Business Consultant

Most people starting, or already running a business know their product or service inside out.
But there are many circumstances where the business owner may need access to expert financial or management skills for a short or prolonged period.  The business may be experiencing one or more of the following;

• Deteriorating sales.
• Lack of Budgetary control.
• Overheads out of control.
• Cash Flow difficulties. 
• No financial reporting.
• Inadequate long term funding.
• Business out of control.
• Rapid business growth.
• Lack of direction.   
• Lack of Succession Planning
• No Strategy or Business Plans. 
• No exit plans.
• Business Sale.
• A re-active environment.
• The loneliness of being a SME Business Owner.

Back-up is required but full time support may be too costly. The solution could be access to a part-time finance/sales and marketing director or mentor.
We can offer an alternative option that many small and medium sized businesses find attractive as a cost effective solution, compared to the high cost of employing a full-time professional. We would help provide the following;

1. Report on the financial and management accounts of the business.
2. Evaluate, develop and agree a business strategy.
3. Prepare and action the business plan.
4. Evaluate and advise on business controls and implement sound management.    
5. Ensure systems are robust.
6. Build good relationships with investors, banks, suppliers and customers.
7. Evaluate investment proposals.
8. Identify, implement and report on the Key Performance Indicators.
9. Manage and train staff as appropriate.
10. Be a sounding board and mentor for the owner.

The business consulting project will include;

• Needs analysis.
• Determining project specifics:  services to be provided, timeline, and budget.
• Gap analysis: analysing "where we are" and "where we want to be".
• Identifying solutions.
• Implementation of the recommendations.
• Post-project review. 
• SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of the business situation and its competition.
• Identify emerging business trends and competition that may affect your business.

As your mentor we will identify solutions to your problems, and undertake strategic business reviews.
Check that sufficient resources are allocated at all times to achieve the business strategy and check that the strategy has been well communicated.
Ensure that staff understand their responsibilities in achieving the business strategy and are committed to its success.

For long term associations, it may be invaluable to appoint a non executive director to work alongside the existing owners and directors, adding strength to the management team. 

The Non Executive Director will be able to fill the 'skill gaps' within the client's business at a cost effective solution in order to maximise the return on their investment. 

Another key role of the Non Executive Director could be to set a marketing strategy.  Successful business marketing will provide the awareness of the business products or services to customers.

 

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Please note that the Financial Services Authority does not regulate tax planning and advice.