Earlier this month, we welcomed John Toppin to Jigsaw Equity as our newest Associate Advisor.

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With over 40 years of experience in consultancy and leadership roles, John brings deep financial expertise and a track record of supporting founder-led, people-first businesses.

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John knows what it takes to scale a services business, navigate the complexity of fast growth, and prepare companies for successful exits. He'll work closely with our team and the founders we back, helping to build stronger, more resilient businesses.

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We sat down with John to find out more about his background, the lessons he’s learned and how they shape his thinking today.

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Hi John, thanks for sitting down with us today! Let’s start with some introductions – can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

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Firstly, I’m so pleased to be here! I’ve known and worked with Graham for many years, and I am delighted to be on board with Jigsaw Equity.

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Since 2005 I’ve offered specialist financial advice for owner-managed professional firms and agencies. Before that, I earned my spurs in a handful of prominent people-focused, founder/owner-managed businesses, mainly in financial roles.

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I started my career at EY, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, before moving to the global HQ of Saatchi & Saatchi — then the world’s largest advertising agency. It was led at the time by the famous Maurice and Charles Saatchi, and, as you’d expect, it was a fast-paced and exciting place to be. I was European Finance Director, supporting the firm’s international growth through acquisitions and market expansion.

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From there, I moved into change management consultancy as Commercial Director for Europe at a US firm expanding into the region. I then returned to FD roles — first at Kroll Associates, the global leader in corporate investigations, where I covered Europe and the Far East.

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Later, I joined The Triangle Group, an independent marketing business in turnaround, as Group Finance Director. After bringing the business back into profitability, I focused on preparing it for sale. We sold the now award-winning, high-performing business to Publicis Groupe, and during our successful earn-out period I was CEO.

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That time taught me a lot about harmonising financial success with creative excellence and world-class client service – through straightforward leadership and by engaging people.

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You’ve spent your career in people businesses. What do you like about that?

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People businesses tend to face similar HR, management and financial challenges, regardless of industry. When you’re growing a company that doesn’t sell a product, you rely on getting the best out of your people all the time. That presents unique opportunities – and common hurdles – especially when looking to scale.

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That’s certainly true in recruitment. It’s a highly cyclical sector and sensitive to external change, which makes sustainable growth especially difficult. Recruitment agency owners have a tough job and deserve their success.

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Recruitment agency owners have a tough job and deserve their success.

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I like the challenge that surrounds working with people-focused businesses. I enjoy helping owners get the most from their businesses, no matter their size or sector. And I especially enjoy working with founders to help define and achieve their goals – I’m sure Graham can attest to that.

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How will you work with Graham and Michael at Jigsaw Equity?

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I’ve worked with Graham before, when I advised on the growth of his recruitment business, GatenbySanderson, and I’ll be doing much the same with Jigsaw.

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I support Jigsaw in two ways – first, internally, helping it grow as a business and advising on the financial health of the companies it seeks to invest in.

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Second, I work with Jigsaw’s portfolio, acting as a  consultant to the founders we back. The aim is to drive stronger, more confident growth across the board.

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I hope that means I’ll be a valuable addition to Michael and Graham, and especially to the founders we work with.

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