Built Different with Steven Pettigrew

The Brutal Truth About Doing Business in the UK vs Dubai

Kai Crayford shares his incredible journey, from losing it all in a single day to building a thriving recruitment business in the tech and crypto space. Discover how he adapted, grew, and scaled Austin Werner from his bedroom to a global brand, all while balancing family and life in Dubai.
In this episode of The Built Different Podcast, host Steven Pettigrew uncovers:
• Starting a business with zero income
• Challenges of working with your spouse
• Building a niche team in crypto & AI recruitment
• Real reasons he moved to Dubai
• Why the UK no longer supports ambitious entrepreneurs
• Growth strategies, team structure, and the future of Austin Werner
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more raw, real, and relevant conversations every week.
Follow Kai Crayfordhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kaicrayford/
📲 Follow Steven: https://youtube.com/@stevenpettigrewinvestor?si=0avNRjeO6wkGRw6x
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpettigrewinvestor/
📧Work With Us: https://www.monopolicapital.com/instagram-bio
Podcast Partners Suited & Booted:https://www.instagram.com/suitedbootedofficial

Why 88% of Businesses Don’t Sell — And How You Can Be the Exception

Meet Jonathan Molloy — a dealmaker and acquisition entrepreneur.
We discussed how he's built a portfolio of businesses, scaled one company from £1.8M to £5M+, and now helps business owners grow, restructure, or exit, often through strategic acquisitions.In this episode of The Different Podcast, host Steven Pettigrew uncovers:• The real reason most SMEs never sell and how Jonathan fixes that• What consulting for equity actually looks like• Why ADHD, strict nutrition, and mindset mastery gave him an edge• How he evaluates businesses and when he walks away• What makes a founder actually "investable"From spinal surgery at 20 to structuring multi-million-pound deals, this is a story of reinvention, strategy, and relentless consistency.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes with founders and operators📲 Follow Stephen: https://www.youtube.com/@StevenPettigrewInvestorLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpettigrewinvestor/📧Work With Us: https://www.monopolicapital.com/

Building a Global Recruitment Network with Blake and Gabby - Built Different

In this episode of the Built Different podcast, host Steven Pettigrew welcomes Blake and Gabby from Inbound Talent, a successful recruitment company that operates globally.
Originally from South Africa, Blake and Gabby share their journey of moving to the UK, the challenges they faced in starting their business, and how their resourcefulness and entrepreneurial background from South Africa have played a crucial role in their success.
They discuss the dynamics of running a business as a couple, market focus, cash flow challenges, and adapting to global recruitment needs, particularly in the IT and telecom sectors. They also touch on the impact of AI in recruitment and their future plans for global expansion.
My Linktree: https://linktr.ee/stevenpettigrewinvestor
Visit: https://monopolicapital.com/
 
Blake's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakejoubert/?originalSubdomain=uk
Gabby's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellevanwyk/
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Entrepreneurial Spirit
00:43 Welcome to the Podcast
01:12 Blake and Gabby's Backstory
02:41 Life in South Africa vs. Scotland
03:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Business
04:09 Cultural Differences and Adaptations
17:03 Impact of AI in Recruitment
20:39 Working as a Couple in Business
22:44 Navigating Family and Business Dynamics
22:57 Defining Roles and Trust in Partnerships
23:28 Balancing Big Picture and Details
23:56 Handling Business Challenges Together
25:38 The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship
26:24 Recruitment Industry Insights
31:15 Adapting Business Models for Success
37:42 Global Recruitment Strategies
41:37 Future Goals and Aspirations
43:58 Connecting with Us

Beyond the Day-to-Day: Preparing Your Business for Sale - Built Different

In this episode of the Built Different podcast, host Steven Petigrew discusses the third key point from his webinar series 'How Much Is My Business Worth.' Steven emphasizes the importance of building a business to sell, highlighting that optimized businesses with great teams, profitability, and lead generation mechanisms are more valuable and provide owners with more time, money, and freedom.
 
He also stresses the significance of planning for an eventual business exit on your own terms rather than relying on uncertain pension systems. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, Steven offers practical advice on how to make a business attractive to buyers and why the best time to sell might be now.
 
 
My Linktree: https://linktr.ee/stevenpettigrewinvestor
Visit: https://monopolicapital.com/
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Series Overview
00:41 Why Build a Business to Sell?
01:46 The Importance of Planning Your Exit Strategy
02:55 Real-Life Examples and Lessons Learned
05:37 Making Your Business Attractive to Buyers
06:30 Strategies for Finding Potential Buyers
07:44 Be Ready to Sell Anytime
08:30 Conclusion and How We Can Help
 

Financial Wisdom: Navigating Money with Martin Macleod - Built Different

Find My Socials Here: https://linktr.ee/stevenpettigrewinve...
 
Martin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-macleod/?originalSubdomain=uk
 
In this episode, the host engages in a detailed conversation with Martin, the founder of Financial Health Club. They discuss a range of topics from the intricacies of financial coaching to the perils and benefits of stock market investments. Martin, a former stockbroker and chartered financial advisor, shares his philosophy on financial education, investing, and the importance of personalizing financial planning. They also touch on the cultural taboos around discussing money, the mindset needed for successful investing, and practical steps for managing personal finances. Martin emphasizes the value of starting early with investments, understanding one's financial goals, and building a solid emergency fund before venturing into the stock market. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to improve their financial health, including the potential benefits of financial coaching.
 
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup
00:36 Financial Coaching and Helping the Desperate
01:32 Casual Conversation and Personal Anecdotes
04:17 Starting the Podcast: Guest Introduction
04:34 Building a LinkedIn Following
07:01 Financial Health Club and Industry Insights
09:58 Stock Market Experiences and Ethical Dilemmas
11:43 The Importance of Financial Education
14:34 Challenges in the Financial Industry
21:50 Bitcoin and Investment Strategies
30:03 Day Trading vs. Long-Term Investing
30:54 Finding the Right Investment Opportunities
31:22 Understanding Client Goals
31:31 The Importance of Financial Values
31:59 Investing for Medium and Long-Term Goals
33:28 The Discipline of Investing
33:50 Learning from Experience
34:35 The Complexity of Financial Literature
36:56 Connecting with Clients on a Personal Level
39:08 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children
41:38 The British Attitude Towards Money
47:04 Practical Financial Advice
57:42 The Benefits of Early Investing
01:01:33 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information
 

Bespoke Beginnings: The Evolution of Suited & Booted with Dillon and Michael - Built Different

In this engaging episode, Steven, Dillon, and Michael discuss the intricacies of their tailoring business, Suited and Booted, highlighting the importance of authentic relationships and customer service. They share insights into managing client expectations, maintaining a high standard of personalized service, and the strategic importance of partnerships for brand growth. The conversation also delves into personal development, overcoming business challenges, and growth strategies for expanding their tailoring business both locally and internationally. The guests reflect on their journey, sharing stories of challenges, successes, and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive look at what it takes to run a premium tailoring brand.
 
The Suited and Booted Website: https://suitedbooted.com/
 
Dillon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillon-arthur-4a5b7a12a/?originalSubdomain=uk
 
Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dixon-aa6713a3/?originalSubdomain=uk
 
Timestamps:
 
00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter
00:15 Discussing YouTube Views and Editing
01:13 Comfort in Shared Experiences
01:21 Marketing and Reels
02:32 Insights on Success and Confidence
03:05 Business Partners and Pedestals
04:59 Football and Passion
08:09 Golf and Clutch Performers
09:39 Starting the Podcast Properly
10:58 Suits and Business in Dubai
16:25 Customer Service Philosophy
32:21 Podcast Highlights and Identity Shifts
33:21 Growing Up in a Family Business
34:29 Lessons from Business Failures
36:11 The Beauty in Pain and Personal Growth
38:53 Embracing Vulnerability and New Challenges
41:14 The Importance of Strategic Partnerships
46:58 Launching the Glasgow Store
53:58 Networking and Social Batteries
01:02:50 Future Plans and Expansion
01:06:41 Conclusion and Gratitude
 

Why Selling Your Business Through a Broker Might Be A Mistake - Built Different

In this episode of the Built Different podcast, host Stephen Pettigrew delves into a recent webinar on the true worth of small to medium-sized businesses, emphasizing key misconceptions about valuing and selling businesses. Pettigrew argues against using business brokers, citing their tendency to inflate valuations and create friction in the sale process. He underscores the complexity of selling a business, noting the current buyer's market driven by the influx of baby boomer-owned businesses. Steven also stresses that high revenue does not equate to high value and that profit and systems are crucial for making a business attractive to buyers. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from experienced individuals and not rely on brokers or Google for accurate business valuations. For more insights, Pettigrew directs listeners to his LinkedIn and his company website, Monopoly Capital.
 
Timestamps:
 
00:00 Introduction to Business Valuation
00:48 Common Misconceptions About Business Brokers
06:52 The Reality of Business Valuation
08:19 Preparing Your Business for Sale
10:31 Conclusion and Next Steps
 

Building Success: From Setbacks to Strategic Growth with Billy Farrell - Built Different

In this episode, Billy Farrell shares his experiences from attending a recent wedding to falling asleep in a taxi, something he had never done before. He delves into his journey of overcoming adversity, from hitting rock bottom to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Farrell emphasizes the transformative impact of reading Tony Robbins and how it changed his outlook on life and business. With an extensive background in various companies and now focusing on his new venture, Mayhem Marketing, Farrell discusses the importance of mentorship, the impact of social media on today's youth, and his commitment to helping businesses through strategic and innovative marketing solutions. He underscores that true success lies in being focused, strategic, and resilient, and highlights his dedication to his clients and their growth.
 
Find My Socials Here: https://linktr.ee/stevenpettigrewinvestor
 
Billy Farrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyfarrell/?originalSubdomain=uk
 
Timestamps:
 
00:00 Wedding Memories and Funny Anecdotes
01:50 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:42 Guest's Background and Business Journey
05:09 The Philosophy Behind Mayhem Marketing
06:36 Early Business Struggles and Lessons Learned
09:26 Mentorship and Influences
19:53 The Importance of Environment and Social Media Influence
22:56 The Case for Social Media Identification
23:54 The Impact of Social Media on Kids
25:18 The Problem with Online Bullying
28:49 The Misconceptions of Success and Happiness
29:59 The Challenges of Modern Entrepreneurship
33:54 The Importance of Aggressive Marketing
44:14 The Personal Touch in Marketing
46:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
 

Buy a Business Without Breaking the Bank: Insider Strategies - Built Different

In this solo episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Stephen Pettigrew dives into various strategies for buying a business without using your own money. He discusses the risks and benefits of different approaches, including leverage buyouts (LBOs), seller financing, consulting for equity, and using investor funds. Stephen shares insights from his own experiences and provides practical advice on structuring deals to protect buyers from potential pitfalls. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding personal guarantees and offers additional resources for those looking to learn more about business acquisitions.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts
01:16 Welcome to the Built Different Podcast
01:59 Why Buy a Business?
03:17 Understanding Leverage Buyouts (LBOs)
04:07 Risks of Leveraged Buyouts
06:17 Alternative Business Buying Strategies
06:43 Seller Financing Explained
09:00 Consulting for Equity
11:12 Using Investor Funds
12:03 Conclusion and Additional Resources
 

The Hidden Dangers of Personal Guarantees for Business Owners

In this solo episode of the Built Different Podcast, host Stephen Pettigrew delves into the topic of personal guarantees (PGs) in business loans. He explains what personal guarantees are, why business owners, particularly those with limited companies, should avoid signing them, and how they can cause severe financial and personal consequences if not managed properly. Stephen shares actual case studies of businesses that faced significant troubles due to PGs and provides practical solutions for mitigating their impact. He also offers advice on seeking alternative funding options that do not require personal guarantees and highlights the importance of professional legal advice in managing PGs. For business owners in need of support, Stephen invites them to reach out through the Monopoly Capital website or his LinkedIn profile.
 
 
00:00 Introduction to Personal Guarantees
00:52 Understanding Personal Guarantees
03:00 The Risks of Personal Guarantees
03:35 Real-Life Examples of PG Failures
06:56 Solutions and Legal Support
08:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information