Why hire a Fractional CFO

We want to help our ambitious clients achieve exceptional results.

We are normally hired because the business owner wants one or more of the following outcomes :

1. Prepare for Exit.
2. Double the profitability.
3. Smooth running of the business.
4. An improved finance function.

Our involvement over a significant period can double the value of a business, or more, come exit time. Effective performance tracking and clarification of responsibilities helps the business run smoothly. We will coaching and train your finance team to deal with the business growth and stay in control.

What are the benefits of choosing FD4 ?

1. FOCUS Each member will have only a few clients, therefore each client gets close attention from someone who takes the time to understand your business - its products, markets, clients, people and infrastructure. Each client has a single point of contact, the members can seek support if they want it from other team members.
2. COST EFFECTIVE A full-time CFO can cost over £150,000 once you allow for pensions, bonuses, share options, etc. Our clients can get access to an experienced valuable resource as needed for a fraction of the price, buying as much or as little as they like without making a long-term commitment. You pay for what you use, we use timesheets so you will see exactly what you are paying for.
3. EXPERIENCE All members have over 20 years of commercial experience. Across the members we have worked in many industries, the members help each other, if needed. This means we have seen most issues before, learnt how to deal with them and have a wealth of ideas from different clients to cross-fertilize with. You get forward-looking solutions with increased chance of success and reduced chance of failure. We are used to managing staff and we will be able to motivate and train your finance staff to make them more effective.
4. INDEPENDENCE We are not afraid to ask the difficult questions and highlight the problem areas that need attention or don’t seem to be working. We offer constructive support and we will help business owners overcome most issues. Through our wider network we will normally be able to get access to additional resources with other functional expertise if needed.

What is the evidence?

I personally was a very active Part Time FD from 2010 until Covid struck in 2020. Over a 10 year period I worked in a meaningful way with 20 clients, only four or five at any time.

Here are the highlights of what I helped my clients to achieve:

• Seven clients doubled their profits or much more. In two cases the baseline profit was over £1m and in one case a company’s profit went from circa £250k to £1.5m.
• I helped clients make seven acquisitions.
• I helped three clients Exit their businesses.
• In three cases I helped settle with Minority shareholders, which are tricky Win/Lose situations.
• I worked on incentive plans for key staff five times.
• Set up contribution centres to help drive profit, seven times.
• Changed finance leadership and key resources. On fifteen occasions I helped recruit a new leader or change the main service provider.
• Often the head of finance in an SME lacks the experience needed to look after a fast growing company with an ambitious owner. Sometimes the owner can see the gap, but they need help to make the change. I always carry out a review and train and coach the existing staff.
• I always helped improve tracking and reporting, in terms of both quality and speed. Clients saw improved effectiveness of the finance team and better controls over the business.