions for over 50 business owners and entrepreneurs.
 
“The exit is also its own fantastic space” – Kam Kaur Singh
 
Timestamps
 
03:20 - Why financial planning is important when exiting a business
05:40 - Conversations to have at the start of your business
08:35 - Consequences of not financially planning on exit
09:53 - Planning for worst case scenarios
11:50 - What happens after exit?
13:41- Why to consult a financial planner before acquisition
16:43 - Day to day financial planning
21:18 - Kam's investment advice
22:16 - How employers can help with financial planning?
 
Connect with Kam Kaur Singh
 
St James’s Place - https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/kamkaursingh
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamkaursingh/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KamKaurSWealth/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KKSWealth
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Jamie Simpson - How he purchased 6 acquisitions using cash within a business

Knowing how to turn around a quick acquisition and exit can be very lucrative for a business buyer. Being able to do that with 6 at the same time is what this week’s guest was able to do. In this episode Jamie Simpson reveals how he bought and sold 6 businesses in a matter of months and what he learned in the process. This episode is a must for anyone looking to start on their acquisition journey.
 
Jamie has been starting, growing, fixing, buying and selling businesses since his early 20's.
He has been involved in 15 transactions to date and expects that to reach 20 by the end of 2023. He spends most of his time sourcing deals and helping to grow his portfolio companies. Jamie is open to JV and consulting for equity opportunities with UK based businesses with £1m+ turnover.
 
“I quickly realised I didn’t like the industry so I need an exit strategy” – Jamie Simpson
 
Timestamps
 
02:38 - How did Jamie acquire 6 Hair Salons?
05:53 - What was good about the acquisitions?
07:38 - Compete vs non-compete deals
08:28 – Acquisitions with poorly run businesses
12:39 - Jamie's acquisitions after the hairdressers
14:17 - How Jamie went from taxi driver to business buyer
17:03 - Did Jamie have a Managing Director?
18:01 - Are independently run business acquisitions preferable?
 
 
Connect with Jamie Simpson
 
Website - https://jamiesimpson.co/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesimpsonprivateinvestor/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Stephen Brogan - The challenge of buying owner operated businesses

Understanding the culture of a business is critical to the success of an acquisition. Many buyers don’t perform their due diligence to ensure the structure of the team is going to make the acquisition succeed. Stephen Brogan has experienced both sides of the coin in successful and unsuccessful acquisitions for this very reason. In this episode he gives insight in how to make sure yours goes well.
 
Stephen Brogan is the Founder and Managing Director of Ascot Capital. With a distinguished career spanning 25-years in the drinks industry, Stephen left his role as senior director in Heineken UK and took the plunge setting up his own drinks export business in 2008 in the midst of the financial crisis.
 
Under Stephen's management, the start-up grew rapidly to £70m in just 8 years and won multiple awards along the way. This was not without the ups and downs that came with owning and running a high growth, demanding SME and his experience through this time, along with the other businesses that he created alongside, stands him in good stead to assess the health and requirements of SMEs that he can support.
 
“Understanding the culture and personnel is critical” – Stephen Brogan
 
Timestamps
 
02:51 - What makes a good team structure for acquisitions?                                              
05:34 - Did the business run well from day 1 of acquisition?                                   
06:43 - How often should you review finances?                                           
07:42 - The impacts of poor acquisition team structures                                         
11:53 - Questions to ask during due diligence                                              
14:06 - Is HR part of Stephen's due diligence?                                              
16:44 - How team structure impacts strategy implementation                                            
 
 
Connect with Stephen Brogan
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmbrogan/
Ascot Capital - https://www.ascotcapital.co.uk/
Drinks21 - https://www.drinks21.com/
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Rachel Collar – How employee culture helps successful acquisitions

When buying a business through acquisition knowing the people involved is crucial to its success. That’s where HR comes in. Knowing what you are inheriting from a legal and cultural perspective is something anyone buying a business needs to understand.
 
Rachel Collar is the Founder of Haus of HR, an HR consulting and executive coaching business. After a life-changing event during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel decided to use her extensive corporate experience to help SMEs and Start-up businesses grow and thrive through their people. In this episode you’ll hear Rachel cover the most important HR considerations for acquisitions, the importance of understanding your people’s skills and comparing experiences with corporates and SMEs.
 
“There are some real challenges that businesses face at the moment, which is why HR is so key” – Rachel Collar
 
Timestamps
 
3:51 - Why is HR so important in business?
6:28 - Common HR misconceptions
12:59 - 3 key HR questions to ask when buying a business
15:26 - Julie's experience in her acquisition
20:53 - The importance of understanding your people's skills sets
23:14 - Rachel's experience with female led businesses
28:58 - Differences in discrimination: corporate and business
 
Connect with Rachel Collar
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelcollar/
Haus of HR - https://hausofhr.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hausofhr/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hausofhr/
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Adam Lawrence – How to build a 7 figure EBITDA through property and acquisition

Have you ever thought about acquisition through joint ventures? Having the right infrastructure and information is key to make this work. In this episode Adam Lawrence talks about his successes and failures in joint ventures as well as why people should consider the joint venture option.
 
Adam has acquired more than a dozen limited companies including trading businesses, asset-backed businesses and has companies that support the property sourcing and management process. The investment group has been built around a joint-venture model. The group balance sheet is approaching £50m in assets, with a loan-to-value under 60%. The trading businesses have an EBITDA that runs into 7 figures. The central tenets are risk management and sustainable growth in a sector which is crying out for reform, efficiency, and ethical business people.
 
“Don’t put your own needs before the business” – Adam Lawrence
 
Timestamps
 
1:54 - An introduction to Adam
4:33 - Adam's successful acquisition story
10:31 - Adam's unsuccessful acquisition story
14:48 - What makes a successful infrastructure?
17:00 - Is the Joint Venture route easier?
21:57 - What price should you buy at?
25:41 - The importance of having the correct information
27:58 - What is Adam's end game?
 
 
Connect with Adam Lawrence
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamglawrence/
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
 
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
 
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Francis West – How cyber breaches have cost businesses over £1.4m

Cyber security attacks can cost your business millions. £1.4 million to be exact. In this episode you’ll find out why cyber security is not only important for your business but also to ensure it is safe to buy a business. Francis West is here to share his experiences when the worst can happen as well as how to make your business cyber safe.
 
Francis is on a mission to inform and advise a million business owners on how to stay cyber safe, so they can maximise the advantages of technology whilst minimising the risks. He sits on 5 Cyber Security Panels and is the Cyber Security National Lead for the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). As a mentor for CompTIA, he is also involved in educating the technology gurus of the future.
 
“Data is the new gold” – Francis West
 
Timestamps
 
2.10 – The need for cyber security
4.36 – The £1.4 million pound security breach
9.40 – How to know if you are at risk of cyber crime
14.24 – How to reduce your risk by 99%
16.16 – Why you need to look after date more than money
20.47 – The importance of email security
26.54 – Why you need a cyber security specialist
28.01 – 3 cyber security questions to ask when buying a business
 
Connect with Francis West
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswest/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/francis_west
Westtek - https://www.westtek.co.uk/
Westtek YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdeWRaGNA7e7ywC8NTuJsXQ
Security Everywhere Cyber Security Health Quiz - https://www.security-everywhere.com/
 
Contact Details:
+44 203 195 0555
Francis.w@secrity-everywhere.com
 
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!