Legendary dealmaker Barry Nightingale is the latest guest on The Dealmaker Uncut Podcast.
The podcast is hosted by Jonathan Boyers, head of Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Finance team, and BusinessCloud’s executive editor Chris Maguire.
In every episode Boyers and Maguire interview a special guest from the world of business and get inside the heart of the deal.
Nightingale is the straight-talking Northerner with a reputation for getting deals done.
During a stellar career he’s worked with some of the best known names in business – including webuyanycar founders Noel and Darren McKee; BetFred’s billionaire founder Fred Done; and easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
Nightingale said being a good listener is pivotal when working with successful entrepreneurs.
“I’ve always been a great listener,” he said. “I take onboard the situation and I always try and find empathy with the individuals.”
Nightingale has specialised in financing and has a track record of being involved in some of the country’s biggest deals.
“I’ve always been involved in dealmaking but from the side of the client,” he said.
In 2011 he was the flat cap-wearing FD of BetFred when he oversaw the £265m deal to buy the Tote.
He described the deal as a victory for ‘flat caps over top hats’ and he went on to be crowned 2011 Dealmaker of the Year.
In this episode of The Dealmaker Uncut podcast, Nightingale also speaks about the sale of Yearsley Group to US-based Lineage Logistics Holding in 2008 and his involvement in data analytics company wejo, which went into administration.
Barry Nightingale and Jonathan Boyers in The Dealmaker Uncut podcast
Nightingale also explains why cashflow is king in business.
“Have clarity of vision around funding,” he said. “Cash is king. I’ve worked with some hugely successful, well-funded businesses and some that are on an absolute shoestring, and it’s always the cash that causes the problem – or the lack of cash. I’ve always given great focus to cashflow.”
Nightingale also recalls why a tray of cream cakes were crucial in one deal he was involved in.
The Dealmaker Uncut podcast has a five star rating has been produced by Manchester-based What Media.