🔥 Episode Overview:

In this high-impact episode, Mike sits down with Ashley Tott—entrepreneur, investor, and one of Sweden’s most sought-after scale-up advisors. With a background in corporate finance, private equity, and board leadership, Ashley brings sharp insight into how founder-led businesses can break through the €10m turnover ceiling and achieve repeatable, structured growth.

From recruiting his first Chair at just 27 to helping dozens of businesses install world-class board frameworks, Ashley shares why governance done right isn’t boring—it’s a growth weapon.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why so many founder-led businesses stall at the 100M SEK (~£7.5m) revenue mark
• The three core elements of a high-performance board
• What Ashley learned from private equity (3i) and global brands (Specsavers, Andersen)
• How to balance founder freedom with structure—and avoid burnout
• Why founders should treat the board as an accelerator, not a blocker
• How to spot (and fix) the biggest governance blind spots in your business
• Practical advice for CEOs: how to choose the right Chair, and when to bring one in

🔑 Key Takeaways:

“You can’t fix everything. Focus on what matters—and work relentlessly on it.” – Ashley Tott

• Scaling isn’t just about sales—it’s about structure.
• Founders don’t need to be ‘controlled’ by boards—they need to be supported by them.
• A great Chair is your growth co-pilot, not a corporate cop.

👤 About Ashley Tott:

Ashley is Co-Founder at Scalex Growth Partners, where he helps Swedish small businesses scale past 100M SEK through structured board development and founder enablement. A qualified chartered accountant and former private equity investor, Ashley brings 20+ years of cross-sector experience to his advisory and Chair roles. He’s known for his fun, entrepreneurial energy—and for making governance both accessible and impactful.

🔗 Learn more: www.scalexgp.se

🔗 Connect & Subscribe:

Follow Ignite & Scale for more conversations with founders, operators, and growth leaders who’ve built and backed great companies.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms
🌐 Learn more at: www.cambriaprivatecapital.com

© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

In this powerful kickoff to Series 3 of Ignite & Scale, Mike Allen sits down with Angela Montacute, the CEO of Digital INNK, to explore what it takes to scale a SaaS business in one of the most challenging sectors: automotive.

Angela shares the origin story behind Digital INNK, the moments that proved real product-market fit, and the hard-won lessons of building a lean, effective team while serving some of the industry’s biggest names.

If you’re a founder, operator, or investor in the auto-tech ecosystem, this is one not to miss.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

• Why solving real operational pain matters more than tech hype
• How Digital INNK approached product-market fit in a resistant sector
• The smart decisions that shaped scale without burn
• What other SaaS founders can learn from Angela’s journey
• What’s next for automotive software in the UK and beyond

👤 About Angela:

Angela Montacute is one of the founders and CEO of Digital INNK, a fast-scaling SaaS platform transforming the way automotive operators manage cost, compliance, and communication. Her background in automotive and technology gives her a unique edge in solving real problems with pragmatic, elegant solutions.

📌 Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Digital INNK
• Connect with Angela on LinkedIn
• Visit www.cambriaprivatecapital.com

© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

Ignite & Scale – Final Episode of Series 2

In the final episode of Ignite & Scale Season 2, Mike sits down with Dave Timmis, founder of Leasing.com, to discuss his 25-year journey in the UK car leasing industry. From the early days of ContractHireAndLeasing.com to leading the UK’s largest car leasing comparison platform, Dave shares valuable insights into:
• The Evolution of Leasing.com: How the industry has shifted from classified ads in car magazines to a fully digital marketplace that connects millions of UK lessees with leasing providers.
• Navigating Industry Shifts: The impact of Brexit, COVID-19, supply chain shortages, and how Leasing.com stayed ahead through technology and market adaptability.
• The Growth of EV Leasing: Despite reduced subsidies, electric vehicles (EVs) now make up 26.4% of leasing enquiries—why more consumers are making the switch.
• Consumer Trends in 2024: Shorter leasing terms, rising demand for used car leasing, and why compact SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson dominate the market.
• What’s Next for Leasing.com: The future of car leasing, growing demand for subscription-based vehicle ownership, and why Dave believes leasing is the future of mobility.

Key Insights from the Leasing.com 2024 Insights Report

We also dig into Leasing.com’s 2024 market report, covering:
• Average monthly leasing costs have dropped from £373 in 2023 to £342 in 2024, making leasing more attractive.
• Top leased models: The Nissan Qashqai, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.3 lead the rankings.
• Business vs. Personal Leasing: 79.5% of leases are personal (average £322/month), while business leasing remains resilient (average £420/month).
• Fuel Type Trends: Petrol leads at 49.8%, but EV adoption is growing rapidly, rising from 19.9% in Q1 to 31.1% in Q4 of 2024.
• Rise of Used Car Leasing: More drivers are opting for pre-leased vehicles, benefiting from lower costs and immediate availability.

👉 Download the full Leasing.com Insights Report 2024 for a deeper dive into these trends.

The best way to reach Dave Timmis is via LinkedIn:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-timmis-265468b/

Final Thoughts & What’s Next

This marks the end of Season 2 of Ignite & Scale. Thanks for tuning in! Stay connected via:

🌍 Website: www.cambriaprivatecapital.com
📢 LinkedIn: Follow for updates on Season 3!

🚗 If you’re interested in the latest leasing deals, visit Leasing.com

This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders, investors, and anyone looking to scale with intention.
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Ignite & Scale, host Mike Allen engages in a compelling conversation with Owen Edwards, an expert in automotive business consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP. They delve into the intricacies of scaling businesses within the automotive sector, discussing strategies for sustainable growth, the impact of emerging technologies, and the evolving landscape of automotive finance. Owen shares his insights on navigating industry challenges and offers advice for entrepreneurs and investors looking to make informed decisions in this dynamic market.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Scaling Strategies: Effective methods for business expansion in the automotive industry.

• Technological Innovations: The role of new technologies in shaping the future of automotive businesses.

• Automotive Finance: Understanding the current trends and future outlook of financing in the sector.

• Industry Challenges: Identifying and overcoming common obstacles faced by automotive enterprises.

About the Guest:

Owen Edwards is a seasoned professional in automotive business consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP. With extensive experience in the industry, Owen specializes in providing strategic advice to automotive companies, helping them navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

Additional Resources:

• Grant Thornton UK LLP

• Owen Edwards on LinkedIn

• Cambria Private Capital

This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders, investors, and anyone looking to scale with intention.
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

Jeff Barnes, Managing Partner at Angel Investor Network and Host of Angels, Exits, & Acquisitions

In this episode of Ignite & Scale - The Cambria Private Capital Podcast, Mike Allen sits down with Jeff Barnes to unpack his FOCUS framework—a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and investors alike. They explore:

• FOCUS Framework: Jeff’s step-by-step approach to building clarity and alignment in your business.

• Scaling with Precision: How to leverage focus to grow your business sustainably.

• Angel Investing Insights: What Jeff looks for in founders and why focus is a key differentiator.

• Generational Wealth Transfer: How to prepare for the historic $68 trillion wealth shift.

• Entrepreneurial Lessons: Jeff’s candid take on what makes businesses succeed—or fail.

Jeff also discusses his podcast, Angels, Exits, & Acquisitions, which dives deeper into these topics with leaders in investment and entrepreneurship.

Key Quote:

“FOCUS isn’t just a word—it’s a system. When you follow it, you eliminate distractions, drive growth, and create long-term value.” – Jeff Barnes

Connect with Jeff Barnes:

• Angel Investor Network Website

• LinkedIn: Jeff Barnes

• Angels, Exits, & Acquisitions Podcast

This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders, investors, and anyone looking to scale with intention.
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Ignite & Scale, host Mike Allen is joined by David Spickett, CEO and Co-Founder of The Car Crowd, to explore the innovative concept of fractional ownership in classic cars. Together, they discuss how The Car Crowd is democratising access to classic car investments, the intricacies of managing such a platform, and the passion that drives a community of investors and automotive enthusiasts.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Origins of The Car Crowd: David explains the inspiration behind founding the platform and the challenges he faced in making his vision a reality.

• Fractional Ownership in Detail: A breakdown of how fractional ownership works, the benefits for investors, and the process of selecting and maintaining these cherished vehicles.

• Market Trends: Insights into the current trends in the classic car market and how The Car Crowd stands out in this growing niche.

• Building a Community: How The Car Crowd fosters a passionate network of car enthusiasts and investors.

• Looking to the Future: David shares his vision for the future of The Car Crowd and potential expansion into other collectible assets.

Guest Bio:

David Spickett is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Car Crowd, a platform enabling individuals to invest in iconic classic cars through fractional ownership. With a background in finance and a lifelong love of cars, David is on a mission to make classic car investments accessible to everyone.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Car Crowd Website

• David Spickett on LinkedIn

About the Podcast:

Ignite & Scale is brought to you by Cambria Private Capital. Our mission is to provide listeners—whether founders, investors, or business enthusiasts—with exclusive insights from those who have successfully navigated the journey of growth and innovation.

Subscribe & Follow:

Stay up to date with the latest episodes by subscribing on your favourite podcast platform.

Connect with Us:

• Cambria Private Capital Website

• Mike Allen on LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions. © Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Mike is joined by William Taaffe, Chief Operating Officer at Lockdown Cyber Security, to explore the critical topic of cybersecurity for modern business leaders. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats that companies face. William shares valuable insights into the current cybersecurity challenges and offers practical advice on how businesses can proactively protect themselves.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Urgency of Cybersecurity: Why every business, no matter its size, should prioritise cybersecurity.

• Understanding Cyber Threats: William explains common threats facing organisations today and how they are constantly evolving.

• Building a Secure Foundation: Tips on implementing essential security practices, from staff training to robust security tools.

• Incident Response: Best practices for managing breaches and minimising damage.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to strengthen their cybersecurity approach and safeguard their organisations.

🔗 For more information on cybersecurity services, visit Lockdown Cyber Security.

© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.

Guest: Jeremy Evans, Chief Executive at Marketing Delivery

Host: Mike Allen, Cambria Private Capital

Summary: Mike Allen interviews Jeremy Evans to discuss how digital and CRM marketing are transforming the automotive industry. Jeremy shares insights on how data is driving customer engagement, the importance of personalisation in marketing strategies, and the future of digital tools in automotive retail.

Key Topics:

• CRM’s role in automotive marketing

• Data-driven customer engagement

• Future trends in automotive retail

© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.