Alex Dodgshon

Manchester

In 2025, Paul and I are celebrating 20 years with Business Partnership. It’s not just a work anniversary, it’s been the backdrop to so much of our lives. When we first joined, our children were just five and two. Now, they’ve grown through school, university, and into their own careers. They’ve never known us doing anything else, and in many ways, Business Partnership has framed our entire family history, supported us financially and provided a rewarding career.

Looking back to 2005, our journey into business brokering started much like the journeys of the clients we’ve supported over the years. Paul had left his role as Finance Director for a privately owned SME, and I was being a stay-at-home mum after 17 years in retail banking. We wanted something we could call our own, something that would give us both control and flexibility. After looking at multiple business opportunities, we were introduced to Business Partnership by Alistair Glaze (who retired in 2024), and the rest, as they say, is history.

The world of business sales was very different back then. There were no smartphones, no social media, and sales particulars were sent by post rather than email. A fax machine was still a necessity. But from the very start, we made a point of listening, learning, and absorbing knowledge from those around us. Not only fellow Regional Partners but accountants, solicitors, commercial estate agents, HR professionals, and more. Even today, I attend events for what I might learn from the keynote speaker, as much as I do for the people I might meet.

Even after 20 years with Business Partnership, there will always be a business sector, deal structure, or emerging trend that someone newer to the franchise has more expertise in. That’s why collaboration across our office locations has been so critical. Business Partnership is a support network, and the knowledge sharing within our team is something I truly value.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Over the years, we’ve had to navigate recessions, Brexit, a pandemic, political instability, and more. Having both of us working in the business with no secondary income meant we had to make it work, no matter the circumstances. But that’s the reality of business ownership. Just like the clients we advise, we’ve had to pivot, adapt, and reassess along the way.

One of the great strengths of Business Partnership is its flexibility. It’s not a rigid, one-size-fits-all model. It allows franchisees to shape their business to match their skills and interests. Some focus on specific sectors, like engineering or hospitality, while others take a more generalist approach. It gives back what you put in, and for us, that’s meant full commitment for the past two decades.

What excites me most as we renew for our 5th term isn’t just looking back, it’s looking forward. The current team of Regional Partners is outstanding. There is fresh energy and diverse expertise and whilst I may feel like an ‘elder statesman’ at times, I’m still learning from those around me every day.

You can’t ‘complete’ business brokering. There’s always a new challenge, an emerging sector, a shifting market trend. That’s what keeps it interesting.