About

I've been on your side of the desk

Jay Cartwright, Principal — Meridian Business Strategy

Jay Cartwright, Principal of Meridian Business Strategy

I started out as an auto glazier. I learnt the trade, then moved into sales and looking after key accounts.

From there I went into operations, and eventually became head of operations and an owner of an Autoglass business. That's where I learnt the commercial side the hard way — negotiating lease agreements, working through large capital projects like equipment and staffing, and living with the results.

Later I joined a franchise and grew into a multi-site operator. For a year I chaired the franchise's advertising fund committee, which taught me a lot about spending other people's money carefully.

I sold that business, then started again with a small family business. So I've done it at a few different sizes, and I know what it feels like when you're busy all day and still not sure the numbers are working.

Meridian is what I wish I'd had along the way: someone who understands how a business actually runs, looks at the numbers properly, tells it straight and then helps make the changes.

How I work

  • Plain English. If I can't explain it simply, I haven't understood it well enough.
  • Honest about uncertainty. I'll show you the maths and tell you what's realistic.
  • Your goals first. More growth isn't always the answer — sometimes it's more profit, fewer hours and less stress.

Local

I'm based in Camden and work with owner-run businesses across Macarthur and Western Sydney — Camden, Campbelltown, Wollondilly, Liverpool, Penrith and Fairfield. With the new airport and Aerotropolis coming, this region is about to change, and I want local businesses ready to make the most of it.

Start a conversation