“John helped Booker appraise the grocery and financial markets to help us deliver substantial shareholder value”

“John brings an invaluable independent perspective to our strategic, operating and financial decision-making, whether at a Board, Executive or Country level.

He has an in-depth knowledge of our business and broader industry and has a rare ability to quickly get to the heart of complex matters. His inquisitive but open style helps draw-out the key issues whilst also earning the trust and respect of executives across the Group.

Presentation of John’s findings is clear and impactful and is done in a manner to best deliver the requisite change from the teams. In short, John is a key enabler in driving insight and change across our business”

“John was a key adviser in enabling a successful sale process. He brought deep financial, sector and investor insight. John was instrumental in helping frame the investment case and disclosure; coaching management; and ensuring delivery of coherent financial information under tight timetable pressure and in a dual-track (IPO and trade sale) process.

In summary, John was a critical adviser to both the shareholders and management in this successful process.”

“Using John in your business is like having elective surgery – you know its not going to be comfortable but you’ll be better for it. He has an uncanny ability to ask the right questions, quickly identify the key issues and provide sound solutions. He’s refreshingly straightforward to deal with, provides clear substantiated opinions, and is adept at managing senior individuals who are the recipients of his view”

“From starting ‘on the other side’ of the transaction, it was quickly apparent that John brought much more to the deal. Beyond a clear grasp of the business and providing great reassurance on the financials, it was clear he ‘got’ the bigger vision and understood what was required to successfully bring-together Crispin, Carly and me as join main shareholders.

That Crispin, Carly and I all worked closely with and trusted John throughout, speaks to his abilities, style and integrity. He often went the extra mile to help deliver the deal. I’m delighted he’s accepted our offer to invest in, and be a director of Location 1, and be an active part of its exciting next phase.”

“John made an immediate impact from sorting our financials and providing of strategic input to more generally being a person Carly and I really felt we could trust.

The transaction was complicated given our retained active interest and involvement with inevitable conflicts that arise from that, yet John was transparent throughout and ensured alignment of all parties. He helped knit the individuals together which is why we were so glad to have him as part of the business going forward.”