Business Buying Strategies from The Dealmaker's Academy

Host: Jonathan Jay Format: Live panel Q&A — Riverside Studios, Hammersmith Guests: Seven Inner Circle members   Overview Two big topics dominate this episode. First, the Inner Circle share exactly how they're deploying AI — not in theory, but in practice, right now. Then the conversation shifts to business partnerships: what makes them work, what makes them fail, and two cautionary tales from pane...

Host: Jonathan Jay Format: Live panel Q&A — Riverside Studios, Hammersmith Guests: Seven Inner Circle members   Overview The Inner Circle panel at Riverside Studios tackle one of the most important questions in business acquisition: how do you remain a strategic investor after buying a business, rather than sliding back into day-to-day operations? The episode also covers sector selection for first...

From First Deal to Big Exits: What Real Dealmakers Are Doing Differently Host: Jonathan Jay Format: Live panel Q&A — Riverside Studios, Hammersmith Guests: Seven Inner Circle members Overview Seven of Jonathan Jay's Inner Circle members — experienced business acquirers — answer unscripted questions from a live audience. This episode focuses on exit strategies, building deal confidence, and how to...

We continue our live panel discussion, recorded at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, with Jonathan and his inner circle group of experienced dealmakers. This isn't about tactics, it's about mindset. Because the real challenge in business acquisition isn't finding deals, it's what's happening in your head. Most people think success in acquisitions comes down to: •            The right sector •     ...

What's it  really like to buy a business? Not the Instagram version. Not the "Lamborghinis and Dubai" version. The real version. In this episode, Jonathan brings together a panel of experienced dealmakers at Riverside Studios, all of whom have completed multiple acquisitions across sectors including property, construction, accountancy, engineering, and more.  What follows is one of the most honest...

What happens when you stop thinking like an employee… and start thinking like a dealmaker? In this week's episode, Jonathan talks with Pete, a Masterminder who has gone from earning £50k a year to co-owning a group of businesses generating £6 million in revenue — all within just a few years.     Pete's journey started as an apprentice engineer. • One day a week at college • Meeting a future busin...

Buying a business isn't just about finding the right opportunity. It's about  structuring the deal in a way that works for everyone involved . In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies , Jonathan hands the microphone to his dealmaking partner Martin, who shares insights from a live webinar with Dealmakers clients. Martin has been directly involved in hundreds of acquisitions and is curr...

What Kind of Business Should I Buy? If you're thinking about buying a business, this is the question that determines everything. Not how to fund it. Not how to structure it. Not even how to find it. But what kind of business should you buy? In this week's episode, Jonathan Jay answers the foundational question every serious dealmaker must get right and explains why choosing the wrong business is t...

In this special episode, you're invited to listen in on a live panel from one of Jonathan Jay's recent Mastermind events — featuring experienced Inner Circle members who have collectively bought dozens of businesses. This is real talk from real dealmakers. They've battled through first deals, discovered unexpected sectors, failed forward, negotiated smart structures — and now they're here to share...

In the second part of our special two-part highlights series, Jonathan Jay dives into more of the most impactful, practical, and inspiring moments from the 2025 season of Business Buying Strategies . Whether you're brand new to acquisitions or have a few deals under your belt, this curated episode brings together essential wisdom from trusted voices in the Dealmakers community. Here's what you'll...

Kicking off the new year in style, this special episode of Business Buying Strategies brings you the best, boldest, and most instructive stories from the podcast in 2025. You'll hear from real dealmakers—ordinary people doing extraordinary things—who followed Jonathan Jay's proven acquisition strategies and transformed their lives. Whether you're starting from scratch or already own a business, th...

This week on Business Buying Strategies , we return to the behind-the-scenes recording of a live seminar where Jonathan Jay walks an audience of ambitious entrepreneurs through his proven approach to buying and growing businesses without using their own cash. Whether you're just getting started or you've tried the "DIY" route with limited results, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants a safer...

This week on Business Buying Strategies , we bring you something different — a behind-the-scenes recording of a live seminar where Jonathan Jay walks an audience of ambitious entrepreneurs through his proven approach to buying and growing businesses without using their own cash. If you've ever thought, "Surely this can't be possible?" — this episode will challenge everything you think you know abo...

In this special episode of Business Buying Strategies , Jonathan Jay pulls back the curtain on a pivotal moment in every dealmaker's journey — the point where you stop watching from the sidelines and take real, tangible action. And if you've been listening to the podcast for a while but still haven't bought your first business, this episode might just change everything. Here's what you'll discover...

In this week's episode of  Business Buying Strategies , you're invited to sit in on one of Jonathan Jay's live "Coffee with Jonathan" sessions — where he fields rapid-fire questions from aspiring dealmakers and delivers straight-talking, practical answers. From metaphors that make sense to advice that saves you from million-pound mistakes, this episode is packed with real insights, real examples,...

In this special short episode of Business Buying Strategies , Jonathan reveals what really happens at his live Business-Buying Foundation Course — and why it's become one of the most transformative events for first-time business buyers. Jonathan explains why he created the Foundation Programme for those who are tired of endless webinars and ready to learn in person — surrounded by like-minded peop...

In this straight-talking solo episode, Jonathan Jay reveals the  14 most common mistakes first-time business buyers make – and how you can avoid them. After a decade of mentoring hundreds of entrepreneurs through their first (and second, third, even 20th) acquisition, Jonathan has seen the same mistakes crop up again and again. Some cost people time. Others cost them tens – even hundreds – of thou...

This week, we take you behind the scenes of one of Jonathan Jay's exclusive Zoom coffee mornings — a live, unscripted Q&A session where aspiring business buyers put their real-world questions directly to one of the UK's most experienced dealmakers. No slides. No fluff. Just straight-talking, practical answers from Jonathan on everything from company structure and personal guarantees to due diligen...

In this week's episode, Jonathan Jay introduces Inner Circle member Martin, one of the sharpest negotiators in the business buying world. What follows is a complete masterclass on negotiation — packed with practical insights, real-world stories, and strategies you can put into action right away. Martin pulls back the curtain on how to approach deals with confidence, credibility, and control. From...

In this week's episode, Jonathan sits down with his long-term legal partner, John Andrews , for a masterclass on the legal do's and don'ts of buying a business. With over 250 deals completed for Dealmakers clients and three decades of M&A experience, John shares the essential legal knowledge every buyer needs — especially if you're serious about avoiding costly mistakes. Whether you're preparing f...

In this episode, Jonathan does something a little different: a live  Q&A session  with listeners and aspiring dealmakers. You'll hear real, unscripted questions from entrepreneurs across the UK (and beyond) – and Jonathan's direct, practical answers drawn from decades of dealmaking experience. In This Episode Why traditional "day-one finance + deferred consideration" deals are becoming outdated. T...

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, ov...

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 susta...

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.    Th...

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 ta...