About

Michael founded Elderstreet Investments in 1990 and is its exec chairman. He was also chairman of Sage, the FTSE-100 accounting software group, until 2006. He is a specialist in raising finance and investing in the smaller companies sector.

Opinion

Challenge the status quo like Branson

The recent hullabaloo about the tender for the West Coast train franchise set me thinking. 

Opinion

The Roberto Martinez syndrome

The Wigan manager’s strength of conviction in his own strategy is a shining example to all business leaders.

Opinion

The height of ambition

From Dubai's skyscrapers to the iPad, bold visions of how things could be different have the power to transform the world we live in.

Opinion

Forget the nostalgia

If you think doing business is difficult today, spare a thought for the entrepreneur of 30 years ago.

Growth Planning

Changing tack and making changes in your market

We all know that from time to time that a market in which we are very strong has its problems, and this can in some cases seriously undermine one's business.

Opinion

So you still want to be an angel investor

Your second wife says you are mad and your friends tell you all their horror stories, but you still want to be an angel investor?

Growth Planning

Warning signs when raising capital from external investors

People often ask me what are the real 'turn-offs' for companies wanting to raise capital from external investors.

Opinion

Box clever

It seems obvious to state that good management is the key to business success, but in boom times this can all too easily be forgotten.

Opinion

Rules of investment

Here's my advice for telling potential investors what they really want to hear.

Opinion

Sage advice

In my experience very few successful businesses were started by a particularly clever individual.

Opinion

Richly deserved

The ongoing controversy surrounding bankers’ bonuses has made me think about how attitudes to wealth have changed in the past two to three decades.

Opinion

Making the right impression at a first meeting

Making the right impression at an initial meeting is as important in business as it is in personal situations.