Crispin Tweddell
Management Today|December/January 2016-17
The founder of Pitcher & Piano and private equity firm Piper has an enviable track record as an investor in growing consumer businesses. What’s the secret of his success?
Julian Dodd
Crispin Tweddell

An affable old-school to off with a BoJo-esque barnet and dressed-down manner, Crispin Tweddell is about as far away from the stereotypical bloodless, buttoned-up private equity tycoon as you can get.

But don’t let appearances deceive you – despite the non-industry-standard rumpled jacket, faded red chinos and twinkly eyes, he’s a remarkable entrepreneur-investor who founded Pitcher & Piano in the 80s and whose backing helped take fashion brand Boden (from whose catalogue he may well still dress) from sales of £18m to £156m in the noughties. His Piper operation’s current portfolio includes Turtle Bay Caribbean eateries, posh dog food brand Forth glade and gourmet snack biz Proper corn (founded by MT’s 35 Women Under 35er Cassandra Stavrou) to name but three.

Nor is Piper’s HQ to be found in the rarefied financial enclaves of Mayfair or the City as you might expect, but rather in a shabby-chic back street just off boho Notting Hill Gate. Not a great deal cheaper these days, but a world away in terms of atmosphere. ‘We don’t need to be in the City,’ he says. ‘I live about a mile to the north and I have a choice of three buses to get here in the morning. I love it.’

Over the years he’s quietly developed an enviable reputation as the go-to guy for backing restaurants, fashion brands and other consumer businesses with a few years under their belts, looking to grow.

In a world where successful investing – like everything else – is increasingly down to having the right algorithm, Tweddell’s approach is reassuringly low-tech. ‘People in the business know that when they reach the right stage they will probably come and talk to us.

This story is from the December/January 2016-17 edition of Management Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December/January 2016-17 edition of Management Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MANAGEMENT TODAYView All
Matt Brittin
Management Today

Matt Brittin

Being a boss at the most powerful tech company on the planet is a prized job. But it brings its own set of challenges as Google’s EMEA president has found out – from ethical dilemmas to facing questions from MPs about tax and his salary.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February/March 2017
Northern Ireland: Brexit, Borders And Back To The Future
Management Today

Northern Ireland: Brexit, Borders And Back To The Future

The province faces damaging trade tariffs and a return to restrictions on movement between the north and the south after the uk leaves the eu. There may be trouble ahead, says matthew gwyther.

time-read
9 mins  |
February/March 2017
Living La Dolce Vita
Management Today

Living La Dolce Vita

Italian family-run farm, Fattoria La Vialla, has proved it’s possible to be successful and sustainable. Producing its own organic food and wine range, along with offering tourist accommodation, the business is carbon neutral too.

time-read
2 mins  |
February/March 2017
The Future Of Talent
Management Today

The Future Of Talent

As we face a fast-changing world of work, organisations will need new skills, capabilities and leadership. MT in association with CEB put together a panel of experts to discuss how best to attract and retain the best people.

time-read
7 mins  |
December/January 2016-17
Crispin Tweddell
Management Today

Crispin Tweddell

The founder of Pitcher & Piano and private equity firm Piper has an enviable track record as an investor in growing consumer businesses. What’s the secret of his success?

time-read
9 mins  |
December/January 2016-17
New Winners For A Post- Brexit Britain
Management Today

New Winners For A Post- Brexit Britain

As businesses deal with the impact of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, it’s all change at the top of Britain’s Most Admired Companies league table, with ARM becoming the first tech firm to take the number one spot.

time-read
9 mins  |
December/January 2016-17
Making Risk Work For You
Management Today

Making Risk Work For You

From reputation damage to Brexit uncertainty, businesses face a host of daunting challenges to tackle. MT in association with DuPont assembled an expert panel to discuss how best to approach and even drive value from such risks.

time-read
8 mins  |
December/January 2016-17