Hi everyone, and thanks for the welcome, Patrick. I'm Ismail, based in Kent. My background is operating rather than buying — I've spent 30 years running and transforming technology and service businesses, including taking a loss-making IT services company back to profit, and I've mentored a lot of founders along the way. So I know how to run a business; buying one is the new part for me, and it's why I'm here. I'm looking to acquire and personally operate one established, profitable UK business — mainly technology and service companies (IT and managed services, SaaS, e-commerce, B2B tech-enabled, professional and healthcare services), in Greater London and the South East. Looking forward to following the journey and learning from how others here assess deals. If I can ever be useful on the operating or turnaround side, happy to share what I've picked up. Ismail

Excited to be on the journey with you. Your wealth of business experience, unfaltering integrity, honesty and enthusiasm will be much appreciated by all.