Skip to content

Inc & Co: The journey so far 

By Dave Antrobus

As a founder of Inc & Co, I am proud to say that our company has come a long way since its inception. From a small team of entrepreneurs with a big vision, we have grown into a thriving business with a portfolio of companies in various sectors. Our journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, with some key milestones and achievements that have shaped us into the company we are today. 

The Beginning 

Inc & Co was founded in 2019 with a mission to bring together a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who could share their expertise, resources, and networks to help other businesses grow.

We wanted to create a company that could not only provide valuable services to other businesses but also foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. We believed that by bringing together entrepreneurs from different industries and backgrounds, we could create a company that was greater than the sum of its parts. 

How our acquisitions work 

We look at 3 main areas for a business which are support, turnaround & acquisition. Usually many of the enquiries we get from business owners are because their company has fallen into tougher times, and that’s where Inc & Co comes in. 

Our approach goes beyond simply adding companies to our portfolio. We believe in breathing new life into businesses, reviving them to their former glory or transforming them into something entirely fresh and innovative. Our diverse group of talented individuals brings a wealth of expertise to the table, enabling us to unlock the full potential of each brand we acquire. 

When we acquire a brand, we embark on a comprehensive assessment to understand its unique strengths, challenges, and market positioning. This evaluation allows us to craft a tailored strategy that leverages the brand’s existing assets and combines them with our expertise in areas such as marketing, operations, and technology. 

Our Diverse Portfolio: A Journey of Collaboration and Growth 

Our journey with Inc & Co has been marked by remarkable collaborations with exceptional brands. It all began with the Neon & CUHU agencies in Manchester, which served as the foundation for our expansion into new markets including on demand Laundry service Laundrapp. Soon after we acquired incspaces, which has allowed us to establish a strong presence in Manchester, Leeds, and London with our office spaces. 

In June to August 2020, we welcomed Skylab, Insight analysis, Wood for Trees, and My Life Digital into our growing portfolio. While My Life Digital eventually found a new home under German-based DataGuard, Skylab successfully amalgamated Neon and CUHU, creating a powerful synergy within our organization. 

Expanding into new markets has been an exciting part of our growth. In January 2021, we proudly welcomed the much-loved accessories brand KNOMO, followed by Chop’d just a few months later. These acquisitions became integral components of our Inc Retail division, diversifying our offerings and enhancing our ability to serve customers with excellence. 

September 2021 marked a significant milestone as Inc & Co acquired Baldwins Travel Agency through a multi-million pound takeover. This move propelled us into the travel industry, opening up new avenues for growth and expansion. 

In May 2022, we embarked on a new venture by creating King Street Grooming, Manchester’s first all-in-one grooming and treatment center. Offering barbering and aesthetics services, King Street Grooming quickly gained popularity and continues to see growth a year on. 

Undoubtedly, our most significant and challenging acquisition to date took place in August 2022, when Inc & Co group acquired the beloved Maker&Son sofa brand. This addition to our portfolio has allowed us to venture into the realm of luxury furniture, presenting exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. 

Each brand in our portfolio has contributed to shaping the path of Inc & Co. We embrace the challenges that come with these acquisitions, recognizing the unique opportunities for growth and development they bring. Our commitment to overcoming obstacles has strengthened our resolve and refined our capabilities as a collective force. 

The Future 

As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that our unique approach to business – bringing together entrepreneurs from different industries and backgrounds – will continue to set us apart. We are committed to expanding our portfolio of companies, and we are always on the lookout for new opportunities to grow and innovate. 

In Conclusion 

Our journey so far has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. We are proud of what we have achieved, and we are excited about what the future holds. As we continue to grow and expand, we remain committed to our mission of helping other businesses grow. If you’d like to learn more about the work that we do at Inc & Co then please get in touch.

author avatar
Dave Antrobus Group CTO and Co-Founder