In this episode, Tom Griffiths is joined by Jeremy Middleton, co-founder of Homeserve and an experienced investor in small- to medium-sized enterprises. Jeremy takes listeners through his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days at Procter & Gamble to co-founding Homeserve and transforming it into a cash-generative, FTSE 100 company over 30 years.

Jeremy shares how he and his business partner Richard Middleton identified opportunities in the property and plumbing sectors, including the pivot from a traditional plumbing contracting model to an insurance-based, subscription model that provided homeowners with peace of mind. He explains why understanding customer needs and designing a scalable, predictable business model was critical to long-term success, and how the right marketing and partnerships amplified growth.

The conversation also explores Jeremy’s transition from operational entrepreneur to investor. He discusses his approach to backing growth-stage businesses through his family office, focusing on proven business models that are profitable and capable of scaling. He highlights the importance of providing flexible, patient capital—often through minority equity stakes—and supporting entrepreneurs with strategic guidance rather than pushing for aggressive growth driven by external pressures.

Jeremy emphasises the value of strong financial systems and visibility in early-stage companies, advising on forecasting, cash management, and the role of fractional or full-time finance directors. He also shares how his team identifies investment opportunities, prioritising proactive outreach and research over responding to polished investor decks, and how they tailor support to each business depending on its needs and management capability.

This episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in scaling businesses thoughtfully, highlighting the balance between capital, strategy, and patience in building sustainable success.

To Contact Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemiddleton/

In this episode, Tom Griffiths sits down with Neil Fagelman, Managing Director of Merco Facilities Management, to explore his journey from operations manager to business owner. Neil shares how, after years of running the business on behalf of the previous director, he acquired Merco in 2022 and stepped into the responsibility of leading a company with over 100 employees.

The conversation delves into the challenges of transitioning from operations to ownership, particularly the financial pressures and the learning curve of managing payroll, profit and loss, and business strategy. Neil reflects openly on the mistakes he made along the way, including exploring side ventures like Airbnb cleaning, and how those experiences helped him refocus on the core business: commercial cleaning contracts.

Neil highlights the importance of recurring contracts over one-off jobs, noting how long-term relationships with clients—particularly schools and commercial property managers—drive stability and sustainable growth. He also discusses his approach to team management, from supporting office staff to implementing systems like Zoho for onboarding and CRM, enabling scalable operations without proportionally increasing fixed costs.

The episode also covers Neil’s strategy for business development. Rather than traditional networking, he has leaned into social media marketing and organic referrals to grow the brand and pipeline, reflecting on the balance between social and business networking.

Looking ahead, Neil shares his growth ambitions, including expanding the team, pursuing tenders through bid writers, and increasing the number of contracts while maintaining healthy margins. His ultimate goal is to build a company that employs over 200 people, delivering value for clients while supporting his own family’s lifestyle.

Listeners will gain insight into the practicalities of running a service-based business, the challenges of scaling operations, and the mindset required to grow a company responsibly and sustainably.

To Contact Neil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-fagleman-a27aab58/

In this episode, Tom Griffiths sits down with Matt Hunt, founder of the Protein Ball Company, to explore the journey of building a pioneering health snack brand. Matt shares his entrepreneurial story, from his early experiences working in a fruit and nut store to launching his first business, Olafs, which became a global success. This foundation laid the groundwork for the Protein Ball Company, which he and his wife Haley started 11 years ago, aiming to bring natural, bite-sized protein snacks to the UK market.

The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the company, highlighting Matt’s observation of the US protein trend at Expo West and the decision to differentiate their offering through natural ingredients. Unlike many protein bars that rely on artificial additives, the Protein Ball Company focuses on simple, wholesome components like dates, nuts, seeds, whey, and plant-based proteins, catering to increasingly health-conscious consumers.

Matt also discusses the operational and financial challenges of scaling a business. From bootstrapping the early days with minimal investment to managing cash flow and expanding internationally, he provides insight into navigating growth while maintaining quality and brand integrity. The episode covers strategic approaches, including private label partnerships, export markets, and a recent rebrand to refresh the company’s visual identity and messaging.

Innovation and adaptation are recurring themes. Matt shares the company’s latest venture into healthy, human-grade protein snacks for dogs, demonstrating their commitment to hedging business risks and exploring new market opportunities.

Listeners gain a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship: the highs of rapid growth, the complexities of international logistics, the importance of financial oversight, and the value of staying true to a brand’s mission. This episode is essential for anyone interested in business growth, food innovation, and the art of building a sustainable, values-driven company.

To contact Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthunt001/

In this episode of the podcast, Tom Griffiths sits down with Roy Castleman, founder of All the Power, to explore the intersection of business growth, personal resilience, and the transformative potential of technology. Roy shares his journey from arriving in the UK on a two-year work visa in 1997 to building multiple IT companies, acquiring the very first firm he worked for, and later expanding into adventure experiences like indoor skydiving and surfing. Along the way, he discusses the challenges, failures, and lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial path.

Roy delves into the critical role of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in structuring and scaling businesses efficiently. He explains the distinction between working in the business versus working on the business and highlights how adopting a business operating system allows owners to step back, regain control, and focus on strategic growth rather than day-to-day firefighting.

The conversation also explores Roy’s personal journey with mental and physical resilience, including his experience with the Wim Hof Method of cold exposure and breathwork. He shares how these practices helped him navigate extreme stress, recover from injury, and regain clarity during moments of near burnout. Roy emphasizes that maintaining personal energy—both mental and physical—is essential for achieving sustainable business success.

Finally, Roy explains how he now combines health and wellness strategies with AI tools and the EOS framework to support business owners. His approach helps clients reclaim time, improve their decision-making, and scale their companies effectively while preserving personal well-being. The discussion offers a rare glimpse into the mindset, systems, and daily routines that empower business owners to thrive in both life and work.

For listeners looking to optimize their energy, harness AI, and grow their businesses with structure and clarity, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies.

To Contact Roy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycastleman/

In this episode, Tom Griffiths sits down with Jonathan Lea, founder of the Jonathan Lea Network, a law firm specialising in advising startups, owner-managed businesses, and mature private companies. Jonathan shares his journey from training at large City law firms to establishing his own regulated firm, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of building a legal business from scratch.

Jonathan explains the full scope of services his firm provides, focusing on corporate and commercial law, shareholder agreements, litigation, and dispute resolution. He explores the complexities of advising technology startups through successive investment rounds, negotiating shareholders’ agreements, managing cap tables, and ensuring compliance with tax and investment schemes. He also highlights the legal considerations for more mature businesses, such as mergers and acquisitions, property issues, and exit strategies, emphasising the importance of careful planning to protect both the business and its owners.

A significant part of the discussion centres on common mistakes business owners make, particularly around co-founder relationships and shareholder agreements. Jonathan stresses the importance of clear, well-structured agreements to manage conflicts, set objective performance criteria, and provide exit mechanisms, helping prevent disputes from escalating.

Listeners also gain an inside look at Jonathan’s experience transitioning from a consultant solicitor to running a fully regulated firm, including hiring and managing employees, balancing cash flow, and growing the business organically. He shares practical advice on maintaining patience, staying calm under pressure, and making considered decisions, particularly when navigating disputes, employment issues, and client relationships.

The conversation concludes with insights into the firm’s growth strategy, including leveraging technology and AI, marketing, and attracting new consultant solicitors who can grow their own practice under the firm’s umbrella. Jonathan’s story offers valuable lessons for business owners and legal professionals alike, highlighting the intersection of legal expertise, entrepreneurship, and strategic growth.

To Contact Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlea/

In this episode of the podcast, Tom Griffiths is joined by Gerard O’Donovan, a multifounder with extensive experience in both the insurance and coaching industries. Gerard shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marines to building and running successful businesses, including Noble Manhattan Financial Services and his international coach training school.

The conversation explores the key factors behind Gerard’s long-term business success, particularly the importance of building and empowering strong teams. He reflects on how having talented individuals with complementary skills—ranging from IT and finance to leadership and training—has been critical to scaling his ventures and navigating challenges. Gerard also highlights the pivotal role of delegation and strategic structuring, referencing the influence of Timothy Ferris’ 4-Hour Work Week in helping him implement a master distributor model. This approach allows his coaching programs to operate across 25 countries, expanding reach while maintaining quality and sustainability.

Gerard discusses how his businesses adapted during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional in-person training was no longer possible. The team’s agility and technical expertise enabled a seamless transition to online delivery, safeguarding both client satisfaction and financial stability. He also shares insights into his financial management strategy, emphasizing careful reinvestment of profits, a strong in-house finance team, and robust partnerships with chartered accountants.

Listeners will gain practical advice on scaling businesses, structuring international operations, and fostering resilient teams. Gerard also touches on the importance of personal focus, highlighting how he and his wife divide responsibilities across their ventures to optimise performance and maintain work-life balance.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone interested in coaching, this episode offers a compelling look at leadership, strategy, and sustainable growth in multi-faceted businesses.

To Contact Gerard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardodonovan/

In this episode, host Tom Griffiths speaks with John Lamerton, author of The False Exit, about why many entrepreneurs focus on selling their businesses when they should instead be building ones that can run — and thrive — without them.

John shares the story behind his book, beginning with a near-sale of his sports-betting business for £2 million. When the deal fell through, he and his business partner realised the company still depended heavily on them — a major red flag for any buyer. What followed was 18 months of deliberate systemisation: creating standard operating procedures, decision-making frameworks, and automated processes that allowed the business to function independently. The result? A company that no longer needed its founders for day-to-day operations — and an owner who finally had time and freedom.

The conversation explores why most small businesses fail to sell, with owner dependency, poor systems, and messy finances as key reasons. John argues that the goal shouldn’t always be a full exit but rather a false exit: removing yourself from operations while keeping the business as a profitable, self-sustaining asset. Ironically, the same work that enables a false exit also makes a company far more attractive — and valuable — to potential buyers.

They also discuss the emotional side of selling, including the loss of purpose many founders face, and the importance of building a business that supports freedom and longevity rather than burnout.

John closes by sharing insights from his 1% Club, a coaching community that helps business owners make continuous, small improvements each week — turning firefighting into fire prevention and creating businesses built to last.

To contact John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlamerton/

In this episode, host Tom Griffiths sits down with Damone, founder of Turtle Enviro, to explore how he’s built one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of underground drainage and water treatment products. With over three decades in the drainage industry, Damone shares the lessons, missteps, and values that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey — from starting out at his dining table in 2016 to running a £6 million business today.

Damone opens up about his guiding principle: “Stick to your knitting — do what you know best.” After decades of experience and several ventures, he’s learned that the secret to long-term success lies in consistency — delivering reliable products, maintaining strong service standards, and building trusted relationships.

The conversation digs into how Turtle Enviro has scaled through strategic partnerships, loyal supply chains, and UK-based manufacturing. Damone explains why he prioritises loyalty and mutual support with suppliers, likening it to a marriage: success depends on commitment, communication, and respect. He also shares how the business weathered the pandemic by focusing on supply chain resilience rather than short-term savings — a move that continues to pay off years later.

Tom and Damone discuss how the company’s products, from manholes to flow control systems, solve critical yet often overlooked problems in the construction industry. They explore how Turtle Enviro supports major housebuilders, contractors, and merchants through tailored designs, strong relationships, and a data-led approach to customer service.

As the episode closes, Damone reflects on leadership, financial discipline, and his vision for the future — aiming to grow Turtle Enviro to £10 million in revenue by 2027, while staying grounded in the principles that got him there: quality, consistency, and care.

To Contact Damone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damone-armstrong-2300a543/