I offer small to medium sized businesses a number of professional support services on a flexible basis. Please click the titles below to find out more about how I can help.
PART-TIME FINANCE DIRECTOR
I understand that your business may have limited resources but still needs access to financial expertise in order to grow.
I work as a finance director on a part-time retained basis for small and medium sized companies. But I don’t only over-see the numbers. I ask the right questions and provide you with creative solutions. I will show you where you can take your business and how to achieve that next stage of expansion successfully and securely. I don’t just tell you what to do. I come in and work with you to help you get there.
Case study
Challenge
I was called in by the owner/manager who was seeking advice on his back office and finance functions as his business was struggling to cope with its expansion.
Process
I carried out a review of the systems and processes currently operating and the skill levels of the people in the organisation. I challenged some of the methods that were being used and gave my recommendations for change. I advised on an improved structure for the finance, HR and IT functions. I managed and oversaw the change programme.
Result
Within twelve months the executive board was receiving clear monthly reporting on historic data. It had a three year strategic business plan in place and was much clearer about its key objectives. With a sound infrastructure now in place and clearer visibility of its financial position and growth potential, this company is in a much better position to expand or sell. The business is still expanding and I am now sitting on the board.
INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
When a senior member of a management team suddenly moves on or will be long-term absent, shareholders need a safe pair of hands to hold the reins on a short-term basis. As an interim Finance Director I will hit the ground running. However, I understand that every business has its own culture and requires different handing. I am quick to adapt to my surroundings and the prevailing ethos but coming in with a fresh perspective, I am able to view things factually and without bias.
I will rapidly grasp the key challenges for a business and will employ appropriate solutions.
Case study
Challenge
The Chief Executive of a successful company was not performing to the standard required by the majority shareholders and so departed. Someone was required to go in and steady the ship, establish what the crucial issues were and assist in recruiting an appropriate replacement who would fit the culture of the business.
Process
I worked with the business for three to four months and during that time I undertook contract bidding.
Result
The business was able to continue to trade without disruption, the shareholders were kept fully informed and a new Chief Executive was recruited to take the business forward.
BUSINESS COACH
I am an accredited business coach for the Growth Accelerator Programme.
Growth Accelerator is a partnership between leading business growth experts and backed by the Government. It is aimed at ambitious, committed, fast-growing owner/manager businesses willing to take risks and prepared to take advice. As a Growth Accelerator business coach, I will help you understand what is holding your business back and what critical steps you need to take to achieve the next phase of growth, quickly and sustainably. I will introduce you to new business networks and give advice on access to finance, funding for training and business development.
Case study
Challenge
A successful businessman had sold his company and was embarking on a new venture but finding it lonely working on own. He needed someone to talk to, to bounce ideas off, to advise him on how to move his new business forward.
Process
Through regular half day sessions each month and funded through the Growth Accelerator Programme, I put together a three year business plan and helped him implement it. I continue to support him for half a day a month.
Result
In just one year his business saw an increase in revenue of 50%. He has now recruited two new members of staff and has a clear view on his business priorities going forward.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Working as a Non-Executive Director (NED), I will objectively challenge operational directors on the strategic side of a business. Often I will become a NED once business coach funding comes to an end.
Case study
Challenge
A business needed to raise funds to develop a new technology project. A condition of the funding was that a non-executive director be appointed to ensure proper controls were put in place and to reassure the investors that the funding was used appropriately.
Process
I worked two days a month providing strategic financial advice to the operational directors. I also advised on what investor requirements are and how to provide it to their satisfaction.
Result
Funding has been secured. The products are now being developed. The investors are kept fully informed with regular reporting and are happy that their money is being handled appropriately to maximise the value. The operational directors have ongoing support to assist them in the challenges of a fast-growing company.