Guest: Stuart Widdowson – Co-Founder & Fund Manager, Odyssean Capital
🔍 Episode Overview
In this episode, Mike Allen welcomes Stuart Widdowson, one of the UK’s most respected small and mid-cap fund managers and co-founder of Odyssean Capital. With over two decades investing across public and private markets, Stuart shares deep insights on valuations, market inefficiencies, and why applying a private equity mindset to listed companies is one of the most compelling strategies in today’s market.
Mike reflects on a 20-year professional relationship with Stuart, from sell-side meetings to deep strategic discussions — and now, the evolution of Odyssean Capital’s highly engaged approach to unlocking value in underappreciated UK businesses.
💡 Key Insights & Takeaways
• Private Equity Discipline in Public Markets
Odyssean applies a focused, hands-on, long-term approach – more akin to buyout investing than conventional portfolio management.
• The UK Small-Cap Discount
Stuart believes many UK smaller companies trade at 30%+ below intrinsic value, with potential for significant re-rating as capital returns to the market.
• Static vs Dynamic Valuation
It’s not enough to buy cheap – the true opportunity lies in owning businesses capable of compounding value over five to ten years.
• Public vs Private – Valuation Inversion
Unusually, private markets now pay premiums over public equities. Stuart views this as a temporary anomaly and a major opportunity for quoted investors.
• Looking Ahead – The Next Decade of Opportunity
Engaged ownership, operational improvement, and overlooked UK quoted niche global leaders that could define the next cycle for UK equities.
🗣 Memorable Quote
“The irony today is that private equity managers are paying premiums for businesses that listed investors are ignoring in plain sight.” — Stuart Widdowson
📚 Resources Mentioned
• Odyssean Investment Trust (OIT)
• UK Small & Mid-Cap research on valuation gaps
• Public vs Private return dispersion studies
🔁 Connect & Subscribe
• Follow Ignite & Scale on Spotify / Apple
• Discover more at cambriaprivatecapital.com
• Follow Mike Allen for future episodes & insights
Host: Mike Allen – Cambria Private Capital
🔍 About This Episode
In today’s episode, Mike Allen sits down with Anthony Brennan, Board & Business Development Director at Autonomy, part of the MTC Group. Autonomy is redefining how dealerships and OEMs deliver digital experiences by designing platforms that combine freedom, flexibility and scale.
This conversation dives into how Autonomy was built — not just as a product, but as a philosophy. It’s about giving power back to teams, dealers, and customers through smart systems that enable rather than restrict.
🧭 Key Themes & Talking Points
1️⃣ Origins & Vision
What sparked the creation of Autonomy — and what ‘autonomy’ truly means in an industry rooted in legacy systems.
2️⃣ Scaling Gracefully
The balance between customisation for dealers and the discipline of keeping a robust, scalable core.
3️⃣ Team Autonomy & Culture
How Autonomy empowers internal teams to make decisions, innovate fast and remain aligned.
4️⃣ Customer Success Stories
Real-world impact: dealers and OEMs who have transformed performance through Autonomy’s platform.
5️⃣ Lessons for Leaders
Anthony’s top lessons on building autonomy into products, organisations, and leadership structures.
🎯 Who Should Listen
Dealer principals & OEM leaders
Founders in platform or SaaS businesses
Anyone scaling teams, tech or culture
🔗 Learn More
Explore Autonomy at: getautonomy.co.uk
More Ignite & Scale episodes: Cambria Private Capital
Show Notes – Strong on AI, Automotive 🚘🤖
In this episode of Ignite & Scale, we sit down with Devin Daly, founder and CEO of Impel, the first unicorn on our podcast. Devin takes us inside the incredible journey from investment banking to building a global AI powerhouse transforming automotive retail.
Impel now powers 36bn shopper interactions, driving over $9 billion in sales across 51 countries. From humble beginnings creating 360° product visualizations for fashion brands to becoming the leading AI platform in automotive, Devin shares how bold vision, smart pivots, and relentless focus on people and culture fuelled their success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Takeaways:
📌 Learn more about Impel: impel.ai
📧 Contact: info@impel.ai
In this episode of Ignite & Scale, Mike Allen sits down with Charlie Cook, founder of Rightcharge, to explore how a climate-driven mission evolved into one of the UK’s most innovative EV charging businesses.
What began as a simple comparison tool has since transformed into core EV charging payments software—a tech platform designed to make charging payments seamless and accurate for both drivers and admins. This evolution from spreadsheet beginnings to trusted technology partner highlights the company’s ability to pivot, scale, and seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
From spotting a gap in the market, to building trust with major customers, to connecting the dots between the original mission and the platform’s current role in the EV ecosystem
📌 Listen Now
🎧 [Spotify]
👉 If you’d like to connect with Charlie directly, you can reach him on LinkedIn.
More episodes at:
🎧 www.cambriaprivatecapital.com
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In this episode of Ignite & Scale, we sit down with Johan Sundstrand — serial entrepreneur and founder of Phyron, one of the most innovative AI scaleups transforming automotive retail.
Johan’s entrepreneurial journey spans over two decades, from building Kalix Finans in fintech (scaled to 60,000 users and acquired by Folksam), to founding Freya News (later acquired by Jabmo), and leading Jabmo’s EMEA commercial strategy before pivoting into automotive. Along the way, he’s raised over €60 million in venture capital and scaled multiple businesses across Europe and North America.
In this episode we cover:
👉 If you’d like to connect with Johan directly, you can reach him on LinkedIn.
More episodes at:
🎧 www.cambriaprivatecapital.com
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
🔍 Episode Overview:
In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with John Veichmanis, CEO of Carwow, to unpack his leadership journey and the bold vision he’s shaping for one of the UK’s most influential automotive platforms.
They explore:
Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor in mobility or marketplaces, this episode is packed with insight on scaling a digital platform while staying anchored in product, purpose, and people.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
In this episode of Ignite & Scale, Mike Allen sits down with Ken Cumming, founder of Redhead Automotive, a consultancy renowned for transforming dealer profitability across the UK and Northern Europe.
Ken brings decades of operational experience—from Toyota GB to global consulting with ASE—and shares powerful, no-nonsense insights on what actually drives results in the automotive retail world. If you’re a founder selling into OEMs or dealers, this episode is essential listening.
What we cover:
🔧 Ken’s journey from the shop floor to founding Redhead Automotive
📊 Why most consultants miss the mark—and how Ken’s team stays grounded in the real world
💥 How to unlock hidden margin in aftersales through workshop efficiency, diary management, and people performance
🌍 Lessons from Norway and the Nordics: What EV adoption and cultural nuance teach us about aftersales strategy
💡 How SaaS founders can better pitch ROI to dealerships—ditch the feature lists, focus on time-saving and decision acceleration
Ken’s approach is practical, human-centred, and laser-focused on making dealer operations more profitable—fast.
Connect with Ken:
👉 www.redhead-automotive.com
More episodes at:
🎧 www.cambriaprivatecapital.com
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
Episode overview:
In this data-rich and candid conversation, Philip Nothard, one of the UK’s most respected automotive analysts, joins Mike Allen to unpack the major shifts shaping the sector in 2025. Fresh from Autopalooza and the FT Future of the Car Summit, Philip shares insights from the latest Cox Automotive Insight Quarterly report and explains what they mean for founders, operators, and investors.
Topics covered include:
Key link:
🔗 Insight Quarterly (May 2025) – Read it here
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
🔥 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:
🔑 Key Takeaways:
“You can’t fix everything. Focus on what matters—and work relentlessly on it.” – Ashley Tott
👤 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:
👤 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:
© 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:
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
• 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:
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
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.
Guest: Steve Young, Managing Director at ICDP and IndeGo Consulting
Host: Mike Allen, Cambria Private Capital
Summary: Mike Allen speaks with Steve Young about the latest trends and strategic developments in the automotive industry. They discuss the evolving market landscape, the impact of new technologies, and key challenges facing the sector. Steve offers expert perspectives on leadership, innovation, and future growth opportunities.
Key Topics:
• Automotive industry trends and shifts
• Innovation and leadership strategies
• Market challenges and future outlook
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
Guest: Andrew Tallents, Conscious Leadership Coach and Author
Host: Mike Allen, Cambria Private Capital
Summary: In this episode, Mike Allen speaks with Andrew Tallents about conscious leadership and self-coaching. Andrew shares valuable techniques for founders and leaders to achieve personal and professional growth. They explore how leaders can develop emotional intelligence, foster strong teams, and maintain balance amidst the pressures of leadership.
Checkout Andrew's book - Self-coaching for Leaders: The unique and simple approach to living your personal and professional dreams
Key Topics:
• Conscious leadership techniques
• Self-coaching for personal and professional growth
• Emotional intelligence in business
For more, visit the our Blogs and Podcasts - Cambria Private Capital
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Daniel Briggs to explore how Motorfinity is transforming the automotive space. Daniel shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights into scaling Motorfinity, and the challenges he's overcome in the industry. The conversation also covers the importance of customer relationships, market dynamics, and leadership in a fast-paced business environment.
Key Topics:
- The origin and growth of Motorfinity
- Industry trends and customer focus
- Leadership lessons and business strategies
© Copyright Cambria Private Capital. All Rights Reserved.
In this episode, Mike Allen interviews John Miele about CarCare's innovative business model, the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, and John's journey in scaling a successful business. They discuss growth strategies, leadership insights, and the role of investment in driving industry disruption.
🔑 CarCare’s UK Expansion — Why John joined CarCare and how the platform is positioned to bring much-needed efficiency and profitability improvements to dealers across the UK.
🚗 Solving Dealers' Biggest Challenges — With the current market pressures, CarCare is helping dealers streamline operations, reduce lead times, and maximize their margins.
📈 The Power of Automation — How CarCare’s cutting-edge technology automates vehicle inventory management and sales processes, empowering dealers to stay ahead of the competition.
🔮 Future of Automotive Tech — What’s next for CarCare, and how innovation in lead time management will shape the future of the automotive sales industry.
Takeaways: Valuable insights into growing a business in a competitive industry, and how CarCare can help dealers in a challenging environment.
Contact John - john@car-care.co.uk / John Miele | LinkedIn
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