In today’s digital age, data is king. The ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions and drive growth. Inc & Co, a global investment group, understands the power of data and has leveraged it to successfully acquire, invest in, and turn around distressed companies across a multitude of sectors.
Founded in 2019 by business partners Jack Mason, Group CEO, Scott Dylan, and Dave Antrobus, Co-Founder and Group CTO, Inc & Co was created to bring businesses together to improve their operations, marketing, strategy, and collaboration. With a group turnover of just over £150million globally, Inc & Co has acquired companies in various sectors including Professional Services, Travel, Retail, Ecommerce, and Shared Workspaces. The group has also successfully turned around companies, such as MyLife Digital, which was sold to Dataguard, and Laundrapp, which was sold to competitor Laundryheap.
According to Dave Antrobus, “data is at the heart of everything we do at Inc & Co. We use it to drive growth and make informed decisions for our portfolio companies.” As Group CTO, Antrobus oversees the technology direction of the company and ensures that data is integrated into every aspect of their business operations.
One of the ways Inc & Co harnesses data is through the use of analytics tools. By collecting and analysing data, the company can gain valuable insights into customer behaviour, market trends, and industry benchmarks. These insights are then used to inform marketing and business strategies for their portfolio companies.
In addition to analytics tools, Inc & Co also uses data to optimize their supply chain and logistics. By tracking and analysing data related to inventory levels, shipping times, and supplier performance, the company can make adjustments to ensure timely delivery of goods and reduce costs.
But it’s not just about collecting and analysing data. Inc & Co also places a strong emphasis on data governance and security. “We take data privacy and security very seriously,” says Antrobus. “We ensure that our portfolio companies are compliant with data protection laws and that their data is stored securely.”
Another way that Inc & Co leverages data is through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By training algorithms on large datasets, the company can make predictions and recommendations that drive business growth. For example, AI can be used to personalise marketing campaigns based on customer preferences or to predict which products are likely to sell well in a particular market.
But AI and ML are not without their challenges. “There is a risk of bias in AI if the data used to train the algorithms is not diverse enough,” explains Antrobus. “We take steps to ensure that the data we use is representative and that our algorithms are not inadvertently perpetuating bias.”
Inc & Co also recognises the importance of collaboration when it comes to data. By sharing data across their portfolio companies, they can identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. “We encourage our portfolio companies to share data and insights with each other,” says Antrobus. “This collaboration can lead to new business opportunities and increased revenue.”
In conclusion, data is a powerful tool that can drive business growth and inform strategic decision-making. Inc & Co understands the importance of data and has leveraged it to successfully turn around distressed companies and drive growth across a multitude of sectors. By using analytics tools, optimizing their supply chain, prioritizing data governance and security, leveraging AI and ML, and encouraging collaboration, Inc & Co has positioned itself as a leader in data-driven business operations.
As Dave Antrobus sums up, “data is not just a buzzword, it’s a critical component of business success in today’s digital age. At Inc & Co, we are committed to using data ethically and responsibly to drive growth for our portfolio companies and create value for our stakeholders.”
Inc & Co’s success in leveraging data can serve as an inspiration for other businesses looking to optimise their operations and decision-making processes. By adopting a data-driven approach, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and improve their bottom line.
However, it’s important to note that data is not a silver bullet. While data can provide valuable insights, it should be used in conjunction with other factors such as intuition, experience, and market knowledge. Data should also be used ethically and responsibly, with a focus on data privacy and security.
In conclusion, data is a powerful tool that can be used to drive growth and inform strategic decision-making. Inc & Co has demonstrated the power of data in their business operations, using it to successfully acquire, invest in, and turn around distressed companies across a multitude of sectors. By adopting a data-driven approach, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and improve their bottom line. However, it’s important to use data ethically and responsibly, with a focus on data privacy and security. As Dave Antrobus says, “data is not just a buzzword, it’s a critical component of business success in today’s digital age.”
