In the fast-paced world of corporate acquisitions, where profit margins often overshadow the human cost, there stands a rare figure: Jack Mason, Group CEO of Inc & Co. While the media’s spotlight has occasionally touched on controversy, it’s the unwavering focus on saving jobs and trying to always do the right thing that truly defines Mason’s leadership. Since the inception of Inc & Co, Mason’s approach has consistently prioritised people over profits, offering a refreshing departure from the typical cutthroat business mentality. His mission? To rescue distressed businesses and protect the livelihoods of employees who might otherwise be left behind.
In an industry where financial bottom lines often eclipse everything else, Jack Mason‘s approach to business has been nothing short of revolutionary. His relentless drive to safeguard jobs, even in the face of economic uncertainty, sets him apart in the corporate world, especially in a time when businesses struggle to stay afloat. His commitment to this cause stems not from a desire for public praise, but from a deep understanding of how vital employment is to individuals, communities, and the broader economy.
The Heart of Inc & Co: Protecting Jobs, Preserving Livelihoods
Founded in 2019, Inc & Co has quickly grown to be a major player in the corporate acquisition landscape. With Jack Mason at the helm, the company has acquired numerous businesses on the brink of collapse, stepping in as a lifeline not just for shareholders, but for employees. The goal has always been clear: preserve jobs and revitalise businesses that still hold value, even if they are struggling financially.
In a world where buyouts often mean redundancies and streamlining operations to maximise profits, Mason’s approach is different. He understands that behind every company are people—families dependent on those pay cheques, communities reliant on those businesses, and industries enriched by the innovation of smaller players. This focus on job protection is what has fuelled Mason’s success and helped define Inc & Co as a company with a heart.
A prime example of this commitment can be seen in the acquisition of Baldwins Travel Agency, a well-known name in the UK travel industry. When Inc & Co acquired the company in September 2021 after the travel sector was severely impacted by COVID, it was facing significant challenges because everyone was banned from travelling abroad. Yet rather than gutting the company, Mason and his team revitalised it, preserving hundreds of jobs and keeping the agency’s doors open during a particularly turbulent time for the travel industry. Similarly, the acquisition of lifestyle brand Knomo London in January 2021 was a testament to Mason’s belief that businesses could be both profitable and people-centric. By saving these companies from collapse, Mason protected jobs and revived industries that were facing critical crises.
A Business Philosophy Rooted in People, Not Profits
What drives Jack Mason is more than just a desire to turn around failing businesses. It’s a deeply rooted belief that businesses have a responsibility to the people who work for them. This belief is not as common as it should be, especially in an era where many CEOs are criticised for focusing solely on shareholder value. Mason, however, sees the bigger picture. He understands the devastating ripple effects that unemployment can have, not just on individuals, but on entire communities.
In his own words, Mason has often stated that “businesses should be about more than just the bottom line—they should be about the people who make them work.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that is often overlooked in the world of high-stakes corporate acquisitions. For Jack Mason, it’s not enough to save a company on paper. He measures success by the number of jobs saved and the positive impact on the people working within the company. This is a business model that challenges the traditional profit-first mentality, placing a greater emphasis on the human side of the equation.
Real-Life Examples of Corporate Rescue
Under Jack Mason’s leadership, Inc & Co has made numerous acquisitions that have saved hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs. Beyond Baldwins Travel Agency and Knomo London, the company has acquired a range of businesses across industries—from retail to technology. These businesses were all facing significant financial challenges, but Mason’s unique approach gave them a second chance.
Take, for instance, the acquisition of Fast Web Media in 2019, one of the first companies brought under the Inc & Co umbrella. At the time of acquisition, the company was struggling to stay afloat. Yet, under Mason’s leadership, the digital agency was not only revived but became a thriving part of Inc & Co’s diverse portfolio. This successful turnaround helped save jobs that might have otherwise been lost and allowed the company to continue serving its clients without disruption, the company was later merged with Skylab.
Another notable example is the acquisition of Skylab Agency in 2021. Known for its work in digital innovation and analytics, Skylab was facing a challenging business environment. However, Mason saw the potential in the company and, with Inc & Co’s support, was able to integrate Skylab into its wider business portfolio, preserving jobs and allowing the company to continue its innovative work.
Each acquisition tells a similar story: companies that were struggling or failing are given a lifeline, and the people working for them are given a sense of security about their futures. In many cases, Inc & Co doesn’t just save jobs—it helps create new ones by revitalising businesses and setting them on a growth trajectory.
Leadership That Stands Out in a Cutthroat Industry
Mason’s leadership style is what makes all of this possible. In a world where CEOs are often characterised as distant, profit-driven figures, Mason takes a hands-on approach. He is known for being involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses Inc & Co acquires, working closely with leadership teams to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
His people-first mentality extends beyond just preserving jobs—it also influences how he leads his teams. Employees across the Inc & Co portfolio speak highly of Mason’s leadership, often citing his transparency, empathy, and commitment to their success.
This isn’t a CEO who simply buys companies and leaves the hard work to others. Mason is deeply involved in ensuring that each acquisition is a success, not just for the company’s bottom line, but for its people as well.
In interviews, many employees have noted that under Mason’s leadership, they feel valued and secure. One employee from Baldwins Travel noted that the acquisition was “a breath of fresh air” and that Mason’s approach had given them a renewed sense of purpose. Another from Knomo London commented on how Mason’s vision had helped them feel secure in their jobs after a period of uncertainty. These are not just anecdotes—they are testament to a leadership style that is as much about protecting people as it is about running a successful business.
The Social and Economic Impact of Job Protection
The impact of Jack Mason’s work goes beyond the companies he acquires. By preserving jobs, Inc & Co is making a significant contribution to the wider UK economy. Unemployment is not just a personal crisis for those affected—it has a ripple effect on communities, local economies, and industries. When jobs are saved, communities thrive. Local businesses continue to operate, families remain financially secure, and industries benefit from the stability that comes with keeping skilled workers employed.
Mason’s focus on job protection also sends a message to other businesses in the UK: it is possible to be successful without sacrificing people. His work challenges the notion that profit must come at the expense of jobs, proving that a people-centric approach can be a winning strategy for both businesses and their employees.
A Leader Who Puts People First
In a world where controversy often takes centre stage, it’s important to look beyond the headlines and focus on what really matters. For, that has always been the people behind the businesses he acquires. Through Inc & Co, Mason has proven that businesses can be turned around without sacrificing jobs, that people can be prioritised without compromising on success, and that leadership can be both empathetic and effective.
As the business world continues to evolve, Jack Mason’s relentless drive to protect jobs and his people-first business philosophy offer a refreshing reminder that businesses, at their core, are about people—not just profits. And in today’s economic landscape, that is a Jack Masonmessage worth paying attention to.
