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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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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This week Mike talks to Quentin Le Hetet
Quentin is the UK Country Director at GiPA, an organization renowned for its in-depth market research and intelligence in the automotive sector. Under his leadership, GiPA recently conducted the comprehensive "GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024," offering invaluable insights into the EV market, driver preferences, and the evolving landscape of automotive maintenance and care.
Mike and Quentin do a deep dive into the GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024, with growth in the EV sector and shifts in consumer preferences. They discuss the most surprising consumer attitudes toward EVs revealed in the survey, particularly regarding purchasing habits and brand preferences. Also the key factors driving the adoption of EVs in the UK and and what trends should consumers and industry stakeholders be prepared for?
Ask for the GiPA EV Drivers Survey 2024 report here or visit the GiPA's website. www.gipa.eu
Follow or connect with Quentin on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-le-hetet-07142a41/ or email Quentin qlehetet@gipa.eu
In this week episode Mike talks to Max Pog
Max is fully immersed in the world of venture studios having research the model extensively with a 7-month report called Big Startup Studios research and created a huge online community. Those that aren't familiar with the Venture studios model, also known as startup studios or company builders, are organizations that build companies using their own ideas and resources. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that invest in existing companies, venture studios are hands-on, actively participating in or leading the development of the business from the ground up. Max has run two of the largest venture studio conferences on Linkedin, each drawing over a thousand registrants; He's fostering a thriving community through the Venture Studio Family.
Max has been at the helm of creating three profitable ventures from the ground up: a successful e-commerce electronics reselling business that I he sold at 17.
In their conversation, Max and Mike delve into the advantages of the Venture Studios model and examine how they stand apart from conventional incubators and accelerators. They explore the criteria for selecting the finest venture studio and the advantages entrepreneurs can gain by partnering with one. Max also share's compelling success stories that have emerged from venture studios and they touch on Max's venture community, the growing interest from venture capitalists, and Max's insights on the potential evolution of the venture studio model.
Find out more about Max and Venture Studios
– Paper on venture studios https://inniches.com/startup-studios-research
– Linkedin https://linkedin.com/in/maxpog
– Our conference recordings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNwIhYfXY_Q&list=PLO8LnZLmikuv17Dk0xmIxkiwyMAxgn6DN
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This week Mike talks to automotive industry legend Glenn Mercer
Glenn Mercer brings to the table over three decades of expertise in the automotive industry, initiating his illustrious career in 1985 with McKinsey as a Partner in their Automotive Practice. Throughout his tenure, he engaged in numerous client projects, amassing a wealth of experience. Since 2006, Mercer has operated as an independent consultant, offering his services to a variety of prestigious investment firms such as KKR, Kleiner Perkins, and Baillie Gifford, as well as providing guidance to industry stakeholders like Ricardo, NADA, and NAAA. He has contributed as a board member to several automotive companies including Rimstock, Stackpole, and Grakon, served as an expert witness in legal matters related to the automotive sector, and shared his insights on automotive economics as a lecturer at esteemed institutions like Wharton, Coventry University, and CWRU. Before embarking on his journey in the automotive world, Mercer gained valuable experience at the CIA and BP. His leadership roles have included serving as President of the Society of Automotive Analysts and Director of the International Motor Vehicle Program. Glenn has also has owned 3 different NSXs (!), a WRX, an STi, a 928 and S2000 - Read and follow Glenn's Car Charts.
Glenn and Mike delve into Glenn's professional journey and explore the future changes in the automotive industry. They compare the distinctions between the US and UK, particularly in electric vehicles (EV), question why the industry still operates on a 'winner-takes-all' approach, and discuss the role of software in transforming the automotive sector.
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In this week's episode Mike talks to David Betteley.
David is an expert in automotive finance with a history of leadership roles at major firms like Vauxhall Finance, Toyota Financial Services, and Jaguar Land Rover. Now, as a chairman, he leverages his experience to guide companies through growth, funding, and strategic planning, working with Tomorrow's Journey, CrediCar and Right Charge.
Mike and David explore the distinct skill sets required for start-ups compared to large corporations, highlighting how these skills might not always be interchangeable. David shares insights from his experience as a chairman of start-ups, learning about these critical differences first-hand. Additionally, they discuss the current dynamics of car finance and the anticipated trends for 2024, offering their perspectives on what lies ahead in this evolving sector.
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This week Mike talks to Claire Richards, Principal Sustainability Consultant from Anthesis Group.
Claire Richards, plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses and organizations towards environmentally responsible and sustainable practices. She combines a deep understanding of environmental science, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility with strategic planning and project management skills. Claire's duties often encompass conducting comprehensive sustainability assessments, developing strategies to reduce carbon footprints and waste, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and implementing green initiatives.
Mike and Claire examine the importance of early-stage businesses embracing ESG principles, emphasizing how a comprehensive ESG strategy can support sustained success. They investigate how the adoption of ESG measures differs across various industry sectors, including automotive, and point out the unique obstacles businesses encounter while integrating ESG into their practices. Additionally, they discuss strategies for rapidly growing companies to expand without compromising their ESG objectives or losing their competitive advantage.
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In this week's episode Mike talks to Carwow Founder James Hind.
James Hind is the founder of Carwow, a revolutionary platform that has transformed the way people buy new cars in the United Kingdom. Before launching Carwow in 2010, Hind's insights into the automotive industry were honed through his background in finance and a personal passion for cars. Recognizing the challenges and inefficiencies consumers faced in the car buying process, Hind envisioned a more transparent, hassle-free approach that would empower buyers while also serving dealerships. Carwow, under Hind's leadership, has since established itself as a pivotal service, simplifying the car buying journey by connecting buyers with dealers in a competitive, yet fair, online environment. Hind's innovation not only redefined consumer experiences but also injected a new level of fairness and efficiency into the automotive sales industry, making him a notable entrepreneur in the tech and automotive sectors.
Mike and James discuss the evolution of Carwow, as James built the business, including the big calls, the wrong calls. They also discuss the motor sector themes and where Carwow is positioned today.
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Peter Cowley, is a Cambridge-based tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and speaker, has a substantial portfolio with investments in more than 75 technology startups. Formerly serving as the chair of the Cambridge Angels, he now holds the title of President Emeritus at the European Business Angels Network (EBAN). Additionally, Cowley is a board member of the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN), which falls under the umbrella of the Global Entrepreneurs Network.
In this episode, Mike and Peter delve into Peter's journey and knowledge gained from investing in companies. They explore current trends in the industry and offer a wealth of tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Find out more about Peter's work here including his investment book - The Invested Investor, Project Cancer, how Peter has turned his Cancer diagnosis into a project to help live with the disease and his latest book Public Success, Private Grief.
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IN this week's episode Mike talks to Douglas Lawson, Co-Founder and CEO of MarktoMarket.
MarktoMarket is a software platform providing data and analytics to professional advisers and investors to identify and connect with opportunities, value assets, map markets, benchmark performance, and more.
Mike and and Douglas discuss how Doug moved from a career in Fund Management to founding MarktoMarket, the challenges and learning curves that come with a startup and what trends is MarktoMarket seeing at the moment.
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In this first episode of Ignite & Scale Mike talks to co Founders of Bumper, James Jackson, CEO and Jack Allman, COO.
Bumper is a UK-based financial service offering an innovative solution for car repairs and maintenance. It allows drivers to split the cost of car repairs into interest-free monthly instalments, eliminating the need for upfront payment. With over 4,000 service partners across the UK, Bumper provides access to reputable dealers, independent garages, body shops, and specialist repairers. The service is designed to make car maintenance more manageable financially, offering a quick, paperwork-free pre-approval process online, and supports over 500,000 UK drivers, ensuring widespread coverage and reliability.
Mike, James and Jack discuss their respective backgrounds in start-ups, how Bumper's is evolving, the biggest hurdles, the Series B funding success, plans for 2024 and what advice would James and Jack give to give entrepreneurs who are looking to scale their business, particularly
in light of current market conditions.
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At Cambria Private Capital, we believe in more than just investment; we believe in nurturing potential, sparking growth, and building lasting relationships. Each episode is a step towards uncovering the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that define today’s business landscape.
So, whether you're here to find your next investment opportunity or to gather inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey, you’re in the right place.
