What actually happens when you decide to grow by acquisition instead of grinding it out organically?

In this first episode of 2026, we sit down with two operators who’ve done the hard yards and then stepped into the Champions League of business growth.

Craig Brennan, Chairman of SK4 Holdings, and Eddie Ray, CEO of Progressive Education Group, share what it’s really like to buy, integrate and scale businesses in the children’s activity and education sector.

No theory. No hype. Just real insight.

We cover:

• Why M&A can accelerate growth far faster than organic expansion
• The financial reality behind valuations and multiples
• Why people and management teams matter more than spreadsheets
• What actually makes a deal succeed or fall apart
• How to avoid “deal heat” and emotional decision-making
• The difference between acquiring a business and successfully integrating it
• Why financial sophistication becomes non-negotiable at this level

Craig breaks down the numbers behind valuation in practical terms. Eddie explains the integration process and the 100-day mindset. Both are honest about the pressure, the learning curve and the mistakes.

If you’re running a kids’ activity, education, sport or leisure business and wondering what your next move looks like, this episode will stretch your thinking.

Because at some point, growth stops being about hustling harder.

It becomes about thinking differently.

Edited by Mike at Making Digital Real