WE ARE A TEAM OF ENTREPRENEURS AND OPERATORS ON A MISSION TO ACQUIRE AND GROW UK BUSINESSES AND SUPPORT THE SUCCESSION OF BUSINESS OWNERS
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WE CARE ABOUT YOUR LEGACY
About Us
Spark Succession Partners is a privately-held investment vehicle formed to identify, acquire and operate existing private companies in the UK within the Business Services sector.
Led by our founder and CEO, Jason Kirkbride (FCA), Spark aims to take a hands-on senior management role in acquired companies.
We bring a liquidity option to business owners that are looking to retire from the company’s day-to-day operations. Our objective is long-term, sustainable growth, providing continuity to the existing business plan while creating additional value through extensive operating and growth experience.
We understand how important it is for owners to protect the culture they spent years crafting, and the attachment they feel towards their employees, clients and mission. That understanding is an integral part of our approach and we work hand-in-hand with existing teams to maximize a company’s potential whilst preserving its essence.
WE LIVE BY OUR FOUR FOUNDING VALUES
Our Values
Alignment
Collaborative and friendly approach ensuring interests are aligned
Stewardship
Excellent stewards for your business with business building and operating experience
Process
Quick and efficient process due to financial independence and industry knowledge
Security
Company culture focus and commitment to employee retention and empowerment
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Investment Criteria
We truly respect what you have built
- Strong repeat or recurring revenues
- Good organic growth potential
- Sustainable competitive advantage
- Capable team / second tier management
We seek what we know
- Accounting
- Financial consultancy and services
- IT service providers
- Other business services providers
We see beyond numbers
- Revenue >£1.5m
- Strong gross margins with EBITDA >25%
- Low customer concentration
- Strong, positive and stable cash conversion
We care about your legacy
- Owner seeking exit for non-business reasons (e.g. retirement / ill-health)
- Owner wants to step back from day-to-day operations
- Family succession issues
- Owner who wants meaningful liquidity/de-risking now whilst retaining future upside
Spark Succession Partners is supported by a number of seasoned investors, Operators, entrepreneurs and executives
The Team
Jason Kirkbride
Founder and CEO
Jason is a senior finance executive and board member with over 15 years’ experience leading and advising start-ups through to multinational mid-market companies in a variety of sectors including Business Services, Technology and Consumer.
Jason started his career in accounting within local practices in the Lake District, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and then spending a number of years in Corporate Finance / M&A in London and New York City for leading mid-market firms, advising entrepreneurs, businesses and Private Equity on fundraising, disposals, acquisitions, valuations and investments.
More recently, Jason has held Group Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) and Chief Operating Officer (‘COO’) roles for global businesses backed by Private Equity. He is experienced in building businesses from the ground up, building and developing management teams, developing and deploying strategy, technology transformations, scaling businesses, business acquisitions and merger integrations, delivering top line growth, process optimisation and value enhancement.
Jason's grounding in local accountancy practices, sifting through bags of receipts and creating extended TB’s (on paper) has provided an excellent base to grow his breadth of experience with a range of hard and soft skills.
He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Cambridge (Emmanuel College) and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW), Chartered Director (IOD) and holds the ICAEW’s / CISI’s Corporate Finance certification.
Jason grew up in a small market town in the Lake District where he developed a passion for rock climbing, eventually representing Great Britain at world and European championships. If only it was an Olympic sport in those days!! Jason and his partner, 2 children and English Bulldog love to spend weekends outdoors and travel as much as possible.
Experience: CFO, COO, Corporate Finance, Accounting & Audit
Education: MBA (University of Cambridge), FCA, CDir, CFq, BA Hons, BEc
