Aranstone is a privately held investment company focused on acquiring and developing established businesses in Southern England. We invest in companies with strong potential that require new leadership, strategic direction, or capital to move forward.

The firm is led by Jonathon Inskip. Jonathon is a seasoned strategic adviser and respected business operator with over thirty years of experience across the private, public, and charitable sectors. He has advised and supported organisations ranging from small, founder-led firms to national businesses with revenues in excess of one billion pounds. His work has focused on improving financial performance, restructuring operations, and guiding leadership teams through periods of growth, succession, and change. He is widely regarded as a trusted expert in strengthening business performance and organisational strategy.

Aranstone was established to bring that experience into ownership. Rather than advising from the outside, Jonathon created the firm to acquire and grow a small number of companies with the same focus and discipline he has applied throughout his career. This includes working alongside management, addressing operational issues, and unlocking value over time.

Our approach is straightforward. We focus on businesses that are well regarded but may have reached a natural ceiling due to succession, scale, or performance constraints. These are often companies that have delivered for years and now need renewed leadership and direction.

Aranstone is supported by a group of corporate funders, aligned investors and professionals who share this view of responsible business building. Together, we aim to develop strong companies that create value for their owners, stability for their employees, and meaningful contribution to the local economy in the South of England.

We look for one business at a time, give it our full attention, and stay involved after the deal is done.

If we agree to work together, you will deal with the person responsible for the acquisition. There is no corporate bureaucracy and no noise. Just direct conversations, proper due diligence, and a straightforward path from first meeting to completion.

We work with trusted lenders and co-investors to support the transaction.

We are flexible in how transactions are structured and can support a range of situations, including family ownership transitions, full or partial owner exits, management buyouts, recapitalisations, and deferred consideration arrangements. Where appropriate, we can also work with leveraged or lender-supported acquisitions, where that suits the business and the seller. If the company is stable and there is mutual trust, we will find the right way to make it work.

We understand that many SME owners face limited options when planning their exit. Liquidity is often difficult to access, and succession planning may not be straightforward. We bring investment structures designed to meet those challenges, creating both a reliable exit and long-term continuity. Where others may hesitate, we see the opportunity to maintain what works, support the people who deliver it, and help the business continue to serve its market.

We value what has been established, support the current team, and are committed to consistently enhancing areas that need development over time.

Selling a business is never just financial. We understand that, and we act accordingly.

We are interested in acquiring established, profitable businesses that meet the following criteria:

If your business meets these criteria, we would love to have a confidential conversation with you.