MARTIN PORT
Entrepreneur, business adviser, philanthropist and angel investor
Martin Port is a UK-based serial entrepreneur and angel investor on a mission to support and grow businesses with the potential to hit unicorn status (a $1bn valuation).
In 2024, he started his latest venture, Build Concierge, which aims to become the UK’s go-to home service provider, helping homeowners source top tradespeople for their emergency repairs and home improvements.
Martin has already built three successful companies during the course of his career. Prior to Build Concierge, he founded B2B software platform BigChange. From a standing start in 2013, BigChange was valued at £100m just eight years later, following a £75m investment by Boston-based Great Hill Partners.
BigChange became one of the leading employers in Yorkshire and a recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – one of the highest official honours for UK companies. In 2024, its enterprise value jumped to more than £300m when it was acquired by global leader Simpro Group. Martin remains a shareholder, following the deal.
Martin is a great believer in giving back to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and is a keen angel investor and supporter of other fast-growing companies. His angel investments include: Handshaik, Rated People, Panintelligence, Electron Green, and StoriBoard.
Martin is a committed philanthropist, who is currently supporting more than 60 charities and third sector organisations through his registered charity, the Amanda and Martin Port Foundation.
Build Concierge raises $5m, appoints industry heavyweights to board
Build Concierge, has raised $5.1m (£3.8m) in seed funding from a consortium of private investors. The deal values the year-old start-up at £35m.
BigChange celebrates its 10th birthday
New Year’s Day 2023 is a very special time for BigChange: we will celebrate our tenth birthday.
Martin Port completes six-figure investment into data analytics solution Panintelligence
Martin Port has completed a six-figure investment into analytics solution Panintelligence, which helps companies capture and analyse data in real-time.
Martin Port leads funding round into Rated People
Martin Port is the lead investor in a funding round for online tradesperson platform Rated People, joining existing investors Frog Capital, Downing Ventures and Channel 4.
Investment into BigChange by Great Hill Partners
BigChange is excited to announce that US investment firm has invested £75m in the business, valuing BigChange at £100m. Read here what the deal means for future business growth.
There are so many ways to give back as an entrepreneur: Why I’m an adviser at MoreLife
There are so many benefits to giving your time to exciting businesses. That’s why I’ve joined healthy living company MoreLife as an adviser.
How are you planning to reach net zero?
Every business owner must stand up and be counted as the world moves towards net zero. We must take urgent steps to tackle climate change.
Let’s do it. Let’s save the world
The global small business community needs to turn its attention to the climate change crisis. Any action is better than doing nothing.
Flying the green flag – why we highlight exceptional performance
BigChange wants to help business owners make their teams feel valued and important, which is why we’ve launched a ‘green flag’ tool.
Chairman’s Spotlight: the couple helping protect our access to clean water
The best businesses are borne out of necessity. Perhaps there’s a customer need that cannot be ignored, or it could be a personal imperative.
Chairman’s spotlight: the man championing Britain’s gardeners
One of the reasons I so enjoy meeting BigChange customers is that the conversations we have always expand my mind and show me new perspectives.
Chairman’s Spotlight on Andy Patterson, founder of Automotive Group
“I can’t sit still. I’m always on the go and constantly coming up with new ideas.”
Leaders: don’t be taken in by the sunk cost fallacy
There have been times in my life when I have spent a chunk of change on a project, only to realise that I’ve bought the wrong technology or gone down a blind alley.
Here’s how UK business can fight rising costs
As petrol prices hit 150p a litre, mortgage repossessions shoot up 15%, and economists warn that the UK is heading towards a contraction in the current quarter, business owners are forgiven for feeling the jitters.
Humans, not chatbots, should deal with points of friction in your business
I’m passionate about technology. Automation and machine learning are amazing at taking care of the grunt work in every business, creating leaner, more streamlined organisations.
What the Boston Red Sox can teach us about football (and business)
The Boston Red Sox are one of the giants of US baseball.
Here’s the thing about high performance teams…
As leaders, our most important – and hardest – task is to motivate our people.
Entrepreneurs: the sun is out but this is your time to shine
I visited a school as part of a prize-giving ceremony this week, and at the end the headmaster told the children to enjoy their summer break
Record-breaking six months for BigChange
As entrepreneurs, it is vital to take the time to reflect on the performance of your business.
Time for a cuppa sustainabili-tea?
If you have never been to Yorkshire and sat in a Bettys tea room or sipped a piping hot cup of Taylors’ Yorkshire tea, these are two of the region’s most beloved brands.
Ignore the tech and your early-stage business will fail
In 2023, the survival of most businesses depends on technology.