£8m to £14m and a sale to a VC: specialist enthusiast aftermarket business.

A UK specialist category leader in the enthusiast vehicle aftermarket. I joined as Operations Director, progressed to Chief Operating Officer, then Managing Director, and led the business through its growth trajectory and a sale to a VC buyer in 2024. This is the work that is the foundation of the JW Consulting playbook: the systems rebuilds, supply chain mechanics, channel expansions and senior team structures that JW Consulting now applies on a fractional basis were tested and proven here, in seat, at full operational depth.

What we worked on

• Multi-channel growth. Scaled DTC, marketplace, trade and wholesale alongside the core retail business. Built the commercial reporting underneath each channel.
• Supply chain rebuilt. Hands-on sourcing relationships including two years of direct China supply chain work. Re-routed inbound freight, rationalised suppliers, built proper inventory and replenishment discipline across a wide SKU base.
• Senior team built. Installed an operational leadership layer underneath the founder, then transitioned that layer to operate independently of MD-level input on day-to-day.
• Diligence-ready operation. Financials, processes, contracts, HR and IP documented and clean ahead of the sale process. Diligence ran smoothly because the work had been done in advance.
• Successful exit. Sale completed to a VC buyer in 2024.

Outcomes

• £8m to £14m turnover
• Successful exit to VC, 2024
• Senior operational team handed over diligence-ready