Scott Barbrack On Risk, Resilience, And Why London's Entrepreneurs Need Strategic Support Now

Globe and Mail

7 days ago

In a world of uncertainty, Barbrack's journey shows how adaptability, timing, and support systems are key to survival—and success
In a powerful new interview titled How Wall Street Lessons Help Scott Barbrack Navigate Business Risk — and Why It Matters in London, veteran investor and entrepreneur Scott Barbrack offers timely insights into the universal need for strategic resilience in business—especially in today's unpredictable economic climate.
Drawing on his three-decade career spanning high-stakes finance, hospitality, and fashion, Barbrack's reflections highlight a deeper issue: the urgent need for support systems and adaptable thinking for startups and small businesses navigating volatility, particularly in dense urban centres like London.
'You've got seconds to make a call,' Barbrack says. 'If you're slow, the market—or the customer—moves on without you.'
His comment applies beyond the trading floor. In London, where over 1 million small businesses make up 99.9% of the city's business population, startup survival has become increasingly precarious. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, nearly 60% of new businesses fail within three years.
Barbrack believes many of these failures aren't due to bad ideas—but to a lack of preparation and guidance. 'If you don't know your downside, you don't belong in the deal,' he says. 'That's not about being cynical. That's about being ready.'
In the interview, Barbrack recalls his move from finance into the hospitality industry, becoming a partner in The Lion, a popular New York City restaurant. He notes the striking parallels: tight margins, quick decision-making, and rapidly shifting customer expectations.
'Everything could change in a single night,' he explains. 'A bad review, staff shortages, supplier delays—just like a sudden shift in market sentiment. It's all about reacting without panic.'
Barbrack also discusses his early investment in Pretty Green, a UK-based fashion brand. It was a bet on brand identity and cultural resonance, not just spreadsheets. 'You ride the wave, but you've got to know when to exit too,' he says.
His takeaway is clear: successful entrepreneurs—whether in London or New York—must balance gut instinct with real strategy, and perhaps more importantly, must not go it alone.
'Behind every business decision I've made, there's been a team, a network, a circle of people I trust,' Barbrack adds. 'In finance, it's your network. In restaurants, it's your staff. In fashion, it's your customers. No matter the industry, people are the real asset.'
Call to action: Support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and mentorship networks
Barbrack's story isn't just a reflection on past success—it's a rallying cry. He urges policymakers, communities, and individuals to invest time, mentorship, and infrastructure into supporting entrepreneurs, especially those navigating change.
'There's no shortage of ideas,' he says. 'What we need are more people willing to share what they've learned, to provide that bridge for someone else starting out.'
If you're reading this, consider reaching out to a small business in your area, offering mentorship, or joining a local startup incubator. As Scott Barbrack reminds us: 'The more we normalise uncertainty, the more we empower people to face it—and thrive.'
About Scott Barbrack
Scott Barbrack is an investor and entrepreneur based in New York and New Jersey. With more than 30 years of experience in interest rate derivatives, hospitality, and brand investing, he brings a unique perspective on risk, timing, and strategic growth. He is a supporter of education, athletics, and professional mentorship.
To read the full interview, click here.
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