"the best views come after the hardest climbs"

I'm an investor in UK-based companies and an M&A expert with a passion for creating opportunities for small-to-medium-sized enterprises to scale

Stephen Pratt

If there’s such a thing as an entrepreneurial gene, then I surely must have been born with it. My first job manning the school tuck shop aged seven was a crash course in charting my own path to financial freedom. Since then, I went on to join the RAF, became a corporate financial adviser, and turned business owner many times over.

Today, I harness all the knowledge, skills, and expertise I’ve acquired throughout my long and varied career to help UK SMEs grow and evolve. I particularly enjoy working alongside the original owners of the businesses entrusted to me. I help deliver scalability, profitability, and improved operations.

Stephen Pratt
Stephen Pratt

PORTFOLIO

My current portfolio of companies is primarily focused in two areas: SMEs in the Industrial sector and companies operating a reseller model

As a personal investor, I take the time to consider M&A opportunities that are a good fit for my portfolio and business skills. I want to ensure your company is in good hands. That’s why I only take on projects which I feel confident that myself and my partners can steer in the right direction.

For companies operating a reseller model, my investments are made with  my co-founder Steve Brogan at Ascot Capital.

For companies in the industrial manufacturing space, my investments are made with co-founders Richard Marshall and Keith Tudor at T3I Holdings.

Both investment groups have decades of valuable expertise at the helm and a track record of success.

2022 REVENUE

£44m

2021 REVENUE

£21m

2022 ENTERPRISE VALUE (EV)*

£28m

2021 ENTERPRISE VALUE (EV)*

£12m

*EV is calculated at market rates

Located in Coleshill, in the West Midlands, Oaklands Plastics have extensive manufacturing capabilities in plastic blow moulding, rotational moulding, compression moulding along with Steel fabrication. Manufacturing and supplying market leading products to the construction, traffic management and water industries, via an established distributor network in UK, Europe and worldwide.
SIIS are a family-owned ironmongers with locations in Kirkaldy, Dundee, Dunfermline and Edinburgh. SIIS takes pride in its long-standing commitment to their customer base across Scotland and indeed across the UK. Customers travel from far and wide to its local well-stocked outlets or make use of its online store.
Based in Rushden, Northants, King Tools has a history dating back the 1950’s and is a proud seller of Power tools, fixings, PPE, site equipment and more.
Nottingham Platers Ltd is a specialist in all aspects of decorative nickel and chrome plating finishing processes.
Express United Freight is a freight forwarder and international shipping agent based in Felixstowe that specialises in import and export shipments of goods.
Based in Dorset, Site Safety Ltd is a first-choice supplier of traffic management, site welfare, and construction site protective gear and equipment.
Frank Howard Tools & Fixings Ltd is an Essex-based supplier representing an industry-leading stable of power tool, hand tool, fixings, and woodworking tool brands.
Terratruck Ltd is an industrial tools, supplies, and equipment company with branches in Nottingham, Loughborough, and Leicester.

Case Studies

Every new business I invest in presents its own challenges and opportunities. Here you can explore a selection of highlight projects I’ve worked on along the years and the key lessons and results gleaned from each experience.

SIIS are a family-owned ironmongers with locations in Kirkaldy, Dundee, Dunfermline and Edinburgh. …
Previous
Next

Expertise

Through each project entrusted to me, I aim to build better performing, effectively managed, and financially stable businesses.

SMEs

Working alongside a network of world-class operators, I deliver big company experience to the small-to-medium sized sector. I work collaboratively with existing management to improve performance.

Mergers & Acquisitions

I make carefully considered SME acquisitions in the UK. I’m always happy to explore M&A opportunities with well-managed and far-sighted companies that present synergies with my existing portfolio.

Growth by Acquisition

Specialising in turbocharging the growth of a company’s Profits and Balance Sheet by acquisition, I assist businesses turn former competitors into strategic allies and create significant value in the shortest possible time. This is true explosive growth.

Private Equity

My private equity strategies draw from my extensive industry knowledge, investment experience, and operational expertise. I identify and develop the most attractive investment opportunities for your business. 

Stephen Pratt on stage giving a lecture with presentation slide in the background.

Public Speaking

I’ve been honoured to be invited to give talks at prestigious conferences and business events around the world.

I have accumulated a wealth of tips, tricks, and first-hand insights into how to invest in and nurture lucrative businesses. Known for my down-to-earth, easy-going speaking style, I enjoy connecting with fellow entrepreneurs to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned in my professional career.

Testimonials

Following an informal conversation with Steve, I was convinced he had the skills, resources, and business insight to carry the business forward in line with my vision. Thanks to his proactive direction, the future of the company is looking brighter, and our workforce has been well taken care of throughout the transition.

Martin Humphries
Nottingham Platers

Steve provided me with the comfort I was seeking to know my retirement and business were in safe hands. I highly recommend a discussion with Steve when considering an exit strategy for your business.

Steve Porter
Terratruck

When I began the process of selling my business, it immediately became clear Stephen was our best way forward. Post completion, I’m pleased to see the business is in good hands and our staff is already seeing the benefits and opportunities under the new ownership.

Frank Howard
Founder

Since we reached an agreement with Stephen over the sale of our company, Site Safety has benefited from the investment and experience of being part of a larger group, whilst maintaining its reputation as a trusted local company.

Mark Lutwyche
Site Safety Ltd
Previous
Next