Business Buying Strategies From The Dealmaker's Academy

In this week’s episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan speaks with Neil — a former accountant who lost his job in early 2020 and built a million-pound business in just five years. Neil shares how he went from doing the odd tax return to running a team of 12, managing 650 clients, and completing three acquisitions in just two years. You’ll hear how he turned redundancy into opportunity, overcame the chaos of COVID, and used acquisitions — not marketing — to scale rapidly and strategically.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Neil built his business from scratch during lockdown Why acquiring 100 clients in a day beats signing 5 clients a month What he learned from buying a micro business — and what he did differently the next time The behind-the-scenes reality of two back-to-back acquisitions in 2024 How he transformed from overworked solo founder to true business owner with a team and systems The mindset shift that turned Neil into a dealmaker — and future investor   Key Quotes: “I h

In this week’s episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan shares valuable insights from Inner Circle members who have successfully purchased businesses. The episode considers the transformative power of a single acquisition, featuring examples such as Nick's printing business expansion and Jas's recent ventures. Jonathan stresses the importance of validating the business model to ensure sustainable growth. Lessons include the importance of empowering employees, maintaining quality management, and the strategic considerations of business consolidation and rebranding. It’s an episode for aspiring business buyers looking to fast-track their success while minimising risks. Key moments 01:05 Inner Circle Success Stories 01:44 The Power of One Acquisition 03:35 Jas's Transformative Acquisition Journey 06:25 Validating the Business Model 15:57 The Importance of Training and Empowering Employees 20:26 Effective Day-to-Day Management 25:57 Consolidation vs. Independence in Acquisitions   ** Looking for a great ac

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, we are treated to a special Q&A session from the annual Marbella retreat featuring a panel of seasoned members from Jonathan's inner circle group.   These accomplished entrepreneurs, who have collectively acquired dozens of businesses, discuss their experiences and share invaluable tips on acquiring businesses with minimal capital outlay.    The panellists, including Hari, Simon, Tim, Jon, and Ben, dive deep into topics such as the importance of getting started, whether to take a targeted or scattergun approach, managing acquisitions without creating a 'job' for oneself, and the key factors in post-acquisition success.   Additionally, they candidly share lessons learned from their own business failures and discuss strategic exits. The episode offers rich, firsthand insights, practical advice for aspiring deal-makers, and underscores the importance of learning from those who have successfully navigated the business acquisition landscape.   Key moments  

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Johan Gory, managing director of OnPoint Accounting, offers an in-depth masterclass on financial due diligence.   Johan explains the importance of involving a due diligence expert, common pitfalls that cause buyers to overpay, and techniques such as the 'source of funds' trick to uncover the real financial health of a business.   He also discusses the relevance of goodwill, the challenges and opportunities in buying distressed businesses, and the role of director's loans in business valuation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about buying a business without risking their own cash.   Key moments   00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:29 Meet Johan Gory: Expert in Financial Due Diligence 05:16 The Importance of Financial Due Diligence 08:36 Understanding Financial Terminology and Add-Backs 13:53 Opportunities and Challenges in Buying Distressed Businesses 17:25 Networking for Business Opportunities 22:04 Understanding Director's Loans

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan talks with John, a long-time acquaintance and experienced professional in mergers and acquisitions.   John shares his journey of acquiring six businesses with a combined annual revenue of 6 million pounds, detailing the various strategies and tactics he employed, including using the cash reserves of the acquired businesses to fund their purchases.   He emphasises the importance of accountability, transparency, and understanding the financial aspects of a business to ensure successful acquisitions. John also highlights the value of a deal fee and the benefits of deferring most of the consideration payments.    Key moments   00:49 Meet John Hood: A Successful Business Buyer 02:36 John's Journey: From Consultancy to Business Ownership 03:08 The Importance of Accountability in Business 04:23 Exploring John's Business Ventures 06:00 Using Business Assets to Fund Acquisitions 09:41 Negotiation Tactics and Strategies 12:20 Case Studies: Successful Business Ac

In this special edition of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan Jay speaks live from the Deal Makers Retreat in Marbella, Spain, talking about the importance of personal branding when negotiating business deals. He explains how to present yourself to business owners, emphasising the significance of the first impression and maintaining credibility throughout the negotiation process. Jonathan shares practical tips and anecdotes, underlining that knowing the buying process thoroughly and having clarity of intent are crucial for success. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a calm, professional demeanour, control the conversation, and remain curious. The session provides actionable advice on how to address common challenges faced by new business buyers and highlights the importance of being likeable and confident.  Key moments 00:00 Welcome to the Deal Makers Retreat  00:49 The Importance of Personal Branding 01:17 First Impressions Matter 05:09 Building Confidence in Deal-Making 09:29 Establishing Credibility 12:33

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews David, a successful entrepreneur who shares his incredible journey of transforming a small domiciliary care business into a £20 million revenue enterprise over the course of four years through an aggressive buy-and-build strategy.   David details his early days, the moment of insight that led to his first acquisition, and how he managed to acquire businesses with little to no upfront cash. He also emphasises the importance of having a strong management team, discusses integration challenges, and provides insights into acquiring distressed companies.   Additionally, David talks about his recent exit, future plans, and offers valuable advice to those looking to grow through acquisitions.   Key moments   00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:21 David's Background and Early Business Ventures 03:17 First Acquisition and Growth Realization 05:53 Mastermind Course and Rapid Expansion 07:35 Building a Strong Management Team 11:31

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan provides an exclusive glimpse into one of his inner circle meetings featuring guest speaker Richard Farleigh, the Australian investor known from series 3 and 4 of Dragons' Den.   Richard shares his incredible life story, growing up in the care system, overcoming adversity, and eventually achieving success in investment banking and business.   The episode includes candid insights and engaging stories about Richard's experiences on Dragons' Den, his investment philosophies, and the remarkable transformations of his ventures, including the rise of Levi Roots' Reggae Reggae Sauce.   Key moments   01:00 Meet Richard Farleigh: From Dragons' Den to Investor 02:01 Richard Farleigh's Early Life and Challenges 04:24 The Turning Point: Chess and Education 06:37 Investment Banking and Early Success 07:20 Adventures in Small Business Investing 08:33 Experiences on Dragons' Den 15:19 The One That Got Away: Trunky 17:13 Home House: A Unique Private Member's Club

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan invites Martin to share his business acquisition journey. Martin recounts his initial skepticism towards Jonathan's methods, which later led to remarkable success in acquiring multiple businesses.   He emphasises the importance of swift action, tailored deal structuring, and understanding seller motivations. Martin also delves into effective negotiation tactics, ensuring clear communication, and establishing trust with sellers.   This episode is packed with practical insights on buying businesses without risking personal capital and serves as a masterclass in deal-making and negotiation.   Key moments   01:06 Martin's Journey Begins 02:08 First Business Acquisition 03:16 Expanding the Portfolio 04:11 Deal Structuring and Negotiation Insights 05:11 Real-Life Acquisition Stories 11:54 Advanced Negotiation Techniques 18:53 Building Trust and Securing Deals 25:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use min

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews Simon, an entrepreneur who has successfully purchased seven businesses since joining the Mastermind and Inner Circle Group. Simon shares his experiences integrating these businesses, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to maintain staff and company culture. The conversation touches on a variety of topics, including the importance of relationship management in PR agencies, financial and brand integration, and the lessons learned from a deal that did not go as planned. Additionally, Simon talks about the support from the Inner Circle group, emphasising the value of a collaborative network while navigating the complexities of business acquisitions. Key moments 00:38 Meet Simon: A Successful Business Buyer 01:22 Integrating Acquired Businesses 01:52 Challenges and Solutions in Business Integration 02:37 Retaining Staff and Managing Relationships 15:31 Financial and Operational Integration 20:25 Lessons Learned and Advice for As

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews Simon, an Inner Circle member who has successfully acquired seven businesses without using his own cash. Simon begins with his background in PR and his search for faster business growth, which led him to acquisitions. Simon shares insights and detailed stories of his seven deals, including successes and lessons from a failed acquisition. He emphasises the importance of low-risk strategies, cultural fit, and leveraging expertise from the Inner Circle. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on structuring deals, maintaining low risk, and navigating the complexities of business acquisitions.  Key moments 01:00 Simon's Journey: From Jargon PR to Inner Circle 02:42 First Acquisition: Vantage Marketing 04:53 Debunking Myths: Buying Businesses Without Risk 08:04 Second Acquisition: Expanding to Manchester 11:56 Lessons Learned: The Failed Third Acquisition 15:43 Pelican Communications Acquisition 16:32 Integration and Earnout Details 17:55 Inner Circ

Insights from an Expert Accountant In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan introduces Jeff, an accountant he has worked with for nearly 13 years.  Jeff shares invaluable tax-efficient strategies to help business owners maximise their savings and minimise tax liabilities. Key topics discussed include the benefits of family investment companies, approaches for handling inheritance tax, rewarding key employees using partnerships, using service companies owned by family members, and leveraging pensions for tax benefits. Jeff explains how to structure deals in a way that optimises financial outcomes without risking personal cash, providing practical insights for business owners aiming for smarter financial management. Key moments 00:47 Meet Jeff: The Go-To Accountant 01:27 Tax-Efficient Money Extraction 01:58 Family Investment Companies Explained 04:18 Inheritance Tax Strategies 07:02 Incentivising Key Employees 10:02 Using Service Companies for Tax Efficiency 13:46 Pension Planning Insights 17:31

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan continues his conversation with Cara, who transformed her business from owning a single beauty salon with a turnover of £180,000 to managing a group of nine salons generating over £2 million in revenue within 18 months of joining the Mastermind program. They discuss the importance of personal development in becoming a leader, and the strategies deployed to manage growth, such as implementing systems, assembling a skilled team, and maintaining tight financial controls. Cara also shares personal anecdotes about dealing with family and peer reactions to her success and emphasises the significance of continuous learning and self-investment as key factors in her business journey. The episode concludes with insights into Cara's approach to business acquisitions and the recognition she received as the 'New Deal Maker of the Year.' Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Cara's Success Story 01:11 Challenges After Acquiring Businesses 02:30 Managing Growth and Leaders

In this week's podcast, Jonathan talks with Cara about her remarkable transformation from owning a single beauty salon generating £180,000 annually to building a multi-salon empire with over $2 million in revenue in just 18 months. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of Jonathan's Mastermind program, which Cara credits for her success by strictly following the process. They explore the importance of ambition, quick action, and the benefits of having a system for business growth. Cara shares insights into her strategic acquisitions, leveraging credit facilities, and negotiating tactics, including the 'Columbo strategy', where you are prepared to walk away from the deal. Jonathan and Cara also touch on the motivational aspects of entrepreneurship and the impact of mindset in achieving business goals. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth, financial stability, and future aspirations in business expansion. Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Cara's Success Story  01:16 The Power of Fo

In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan talks with Danny Beaumont, a successful businessman who has acquired multiple businesses through strategic deal making. They discuss Danny's journey from running a family business to becoming a prolific dealmaker with diverse ventures totalling £10 million in revenue.  They talk about key elements such as establishing credibility, maintaining confidence, and Danny's systematic approach to acquisitions. Danny shares insights from his successful deals, including leveraging various financing methods and ensuring robust management structures, as well as lessons learned from less successful ventures. The episode highlights the importance of having a strategic plan and unwavering perseverance and underscores the value of continuous learning and networking within business circles. Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Danny Beaumont 00:55 The Importance of Professionalism 02:21 Danny's Background and Journey 02:45 The Role of Attitude in Success 03:15 D

In this short episode, Jonathan and Ed talk about what's coming up at the Dealmakers Academy in 2025.  Jonathan discusses Fast Track and the 2025 MasterMind program , as well as two brand new programs -  Jonathan Jay's Deal Club and monthly Deal Club Live Events.    Key moments   00:55 Jonathan Jay's Deal Club and Live Events 02:35 Mastermind and FastTrack Programs 04:54 How to Stay Updated and Get Involved 06:11 Podcast Changes and Conclusion   ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! ** If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk. Ready to get started? Here’s how you can start your business buying journey… Download our free Business Buying Toolkit https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast Already bought a business? if you've al

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan presents a third special compilation episode featuring highlights and insights from 2024 episodes. This includes pragmatic advice on the buy and build strategy, financial management, staff training, and the psychological dynamics of business buyouts. With input from Jonathan's personal M&A lawyer, John Andrews, and featuring talks from experts like Vicky Espin on overcoming imposter syndrome, and Andy Hemming on business cycles and KPIs, this episode offers tactical guidance for those looking to buy businesses without risking their own cash. Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:27 Understanding the Buy and Build Strategy 05:45 The Importance of Training and Management 09:29 De-risking by Tying in the Seller 19:57 The Psychology of Buying and Selling a Business 27:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Business Buying 29:21 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 30:00 The Importance of Business Motivation 30:41 Exploring Personal Value

This second special compilation episode of Business Buying Strategies features insightful discussions and presentations, including an expert talk by Amelia Sordell on the importance of personal branding for business buyers.  Listeners are also treated to interviews with successful entrepreneurs like Steve and Martin, who share their business acquisition stories and strategies. Special guest John Andrews, an M&A lawyer, provides critical legal advice for buying businesses, and James Kahn discusses his experiences and the financial strategies he employs in business acquisitions.  This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to buy a business without risking their own cash. Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:25 Meet Amelia Sordell: Personal Branding Expert 02:22 The Importance of Personal Branding 09:26 Practical Tips for Building Your Personal Brand 10:56 Steve's Journey: From Podcast Listener to Successful Acquisitions 23:54 Remote Work and Recruitment Benefi

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan shares a compilation of podcast highlights from 2024. Within these interviews and stories about successful business acquisitions, Jonathan discusses the tactics and strategies used in acquiring businesses without using personal funds. Key stories include Danny Beaumont's purchase of manufacturing businesses and his innovative deal structures, the benefits of buying directly from owners, and case studies from mastermind clients including David who acquired 17 businesses, Chris Stone's strategic acquisitions in the hearing healthcare sector, Akram Abdullah's commercial cleaning business acquisition, and Nick Manuel's speedy two-week deal for a balloon printing company. Jonathan also introduces key experts like M&A lawyer John Andrews and emphasises the importance of mindset, process, and leveraging assets in successful business acquisitions.  Key moments 01:16 Meet Danny Beaumont: Mastermind Client Success  01:58 The Art of No Money Down Deals 03:20 Na

In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan welcomes back Peter, who shares his journey of purchasing and integrating four businesses, achieving a combined annual revenue of $6 million over the past three and a half years.   Peter discusses the complexities of post-acquisition management, including integrating staff, maintaining business continuity, and fostering a positive company culture. He emphasises the importance of treating employees with respect and ensuring clear communication to alleviate post-acquisition anxieties.   Peter also explores the strategic decisions surrounding customer relationships, pricing re-evaluations, and tackling staff turnover. He reflects on his personal growth and the transformative impact of transitioning from an employee to a business owner.   Key moments   01:24 Introducing Peter and His Business Acquisitions 01:54 Post-Acquisition Challenges and Integration 02:41 Maintaining Employee Morale and Business Continuity 05:49 Integration of Business Prac