Buy and Build

Billy Morley joins Paul on this episode of the Buy and Build podcast to share his inspiring transition from army officer to Oxford MBA, and ultimately to entrepreneur through a self-funded ETA. Billy acquired Set-A-Side Storage, a business supporting the UK’s booming TV and film industry with storage and logistics for sets and props. He explains why he chose to go self-funded and self-acquired, how he got comfortable investing personal savings into the deal, and why owning the autonomy was non-negotiable. Billy also dives into the reality of raising debt, working with a broker, and stepping into operations with a strong existing team. A compelling episode for anyone considering ETA—especially those eyeing non-glamorous sectors with serious upside.

In this landmark 100th episode, we’re joined by Adam Johnson, an American acquisition entrepreneur who transitioned from the startup scene in California to acquiring and operating Water Direct in the UK. Adam takes us through his unique journey into the search fund world, how a Texas blizzard sparked conviction in a niche UK water logistics business, and the realities of running a highly operational, regulation-heavy company. We dive into: The challenges of a COVID-era search process Navigating investor skepticism for a volatile but essential service Building a new leadership team while preserving institutional knowledge Going from paper-based processes to a digitized, scalable business The long-term vision for growth and product expansion If you’re in the ETA, SME, or search fund ecosystem—or just curious how someone turns infrastructure failure into a growth business—this one’s for you.

What does it take to step into the CEO seat—whether by acquisition or promotion? In this special episode, Will Hunnam (Forza Doors) and Carl Lundberg (Gerald Edelman) return to share their personal leadership journeys, challenges of managing legacy teams, and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed their approach to strategy and culture. We explore: The reality of becoming a first-time CEO Lessons from inheriting vs. building company culture How EOS creates clarity and drives accountability The hard conversations leaders must face Whether you’re scaling an acquired SME or navigating leadership within a partnership model, this candid discussion is packed with insight for anyone in the buy-and-build or search fund world. ------ For searchers looking to accelerate their acquisition journey, there are still a few seat left on the 17th June, in London. book your ticket here: https://www.buyandbuildaccelerator.com/  For those looking to learn more about EOS, Rob Liddiard, the implementor mentioned on this episode is offering the searcher community a free introductory session. Reach out to him on rob@mission-group.co.uk 

In this insightful discussion, Matthias Knaur, a seasoned operator and investor in the European search fund community, shares his expertise on scaling small companies to over £100M in revenue. He unveils the intricacies of identifying total addressable markets (TAM) and emphasizes the value of studying adjacent markets. Dive into the challenges of customer concentration risks and the importance of execution over spreadsheets. Knaur also highlights strategies for aligning investment goals with stakeholder expectations, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring investors and business leaders.

In today’s episode of Buy and Build, we dive deep into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Brian Honan, founder and CEO of Fortus. Brian walks us through how he went from an "accidental entrepreneur" to leading a €200M turnover security distribution business across Europe. We explore his early days in business, executing a debt-funded MBO, partnering with private equity, building a recurring revenue engine, and navigating the challenges of integrating acquisitions. Brian also shares lessons learned on managing growth, staying passionate, and planning the next phase of Fortus' journey — including the possibility of an IPO. If you're interested in buy-and-build strategies, private equity partnerships, or scaling a business through acquisition, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The next acquisition accelerator is going to be in London in June (date TBC). Book your spot now for a discounted rate. If you cannot make that date, you can roll your spot into the next cohort. Join here: https://www.buyandbuildaccelerator.com/  ------------- In this episode, we reconnect with Fouzan, seven months into owning and operating the 32-year-old building energy management systems business he acquired. After initially stepping into the role with humility and patience, Fouzan shares how he’s approached leadership, structured his team, and gradually introduced change—from hiring apprentices and outsourcing non-core functions to overhauling commercial performance and planning a new service division. We dive into the realities of making an acquisition from a retiring owner, managing legacy teams, implementing tracking and bonus systems, and how he uses his tech background to drive efficiency. This is a candid look at the transition from acquisition to active ownership, filled with insights for anyone stepping into a small business post-close. Enjoy! -------- For anyone interested in EOS, Rob Liddiard is offering the buy and build community a free introductory session. As you know, Paul uses Rob to help implement EOS at Amber Home Improvements and it has been a game changer. You can reach out to him at rob@mission-group.co.uk 

Allison Stuckless, Founder and Managing Partner of Vericor Capital, shares her journey from JPMorgan to launching a search fund in the UK. She discusses the hurdles of fundraising and the importance of authentic investor relationships. With a keen interest in lifecycle services, she reveals opportunities in the evolving funeral industry. Allison also delves into the differences between U.S. and European search fund cultures and emphasizes the power of networking, especially for aspiring women entrepreneurs seeking support in the business landscape.

In this discussion, Jeremy Middleton, co-founder of HomeServe and CEO of Middleton Enterprises, shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey leading to a £5 billion exit. He recounts pivotal moments that transformed failures into triumphs. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of cash flow, founder-friendly equity structures, and the necessity of strategic partnerships. His insights on what makes a scalable business and how investors can add value beyond capital are particularly enlightening, offering raw wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike.

In this episode, we’re joined by Daniel Ewart, one of the youngest guests to date, who shares his unexpected entry into the search fund world. From his hands-on experience as an intern supporting proprietary outreach to launching an "interns as a service" business, Daniel offers a fresh perspective on deal sourcing and scaling support for searchers. Learn about the challenges of cold calling, the intricacies of sifting through data, and the unique approach Daniel is taking to help others in the search fund space. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and searchers alike! ----- We would recommend reaching out to Rob for a complimentary introductory session to learn how EOS can help you and your business goals. visit www.mission-group.co.uk or email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk to learn more.  

In this episode of the Buy and Build podcast, Paul and Rob Liddiard (Paul's EOS implementer), have a fascinating discussion on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its implementation within Paul's business Amber Home Improvements. Host Paul and Rob explore the practicalities of scaling a business while remaining true to its core values, operational challenges, and long-term vision. Paul shares candid insights from his quarterly check-ins, touching on the impact of aligning teams with core values, navigating leadership challenges, and the benefits of right-person-right-seat decisions. The conversation highlights a standout success story about restructuring a key sales role, leading to record-breaking quarterly sales and revitalizing team morale. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at operational strategies, from using the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) to tackling real-world issues like market shifts, employee retention, and cultural alignment. The discussion is enriched with relatable anecdotes, practical EOS applications, and valuable lessons on maintaining accountability and fostering growth in a dynamic business landscape. Whether you're an entrepreneur exploring EOS or a business operator looking for actionable insights, this episode offers an honest and inspiring perspective on running and scaling a small business. We would recommend reaching out to Rob for a complimentary introductory session to learn how EOS can help you and your business goals. visit www.mission-group.co.uk or email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk to learn more.