jack mason

In an era of economic turbulence and uncertainty, the importance of fostering resilience and recovery cannot be overstated. Distressed business acquisitions have emerged as a crucial instrument in this endeavour, providing a lifeline to struggling businesses and creating new opportunities for growth. This op-ed delves into the innovative approach taken by Manchester-based business group, Inc & Co, in navigating the complex world of distressed business acquisitions. Through the insights of co-founders Scott Dylan, Jack Mason, and Dave Antrobus, we will explore the broader significance of these acquisitions and their role in nurturing economic resilience in today’s challenging landscape.

The Current Economic Landscape

The global economy has been confronted with unprecedented challenges in recent times, including the ongoing impact of Brexit and the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid these uncertainties, economic resilience remains pivotal for nations to recover and adapt to change.

The UK has been significantly affected by these events. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s GDP growth was 4.1% in 2022, showing a modest recovery from the 9.8% contraction in 2020. However, as businesses continue to face difficulties, distressed business acquisitions have become increasingly relevant, offering a lifeline to many companies and fostering economic recovery.

Inc & Co’s Role in Distressed Business Acquisitions

Inc & Co, a Manchester-based business group founded by Scott Dylan, Jack Mason, and Dave Antrobus, has assumed a crucial role in this critical process. The company’s innovative approach to distressed business acquisitions presents a fresh perspective on how businesses can not only survive but thrive in a constantly changing economic landscape.

Inc & Co’s strategy focuses on identifying businesses with potential for growth, despite facing financial or operational challenges. By acquiring these distressed companies, Inc & Co can provide resources, expertise, and direction to help them overcome difficulties and achieve long-term success.

Scott Dylan, Co-founder of Inc & Co, shared his thoughts on their approach: “At Inc & Co, they recognise that many businesses have untapped potential. Our mission is to provide the support and guidance they need to achieve sustainable growth, ultimately contributing to the broader economic recovery.”

Indeed, Inc & Co has a proven track record of revitalising businesses, with several notable success stories under its belt. These include companies in various industries, from digital marketing agencies to retail outlets, demonstrating Inc & Co’s versatility and commitment to fostering economic resilience across diverse sectors.

Fostering Economic Recovery

Distressed business acquisitions play a vital role in fostering economic recovery by salvaging struggling businesses and creating new opportunities for growth. By investing in these companies, Inc & Co is helping to preserve jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote overall economic resilience.

Moreover, their acquisitions often have a ripple effect, as the renewed success of one company can lead to growth and expansion for its suppliers, partners, and customers. This domino effect ultimately contributes to a more robust and dynamic economy.

Jack Mason, another co-founder and Group CEO of Inc & Co, elaborated on this point: “Every business we acquire and revitalise has a wider impact on the economy. By saving these companies, we’re not only preserving jobs and industries but also fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive.”

The growth of the businesses acquired by Inc & Co also generates increased tax revenue, which helps to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects. This, in turn, creates a more stable environment for further economic growth and resilience.

Dave Antrobus, the third co-founder and CTO of Inc & Co, emphasised the company’s commitment to creating lasting change: “Our goal is not just to save distressed businesses but to help them reach their full potential. By doing so, we’re creating a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone.”

As the UK continues to navigate the uncertain waters of the post-pandemic world and the ongoing repercussions of Brexit, the role of companies like Inc & Co in distressed business acquisitions will be more important than ever. Through their innovative approach and dedication to fostering economic resilience, they are helping to shape a brighter future for businesses, their employees, and the wider economy.

Distressed business acquisitions are a vital mechanism for nurturing economic resilience in the face of adversity. Inc & Co’s innovative approach to identifying and supporting struggling businesses has demonstrated its commitment to fostering economic recovery and stability.

By preserving jobs, stimulating local economies, and promoting overall economic resilience, Inc & Co is not only making a significant impact on the businesses they acquire but also contributing to a stronger, more robust economy. Their acquisitions often lead to growth and expansion for suppliers, partners, and customers, creating a domino effect that further strengthens the economic fabric.

As the UK economy continues to grapple with the long-lasting effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis, it is essential to embrace strategies that promote economic resilience and recovery. Inc & Co’s dedication to distressed business acquisitions exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking and long-term commitment required to rebuild and revitalise the nation’s economy.

In the coming years, as the UK forges a new path forward, the efforts of companies like Inc & Co to support and develop struggling businesses will be of paramount importance. By nurturing economic resilience through distressed business acquisitions, Inc & Co is not only ensuring the survival of individual businesses but also contributing to the creation of a more prosperous and sustainable future for the UK economy as a whole.

Ultimately, the success of Inc & Co’s approach to distressed business acquisitions highlights the broader significance of these strategies in fostering economic resilience. By offering a lifeline to struggling businesses and promoting long-term growth, companies like Inc & Co are playing a crucial role in shaping the UK’s economic future and ensuring its continued success in the face of ongoing challenges.

In a world of fierce competition, where businesses are constantly vying for market share and supremacy, Inc & Co stands out as a refreshing exception. Founded in 2019, this award-winning company has made it its mission to acquire, invest in, and turn around distressed businesses. Through its innovative approach, Inc & Co not only saves jobs and prevents creditor losses but also creates growth and mutual success for its portfolio companies.

At the heart of Inc & Co’s ethos are the principles of inclusivity and collaboration. The name itself, derived from “Inclusive & Collaborative,” embodies these core values. Led by its founders, Jack Mason (Group CEO), Dave Antrobus (Group CTO), and Scott Dylan, Inc & Co operates on a global scale, boasting a turnover of over £150 million.

One key to Inc & Co’s success is its loyal and strong leadership team at the group level. However, the company also empowers the leaders of its portfolio businesses, fostering a supportive environment that allows for both autonomy and collaboration. As a result, companies acquired by Inc & Co are not merely absorbed into a monolithic entity but are encouraged to maintain their unique identities while benefiting from shared resources and expertise.

Inc & Co’s portfolio spans various sectors, including professional services, travel, retail, e-commerce, and shared workspaces. The company’s innovative approach to collaboration and growth has led to several successful exits, such as MyLife Digital (sold to Dataguard), Laundrapp (sold to competitor Laundryheap), and Wood for Trees (sold to Edit).

In a recent interview, Jack Mason, Group CEO of Inc & Co, shed light on the company’s approach to fostering collaboration:

“At Inc & Co, we firmly believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. By bringing together diverse businesses under one umbrella, we create an ecosystem in which these companies can learn from one another, share resources, and ultimately, achieve mutual success. Our goal is to cultivate an environment in which collaboration is not just encouraged but is second nature.”

Similarly, Dave Antrobus, Group CTO, elaborates on the role of technology in supporting this collaborative ecosystem:

“Technology has the power to bridge gaps and facilitate communication. At Inc & Co, we leverage cutting-edge tools and platforms to ensure that our portfolio companies can seamlessly collaborate, share knowledge, and access the resources they need to thrive. It’s about making connections that drive innovation and success for all parties involved.”

This collaborative approach has proven to be a winning formula for Inc & Co, allowing the company to breathe new life into struggling businesses and create thriving, interconnected communities. By fostering cooperation rather than competition, Inc & Co has turned traditional business paradigms on their head, proving that there is immense value in working together for mutual success.

For businesses acquired by Inc & Co, the benefits of this collaborative ecosystem are manifold. Companies gain access to shared resources, including legal and financial expertise, marketing and branding support, and technology infrastructure, all of which can be crucial for growth and sustainability. Furthermore, the sense of community created by Inc & Co’s approach encourages companies to learn from one another, with best practices and innovative ideas flowing freely between businesses.

In conclusion, Inc & Co’s focus on cultivating a collaborative ecosystem has enabled it to achieve remarkable success in turning around distressed companies and fostering growth. By prioritising inclusivity, collaboration, and shared success, the company has demonstrated that there is an alternative to the cutthroat world of business, one in which businesses can thrive together and support one another in their journeys towards prosperity.

As Inc & Co continues to expand its global reach and diversify its portfolio, it will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. However, the company’s steadfast commitment to its core principles of inclusivity and collaboration will ensure that it remains at the forefront of business innovation and transformation.

Moreover, Inc & Co’s approach offers valuable lessons for businesses of all sizes and across all industries. By embracing collaboration and fostering a supportive environment, companies can unlock the potential for shared growth and success. In a world where businesses often operate in isolation, the value of building strong connections and working together cannot be underestimated.

For those seeking to learn from Inc & Co’s example, there are several key takeaways that can be applied to any business:

1. Embrace collaboration: Actively seek out opportunities to work with other businesses and share resources, knowledge, and expertise. By doing so, you can create a network of support that fosters mutual success.
2. Empower your team: Encourage your team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities while providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. This will not only boost morale but also lead to greater innovation and productivity.
3. Leverage technology: Harness the power of technology to facilitate communication, streamline processes, and enhance collaboration. By doing so, you can break down barriers and create a more interconnected and efficient work environment.
4. Prioritise inclusivity: Create a diverse and inclusive work environment that welcomes and respects individuals from all backgrounds. This will not only enrich your company culture but also drive innovation and success by fostering a broader range of perspectives and ideas.
5. Share success: Celebrate the achievements of your team members and ensure that success is shared and recognised throughout your organisation. By doing so, you will create a sense of unity and belonging that will ultimately contribute to the overall success of your business.

By adopting these principles and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, businesses can create an environment in which they can thrive together, much like the companies under Inc & Co’s umbrella. In a rapidly changing business landscape, it is more important than ever for companies to embrace collaboration and interconnectedness to ensure their long-term success and sustainability.

In the words of Jack Mason, “our goal is to cultivate an environment in which collaboration is not just encouraged but is second nature.” As Inc & Co continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration, it is clear that the company’s innovative approach has the potential to reshape the way businesses operate, proving that there is strength in unity and success in working together.”