TESTIMONIALS
"I love working with both Ian and Stewart. Their judgement, experience, and approachability is second to none. Ian is an exceptional Board Chairman, he is so focused, highly intelligent, incredibly easy to work with and is my trusted sounding board. I really value his support, guidance, and willingness to offer honest, constructive challenge as it all helps to maximise our growth plans and also boosts my confidence in the decisions we make. Often, he knows you need something in your business, like a new team member with a particular skill set or a brand refresh, before you realise it yourself. Stewart brings an extraordinary depth of financial expertise. His experience is unrivalled, and his insight consistently adds clarity and reassurance when navigating financial decisions."
Rosie Mansfield, Managing Director, French Waterways
"Reaching this [MBO] follows more than five years of thoughtful collaboration with Stewart Lambert. His expert counsel and pragmatic approach have been invaluable in enabling us to structure a transaction from which everyone could achieve a successful result. Looking ahead, Expert Africa is energised to continue doing what matters most: designing the finest safaris, investing in our brilliant team, and strengthening our support for conservation and community initiatives across the regions we love."
Chris McIntyre, Managing Director, Expert Africa
"[We] are extremely grateful to Stewart and the wider team at Firebird for their expertise and connections, and the support they’ve shared to take our team to this very important milestone [of a partial exit with P.E. backing]. Stewart made the point at the beginning of the process that choosing an investment partner is more about working with someone that shares your vision and will facilitate more rapid growth rather than just focusing on the valuation – that was good guidance and we are certain we have found that partner in Mobeus."
Simon Whittle, Co-Founder, Distant Journeys
"After nearly two decades running the business it was becoming difficult to see the wood from the trees. Ian very swiftly injected direction, focus and energy. I feel as if the business is ready to grow rapidly as he brings his immense experience and knowledge of the industry to the task. It’s exactly what we need to take us to the next level and beyond."
Ali McClean, Founder, Artisan Travel Group Ltd
"The participation of Ian and Stewart has proved highly beneficial. Their grasp of what makes businesses succeed is sharp and focused and has brought out the best in the existing management team. We are confident that the next step will be a successful sale."
Alan Wilson, Chairman, Bon Voyage
"The result achieved on exit exceeded all of my expectations. Most impressive was Stewart Lambert’s ability to create tension in the auction process to increase the price."
Brian McGree, Explorers
"Ian's expert input and insights have been invaluable from the off, beginning with his rigorous business review. His approach is meticulous and thoroughly amiable, and I can see we are set to make strides on an exciting upwards trajectory. We greatly look forward to working with him on the board."
John Dryden, Director, Travel Editions
"Having been on the board with Chris while he was managing director, it quickly became apparent why he was in role. With his business awareness and calm, pragmatic leadership style, it left you in no doubt he was a safe pair of hands."
Dave Moreau, Co-Founder, Ski Famille
"It was a pleasure to work with the Firebird Partnership team whose in-depth travel sector experience resulted in them delivering a clear and concise due diligence report with sound commercial insights within an efficient timeframe."
Greg Blin, Investment Director, Mobeus
"Between Brexit and COVID this has been the most challenging period of my 30 years in travel. Ian has been and is our rock in a storm. Having an impartial external view on the business, who has sufficient understanding and experience has been invaluable. Ian's approach is both collaborative and challenging, always delivered in a balanced and fair manner."
Dan Fox, Managing Director, Ski Weekends
"Ian came on board as a non-executive director to help propel the business forward. His experience in the travel industry and diligence shone through very early on, prompting an intuitive confidence in him. Ian's technically-minded approach meant he provided analysis of the business in ways that had not been previously explored. His drive and ambition to succeed was clearly felt, whilst operating skilfully and ethically. Above all, Ian made communication straight-forward, and his involvement was rewarding to both the business and me personally."
Adam Heathcote, Founder and Director, Health and Fitness Travel
"The business review that Ian provided us with soon after joining as a non-executive director has been incredibly useful in identifying opportunities that we were too close to the business to see. He has helped us formulate a clear growth strategy and has provided sound, diplomatic advice based on his experience, quick grasp of detail and his emotional intelligence."
Keith Sharkey, Founder and CEO, Halsbury Travel Ltd
"Ian was always hugely helpful, compassionate and supportive in his interactions with our senior team at Tots To Travel. His immense experience within a wide array of travel businesses meant that he has 'been there and done that' which was reassuring. He came at the challenges we all face with insight, creativity and the ability to dive deep into the data, helping to develop workable solutions."
Wendy Shand, Founder, Tots to Travel
GET IN TOUCH
For an initial consultation to discuss plans for your company, contact Firebird today.
Email: ian@firebirdpartnership.com
stewart@firebirdpartnership.com
Phone: 07736 226118