Advisory & corporate finance
Leading a business in a stable market is management. Leading a business when the market is collapsing and reinventing itself? That is transformation. Many established businesses today are facing their “Netflix Moment”—the need to pivot to digital without killing their core cash flow. In this interview, Richard Spilsbury talks to Robert Price, a veteran CEO … Continue reading The Secrets to Successful Business Pivot Strategies
In short Trade sellers achieve multiples 40% below the rest of the market Information presented below what smart buyers expect Signposted as a disposal rather than an opportunity The price chip is not anticipated Divesting part of a business can be a strategically smart move for portfolio businesses providing the opportunity to: Analysis of transactions … Continue reading Why portfolio divestments underperform the market
In short Finance says ‘no’ rather than telling you how More accounting staff than salespeople Management accounts take three weeks or longer Forecasts cannot be updated to support a decision Margin by product or project is unknown Cash flow still surprises you If your financial setup is frustrating you, then you could notice the following … Continue reading Six Warning Signs About Your Finance Set Up
Financial models are powerful tools used for a variety of purposes to assess forward looking financial information to overcome limitations of relying only historic information Some of the best uses for financial models are: We support clients build financial models for a range of business requirements, from simple forecasts to developed models to support decision-making. … Continue reading How financial modelling can help improve business decision-making
In short The wrong business model, lifted from earlier work Complexity nobody else can follow Assumptions with no reliable data behind them Inconsistent formatting and colour coding Broken links between sheets and files No error checks and no validation Six common mistakes people often make when performing financial modelling: We support clients build financial models … Continue reading Six common mistakes in financial modelling
In short Use consistent formatting and colour coding Document every assumption you make Build in error checks and test them Validate against benchmarks and history Design for flexibility, not for rebuilds Review and test on a schedule If you’ve planned your financial model and started to build it We support clients build financial models for … Continue reading Six tips to help you create strong financial models
In short Six things to settle before you build anything Fix the old model, or bin it and start again Understand what the model actually has to satisfy Choose the tool before you are locked into it Get the data structure right at the outset Plan who else will need access, and how Decide how … Continue reading Financial modelling: Don’t start yet
In short Poor cultural fit is the most cited reason acquisitions fail Think about the new employees: your deal rationale is incidental to them Think about your existing teams: their roles are at risk too Imagine how integration will really work; ‘sheep dip’ backfires Do it properly: TUPE or not, there is no benefit in … Continue reading Post-acquisition staffing strategies
At a time when productivity is drifting, costs are being squeezed and revenues are more challenged, it can be worth reflecting on how effectively aligned productivity is with people engagement. Here’s a quick self assessment to understand how you are doing: If you honestly think you are performing well against the above, you’re onto something. … Continue reading Hope is not a strategy for people engagement and productivity
In short 20 or more staff in a 90-day period triggers collective consultation Not following the clear legal requirements of the consultation Adopting poor practices such as ‘hire and fire’ No credible business case, with financial and market analysis Not taking staff concerns and counter proposals seriously A collective staff consultation may be required when … Continue reading Don’t let your staff consultation backfire