THE DEALMAKER
WHO GETS IT DONE
Jon Graves is a Leeds-based entrepreneur, business acquisitions expert, and founder of Northern Telecom & Soda IT Group. He has completed 28 acquisitions in 6 years, specialising in distressed businesses and pre-pack deals.
FROM LAW SCHOOL
TO 28 DEALS
Jon Graves didn't follow the conventional path. After graduating from law school, he founded Northern Telecom in Leeds - choosing business over a legal career when most people around him thought it was reckless. What followed was anything but.
His first acquisition came out of necessity as much as opportunity. A distressed telecoms company was available at a price that made sense. Jon moved fast, closed the deal, and turned it around. Then he did it again. And again.
Over six years, Jon developed a repeatable playbook for identifying, acquiring, and transforming distressed businesses. The key insight: most people walk away from businesses in trouble. Jon walks towards them.
Today, Northern Telecom & Soda IT Group operates across multiple sectors with 87+ team members and £21M annual revenue. The group's three UK offices are a testament to what's possible when you combine speed, directness, and a willingness to do what others won't.
Now, Jon is sharing everything - through the Business Mutiny Podcast, The Acquisition Vault, and a weekly newsletter that pulls no punches.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Founded Northern Telecom
Graduated from law school and chose a different path - launching a telecoms business in Leeds with nothing but ambition and a phone.
First Acquisition
Completed the first business acquisition - a distressed telecoms company. The playbook was born.
Northern Telecom & Soda IT Group
Rebranded and expanded into Northern Telecom & Soda IT Group, scaling across multiple sectors.
20 Acquisitions Milestone
Passed 20 completed acquisitions, cementing a reputation as one of the UK's most active SME acquirers.
28 Acquisitions & £21M Revenue
The group reaches 28 acquisitions, 87+ team members, and £21M annual revenue across three UK offices.
Business Mutiny Podcast Launched
Launched the Business Mutiny Podcast to share the real stories, strategies, and lessons from the journey.
WHAT JON SPECIALISES IN
Distressed Business Acquisitions
Identifying and acquiring businesses in financial difficulty before they enter formal insolvency - moving fast when others hesitate.
Pre-Pack Administration Deals
Structuring pre-pack deals that save jobs, preserve value, and give viable businesses a second chance under new ownership.
Business Turnaround
Taking underperforming businesses and implementing the operational, cultural, and financial changes needed to make them profitable.
SME Growth Strategy
Scaling small and medium businesses through acquisition, organic growth, and operational efficiency improvements.
Telecoms & Technology
Deep sector expertise in telecoms and IT services, with a portfolio of businesses operating across the UK.
Deal Sourcing & Negotiation
Building pipelines of acquisition targets and negotiating deals that work for all parties - quickly and decisively.
WANT TO WORK WITH JON
OR COME ON THE PODCAST?
Whether you're looking to sell a distressed business, explore an acquisition, or share your story on the Business Mutiny Podcast - get in touch.