Episode 28: Entrepreneurs at Scale : Jeremy Middleton co-founder of Homeserve

Welcome to another episode of the "Entrepreneurs at Scale" podcast, where we explore the journeys of some of the most resilient and visionary minds in the business world.  In the latest episode we welcome Jeremy Middleton. Jeremy  is a self-made businessman and angel investor.    After a career in brand management with Procter and Gamble, Jeremy spent a period in management consultancy with PWC before starting a series of businesses in partnership with Richard Harpin.    One of these businesses was Homeserve PLC (https://www.homeserve.co.uk/) , a multinational emergency repairs company, which went on to become a FTSE 100 business, employing over 10k people across Europe, the USA and Japan. HomeServe was bought by Brookfield Asset Management for over $5bn in 2023.    In 2000, Jeremy founded Middleton Enterprises Ltd, (https://middletonenterprises.com/) a successful family office investment company specialising in growth capital. This was set up with the intention of being the flexible, friendly investment partner Jeremy wishes HomeServe had in its earliest days. Middleton Enterprises currently backs several businesses, offering ambitious entrepreneurs in the early stages of profitability, both strategic and financial support. Key takeouts from the episode Entrepreneurial Drive (1:39) • Jeremy disliked working for bosses and realised that entrepreneurship was the path to financial and personal freedom. Crucial Partnership (6:31) • Detail of his partnership with Richard Harpin, emphasising the importance of mutual agreement and profit-sharing to their business success Securing Strategic Investment (15:04) • Lessons learned from negotiating with South Staffordshire Water, emphasizing the importance of pitching big ideas to decision-makers. Cash Flow Management (24:56) • Highlighting the necessity of understanding financials, planning, and the critical role of cash flow in business sustainability and growth. Thoughtful Exits (28:21) • Tips for planning a successful business exit, being open to sale opportunities, and knowing when to accept a fair offer. Enduring Legacy (42:21) Jeremy's focus on building a lasting legacy through Middleton Enterprises and philanthropic work, ensuring sustainable impact beyond his lifetime. Book Recommendation (45:15) Jeremy recommends Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography, highlighting the power of determination and persistence.  Top Tips for Future Entrepreneurs (47:32) Persistence is key. If something isn't working, make adjustments and keep moving forward. Jeremy emphasises the importance of adapting and staying committed to your goals. Middleton Enterprises Middleton Enterprises is a family office investment company based in Newcastle and London. We offer ambitious entrepreneurs, in the early stages of profitability, strategic and financial support to help them bring their dreams to life.  If you would like to speak to Jeremy or one of his team with regards to the work they do investing in ambitious organisations, they can be contacted at:  https://middletonenterprises.com/abou... VALUABLE RESOURCES Entrepreneurs at Scale Podcast - https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/sc... (http://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/sca...) Scale Up Your Business, coaching/consulting: https://www.scalingup.co.uk/work-with... (http://www.scalingup.co.uk/work-with-...)