Playbook for Success

09 - Growth by Acquisition: The Realities of Buying and Scaling in 2026

What actually happens when you decide to grow by acquisition instead of grinding it out organically? In this first episode of 2026, we sit down with two operators who’ve done the hard yards and then stepped into the Champions League of business growth. Craig Brennan, Chairman of SK4 Holdings, and Eddie Ray, CEO of Progressive Education Group, share what it’s really like to buy, integrate and scale businesses in the children’s activity and education sector. No theory. No hype. Just real insight. We cover: * Why M&A can accelerate growth far faster than organic expansion * The financial reality behind valuations and multiples * Why people and management teams matter more than spreadsheets * What actually makes a deal succeed or fall apart * How to avoid “deal heat” and emotional decision-making * The difference between acquiring a business and successfully integrating it * Why financial sophistication becomes non-negotiable at this level Craig breaks down the numbers behind valuation in practical terms. Eddie explains the integration process and the 100-day mindset. Both are honest about the pressure, the learning curve and the mistakes. If you’re running a kids’ activity, education, sport or leisure business and wondering what your next move looks like, this episode will stretch your thinking. Because at some point, growth stops being about hustling harder. It becomes about thinking differently. Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

08 - Thinking Global - What the UK Can Learn from Kids’ Activity Providers Across Europe with Zooza

Want to grow overseas? Would Eastern Europe be the first place you’d think about master franchising? For many UK kids' activity providers, the answer is no. But maybe this episode will change that. We’re joined by Michal Dodok and Martin Rapavy, co-founders of Zooza, a smart admin and growth platform for children’s activity providers that’s thriving across Eastern Europe and now entering the UK. We dive into cultural differences, pricing models, how English is prized more than at home (meaning you might not even need to translate your materials), and what UK brands can learn from their European cousins. You'll hear why parents in countries like Romania and Slovakia are paying more for kids' activities than UK parents, while providers operate with lower costs. We talk about the deep relationships between families and educators, what makes a brand stand out abroad, and how UK businesses are admired for their branding and simplicity. So… what do you need to do to expand into these markets? And is your next big move local or global? Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

07 - Fear Less, Do More: Embracing AI Without Losing the Magic

AI in the Kids' Sector: Embracing Innovation Without Losing the Human Touch In this special roundtable episode of Playbook for Success, we’re diving headfirst into the world of AI – but with a twist. This isn’t a tech talk for Silicon Valley – it’s a practical conversation about what AI really means for the kids’ activity sector, alternative education, sport, play, and franchising. We’re joined by Mark Mollenbeck, Managing Director of Booking Autopilot, and Nick Wild, creative technologist and content innovator, to explore how AI can help businesses become more productive, efficient, and faster - freeing up time and boosting profit. We unpack how AI tools can support everything from video, audio and image creation to predictive and prescriptive analytics, which help you spot problems early and take smart action. But it’s not about replacing humans - in fact, the need for strong human input is more important than ever. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration. Don’t be scared of change - this is your chance to get ahead of the curve. Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

06 - Scaling Up: The Truth About Moving From Rented Spaces to Your Own Facility

🎙️ Owning vs. Renting: The Big Decision for Sports Coaches & Business Owners! Ever thought about taking the leap from renting spaces to owning your own sports facility? 🤔 Today’s guests, Mike Layfield (ML Sports and Fitness) & Rick (Junior Sports Stars), have been through it all - the risks, the costs, the surprises, and the rewards. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why they took the plunge into facility ownership instead of continuing to rent 💰 The hidden costs (including a shock bill that blindsided Mike! 😱) 📈 How owning a facility unlocked new revenue streams & future-proofed their businesses 🚧 The unexpected challenges—and how they tackled them 🏆 Their best advice for anyone thinking of doing the same 🎧 Listen now and let us know - would YOU take the leap? Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]

05 - Tim Freed on Automation and Some Handy Online Tools For Success

Mike and Mark chat with Tim Freed and discuss all things automation, handy online tools and new innovative platforms for digital marketing excellence! Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real [https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/]