11/05/2026
We were introduced to Paul Daniels, whose new book shares the reality of building, growing and selling small businesses over a remarkable 60-year career.
Paul helped launch more than 20 businesses across industries as varied as food importing, self-storage, traffic signs and modular homes, while also backing and advising dozens of SMEs at early stages. No unicorns. No billion-pound valuations. Just real businesses, built by solving real problems.
What makes this book different is its honesty. It is not positioned as a step-by-step business manual or written from the perspective of a billionaire entrepreneur or career academic. Instead, it is a candid account of the highs, lows, mistakes, risks and lessons learned along the way.
Paul openly shares experiences many business owners will recognise:
• Managing cash flow pressures
• Hiring the right people
• Navigating fierce competition
• Knowing when to pivot
• Understanding the right time to sell
• Growing sustainably without losing quality
There is something refreshing about hearing from someone who has achieved multiple successful exits without chasing hyper-growth or relying on venture capital. His journey feels relatable, attainable and genuinely inspiring for everyday entrepreneurs.
This is not a book about building the next unicorn.
It is about building good businesses, creating opportunities, learning from mistakes and enjoying the journey along the way.
A valuable read for anyone growing a business, considering an exit, or simply looking for practical insight from someone who has truly “been there and done it”.
The Business Wizard - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1919359605