Why recession spells opportunity for budding entrepreneurs

Martyn Rose of Publishing reveals how he made his first million - and why he sees the forthcoming recession as a great opportunity to add to his portfolio.

Martyn Rose never intended to buy and sell companies for a living. Now 59, the Malvern College old boy originally wanted to be a lawyer. But because money was tight at home, he was told to forget about going to university. So in 1968, aged 19, he headed to Spain to make some money as a holiday rep.

By 21, he had made enough money from selling boat trip tickets around Majorca to buy himself "an extremely flashy" MGB sportscar and to fund his studies for the bar at London's Gray's Inn well, almost. He couldn't afford to study for the entire three years, but Gray's allowed him to "concertina the course into 18 months". By July 1972 he had qualified.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.