Former client Jonathan Barker joins the BCMS team
Once a client – now a colleague! We’re delighted to announce that entrepreneur and business mentor Jonathan Barker has joined BCMS as Business Development Director, to focus on supporting clients and our network of partners.
Jonathan started Preston-based luxury watch-repair chain The WATCH Lab with a Prince’s Trust-backed loan, growing the business to a multimillion revenue nationwide brand, with branches from Southampton to Glasgow. In 2016 and advised by BCMS, he and his brother Jeremy sold the business to Watches Of Switzerland Group, owner of the Watches Of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb brands.
“I know from personal experience that selling a business you have built and grown is a truly life-changing, transformative moment” – Jonathan Barker
Jonathan has long been active as a BCMS Fellow – a network of former BCMS clients, who offer advice and support to owner-managed businesses. His new role at BCMS will include working closely with partner organisations – including accountants, business networks, coaching organisations and more – advising on business growth, exit and succession planning options.
Jonathan Barker said: “I know from personal experience that selling a business you have built and grown is a truly life-changing, transformative moment. It’s likely to be something you only do once, so you need advice, support and a great team around you, helping you make informed decisions.
“BCMS were my team, and I have long been passionate about the BCMS’ approach: generating a choice of buyers, focusing on the future, and delivering the best deal on the best terms possible. BCMS is a very different kind of corporate finance advisor. We know that deal-making isn’t just about numbers, it’s about relationships – and I am utterly delighted to be joining the business to help other entrepreneurs evaluating their next steps.
Liz Jackson MBE, Director, BCMS added: “In the year BCMS became an employee-owned business, this is another point of differentiation for us as a corporate finance advisor. Jonathan is a unique asset for BCMS, but more importantly he can become the go-to resource for advisors whose owner-manager clients are considering their growth, sale and exit options. If you want no-nonsense, straight-talking advice on what’s really involved in a business sale – here’s your answer.
“Jonathan can help BCMS’s partners to help their clients, bridging the experience gap, supplying unique, invaluable insights into the often complex and challenging M&A process. It goes without saying that he’s also one of the funniest, nicest men you’ll meet in business, too!”