
Business Buying Strategies from The Dealmaker's Academy
The Business Buying Strategies Podcast comes from The Dealmaker's Academy, the world's leading training on buying and selling businesses - without risking your own money!
Each week we talk to leading experts, discuss business buying strategies, offer hints and tips and cover the essential skills you will need to buy and sell businesses effectively.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 33min
#324 David's Journey From SME to Multi-Million Pound Buy-and-Build Success:
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 Challenges and Strategies in Acquisitions 16:25 Successful Exit and Future Plans 20:26 Q&A Session with David ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 38min
#323 Rags to Riches: Richard Farleigh's Journey and Business Insights
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 20:49 Business Theory and Unique Selling Points 21:25 Challenges of Promoting Home House 22:29 The Role of Luck in Business Success 22:55 Madonna's Visit and Home House's Turning Point 23:17 Discovery Costs and Financial Struggles 24:56 Selling Home House and Market Liquidity 25:18 Starting a Tennis Racket Company 26:16 Lessons from a Failed Business Venture 30:29 Infinite Startups and Business Execution 32:21 Levi Roots and the Reggae Reggae Sauce Pitch ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Apr 10, 2025 • 26min
#322 Negotiation and Deal Structuring with Martin
Martin Lightbound, part of the training team at Dealmakers and an expert in deal structuring and negotiation, shares his inspiring journey from skepticism to success in business acquisitions. He advises on the importance of quick actions and customized deal structures. Martin highlights effective negotiation tactics, stressing the need to understand seller motivations for a mutually beneficial dialogue. With real-life stories, he emphasizes trust-building and clear communication as vital components of successful negotiations.

Mar 27, 2025 • 24min
Business Acquisitions: Insights from a Serial Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur shares his journey of acquiring seven businesses, highlighting the intricate process of integration. He discusses the challenges of retaining key personnel and merging diverse company cultures. The importance of relationship management and structured transitions emerges as vital for success. Listeners gain insights into the financial and operational aspects of acquisitions. Additionally, the entrepreneur emphasizes the invaluable support from a collaborative network that aids in navigating the complexities of business buying.

Mar 13, 2025 • 30min
Mastering Business Acquisitions: Simon’s Journey to 7 Successful Deals
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 Circle and Mastermind Groups 19:04 Fifth Acquisition in Basingstoke 21:04 Industry Insights Group Expansion 22:26 Acquisition Strategies and Deals 26:24 Future Prospects and Opportunities 27:49 Marbella Event and Final Thoughts ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Feb 27, 2025 • 23min
Cara's Remarkable Journey: Establishing her Multi-Salon business
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 Leadership Development 04:06 Operational Strategies and Team Building 11:58 Financial Management and Cash Flow 15:01 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 18:48 Funding Acquisitions and Overcoming Obstacles 21:42 Conclusion and Recognition ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 29min
From Single Salon to Business Empire: Cara's Transformational Journey
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 Following the Process 02:06 Cara's Entrepreneurial Journey 04:06 The Importance of Sector Familiarity 04:58 The Columbo Strategy in Negotiations 06:41 Scaling Up: From Small to Large Acquisitions 08:14 Cara's Personal Experience and Growth 12:46 First Deal and Criteria Refinement 14:00 Initial Contact and Negotiation 15:54 Deal Number One: The First Acquisition 15:57 Deal Number Two: A Bigger Salon 21:23 Deal Number Three: Strategic Purchase 23:53 The Importance of a Systematic Approach 26:45 Personal Motivation and Achievements ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group, where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Jan 28, 2025 • 41min
Mastering Deal Making: Danny Beaumont on Strategies for Acquiring Businesses
In this engaging discussion, Danny Beaumont, a successful businessman with multiple acquisitions under his belt generating £10 million in revenue, shares key insights into deal making. He emphasizes the importance of establishing credibility and effective negotiation tactics. Danny recounts his transformative journey from a family business to strategic acquisitions, tackling challenges like COVID-19 while navigating due diligence and management structures. His stories highlight the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and the power of networking in the world of business.

Jan 17, 2025 • 8min
2025: New programs, tools and resources for Dealmakers old and new
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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Jan 9, 2025 • 56min
Profitable Deals and Acquisitions - 2024 Highlights Part 3
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 Values 32:56 The Power of Coaching 34:39 Taking Action in Business 36:09 Defining Imposter Syndrome 37:37 Origins of Imposter Syndrome 40:17 Addressing Imposter Syndrome 46:44 Nigel Risner's Insights 48:34 The Role of Self-Talk 53:14 Learning from Successful Businesses 55:21 Conclusion and Resources ** 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 already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
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