About Aranstone
We are a privately owned company, investing in exceptional founder and family owned businesses across Southern England.
We are highly selective, strategic, and committed to creating lasting success. Our focus is on businesses where we can add real value through operational expertise, financial stability, and a collaborative transition process.
Who We Are
Aranstone was founded by Jonathon Inskip in 2024. With over thirty years of experience, Jonathon has advised business owners, senior boards of UK and international PLCs, government departments, ministers, and some of the largest charities in the UK. He has a successful track record of helping businesses grow and a deep passion for seeing people and companies reach their full potential.
Aranstone was created to ensure great businesses continue to succeed under long-term, stable ownership.
Rather than present a marketing version of what we do, we thought it best to let Jonathon explain it in his own words.
Dear Business Owner,
After more than thirty years advising businesses, I founded Aranstone to invest in the kinds of companies I respect most — founder and family owned businesses that have built something solid, lasting, and valued by their customers, employees, and communities.
Many of these businesses reach a stage where growth becomes harder. The market changes. Energy dips. Leadership is stretched. Even the most successful companies can hit a natural ceiling, where further progress depends not just on effort but on new perspective, structure, or investment.
At the same time, many owners find that selling is far more difficult than expected. Most investors are drawn to larger or more polished companies. They are looking for perfect stability, but in doing so they overlook something more valuable — strong businesses with real foundations that simply need new leadership and fresh momentum.
That is where Aranstone comes in. We are not brokers or fund managers. We are long term investors who take responsibility for the companies we acquire. We work directly with owners to create thoughtful, structured transitions — whether that means a full exit or a phased handover on your terms.
We are currently building a group of strong, well run businesses across the South of England. Our focus is on continuity, not disruption. We invest for the future, not the short term. And we look after the people and relationships that made the business what it is.
If you are starting to think about stepping back, now or in the future, I would welcome a confidential conversation. There is no pitch, no pressure, and no expectation. Just the opportunity to explore whether we might be the right next step for the business you have built.
Warm regards
Jonathon Inskip
Founder & Director
Jonathon Inskip
Director
Aranstone Investments Limited
Our Approach
Our approach is to acquire/invest in one or two new companies per year and focus on their success, rather than striving for a larger volume of deals and a “portfolio” return. We are purposefully focused on being deeply involved with an acquisition – this involvement can range from a full-time management position to being an active board member.
At Aranstone, we see businesses as more than balance sheets. They create jobs, support families, and strengthen communities. The best businesses are built on relationships, integrity, and long-term thinking, and we invest with those same principles in mind.
We take a responsible, hands-on approach to ownership, providing the leadership, stability, and investment each business needs to grow. Unlike traditional private equity, we do not buy to sell.
We invest for the long term, working closely with employees, customers, and leadership teams to build on what has already been achieved while respecting the identity and culture that made the business successful.
Aranstone is privately owned and backed by a syndicate of experienced investors, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate finance partners who share our commitment to responsible, long-term investment. This structure gives us the flexibility to tailor acquisitions to the needs of both the business and its owners.
By combining strategic insight, access to capital, and a deep respect for the businesses we acquire, we invest with purpose and patience. We are not chasing quick returns or forcing rapid changes. Our focus is on businesses that align with our values and have the potential to thrive under stable, capable ownership.
Our aim is simple: to provide a well-resourced investment partnership, a long-term home where businesses can grow, and their people, values, and ambitions continue to thrive long after the founding owner has moved on.
Why Work with Us?
We are long-term investors dedicated to preserving the legacy of the businesses we acquire, while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence:
We create exit liquidity
Our strategy allows us to create liquidity for owners to crystalise the value of their businesses in a highly tax efficient manner.
We acquire for the long-term
We invest for the future and are able to make decisions based on achieving long-term investment returns. Our strategy is built around stability, sustainable growth, and responsible ownership.
People first investors
We look at investments from the perspective of ‘who’ we are investing in, as much as ‘what’ we are investing in. People are the true value in our experience.
Hands-on Southern England focus
We focus on businesses in Southern England, where we can be hands-on, work closely with leadership teams, and provide the right support.
Highly selective & strategic
We invest in businesses that align with our values, have strong financial performance, and are positioned for growth.
Flexible owner exit/retirement structures
We work with owners to structure an exit plan that suits their needs, whether they want to transition gradually or step back immediately.
Open to turnaround situations
Whilst it is not our core strategy, we are open to considering businesses experiencing difficulties that require a turnaround to create value.
Considering Selling?
Call or email us for a confidential discussion about selling to us.