Jack Mason, co-founder and CEO of Inc & Co, has officially announced his departure from the Manchester-based business collective after five highly successful years. Mason’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Inc & Co into one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-thinking business groups, particularly in the realm of rescuing distressed companies. His exit marks the end of a significant chapter for both Mason and Inc & Co, while opening up new possibilities for both.
Leading Inc & Co from Vision to Reality
In 2019, Jack Mason, along with co-founders Scott Dylan and Dave Antrobus, established Inc & Co with a bold vision: to acquire struggling businesses, restructure them, and bring them back to profitability. Unlike typical private equity firms, Inc & Co focused on long-term sustainability and the wellbeing of employees, aiming to revitalise companies rather than simply capitalise on short-term gains. Under Mason’s leadership, the group built a reputation for turning around distressed businesses in sectors ranging from retail and technology to travel and property.
Mason’s hands-on approach and strategic acumen enabled Inc & Co to successfully acquire and revitalise several high-profile brands, including Baldwins Travel, Knomo London, Laundrapp, and luxury furniture company Maker&Son. Each of these acquisitions presented its own unique challenges, but Mason’s ability to navigate these complexities turned these businesses into success stories.
Speaking about his time at Inc & Co, Mason reflected:
“When we founded Inc & Co, the goal was to give struggling businesses a second chance and the support they needed to thrive again. The results over the last five years speak for themselves, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built. Now, it’s time for me to take on new challenges, but I leave knowing that Inc & Co will continue its mission and keep growing.”
Rescuing Baldwins Travel: A Highlight of Mason’s Tenure
One of the most notable accomplishments during Mason’s time at Inc & Co was the acquisition and turnaround of Baldwins Travel, a family-run travel agency with deep roots in the UK, dating back to 1895. When the global travel industry faced an unprecedented crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baldwins Travel found itself at risk of collapse. Many businesses within the travel sector struggled to survive, but under Mason’s leadership, Inc & Co stepped in to save Baldwins.
Through a combination of strategic investment and operational restructuring, Mason revitalised the travel agency, ensuring it could navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. His focus on enhancing the company’s digital presence and modernising its customer engagement strategies allowed Baldwins Travel not only to survive but to thrive as travel markets began to recover. This move was widely regarded as one of Mason’s most impressive achievements, solidifying his reputation as a leader with a keen eye for spotting potential even in the toughest of markets.
Scott Dylan, co-founder of Inc & Co, praised Mason’s work with Baldwins and other businesses, saying:
“Jack’s leadership was central to the success of Inc & Co’s strategy. His ability to steer companies through difficult times was unparalleled, and his impact, especially with Baldwins Travel, will be felt for years to come.”
The Power of Strategic Leadership
Mason’s leadership style was distinct in its emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Unlike many CEOs who focus solely on financial outcomes, Mason believed in a holistic approach that balanced profitability with the long-term health of the business and its people. His hands-on involvement ensured that each business within Inc & Co’s portfolio received tailored support to address its unique challenges.
His approach with Knomo London, a premium accessories brand, demonstrated his keen understanding of market dynamics. When Knomo struggled to maintain its footing in an increasingly competitive sector, Mason spearheaded a complete overhaul of the business. By focusing on operational efficiency, product innovation, and brand repositioning, Mason turned Knomo into a profitable venture once again.
Dave Antrobus, co-founder of Inc & Co, remarked on Mason’s departure:
“It’s hard to imagine Inc & Co without Jack, but his contributions will forever be a part of the company’s DNA. He’s shown time and again that with the right vision and strategy, struggling businesses can be brought back to life. We’re all grateful for his leadership and look forward to seeing what he does next.”
A Smooth Transition and Bright Future for Inc & Co
Although Mason is stepping down as CEO, Inc & Co remains in a strong position for continued growth. The group has built a robust framework for identifying and turning around businesses, with a leadership team ready to take the reins and continue Mason’s work. Plans for a smooth transition have already been put in place, ensuring that the group remains focused on its core mission of acquiring and transforming distressed businesses.
Mason’s departure comes at a time when Inc & Co has firmly established itself as a leader in the business turnaround space. The company’s diverse portfolio of brands and sectors ensures that it can adapt to changing market conditions, continuing to deliver value for stakeholders, employees, and customers alike.
While Mason’s exit marks the end of his time with Inc & Co, it’s clear that the business group will continue to thrive on the strong foundation he helped build. The commitment to innovation, employee welfare, and sustainable business practices remains at the heart of Inc & Co’s strategy, and the company’s future looks as promising as ever.
What’s Next for Jack Mason?
As Jack Mason steps away from Inc & Co, the business world is buzzing with anticipation about his next move. Known for his ability to identify opportunities in challenging markets, Mason has kept his future plans under wraps, but many expect him to continue working in the field of business transformation, either by launching a new venture or joining another organisation in need of his expertise.
Mason’s track record speaks for itself, and his departure from Inc & Co is seen not as an end, but as the beginning of a new chapter. Industry insiders are confident that whatever he chooses to pursue next will be met with the same success and innovation that marked his time at Inc & Co.
Jack Mason’s Legacy at Inc & Co
Jack Mason leaves behind a powerful legacy at Inc & Co. His five years as CEO were defined by bold decisions, innovative strategies, and an unwavering commitment to turning around distressed businesses. From rescuing iconic brands like Baldwins Travel to transforming struggling companies into market leaders,
