Chris Bird Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

United Kingdom

A dynamic commercial consultant empowering businesses with tailored solutions for growth and operational efficiency. Key areas of expertise and delivery include:• Fractional COO/MD/GM: Serve as a part-time executive leader, driving growth and aligning operations with long-term goals.• Impartial Evaluation: A ‘fresh set of eyes’ assessment to identify improvement opportunities and foster strategic decision-making.• General Business Advisory: Provide strategic guidance on operational improvements and market positioning to boost competitiveness and performance.• Third-Party Supplier Implementation: Lead the selection and integration of quality suppliers to enhance operational efficiency.• Acquisitions: Oversee acquisition strategies, managing all phases from target identification to negotiation and integration, driving expansion and market share.• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute fundraising strategies, engaging with investors to secure capital for key projects and support growth initiatives.• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with leadership to define clear objectives and create actionable strategies aligned with long-term goals.• Client Profiles & Undertakings: o Real Estate Lender: Successfully implemented the substantial expansion of funding capacity, enabling accelerated market growth.o IT Marketing Organisation: Provided strategic guidance on scaling operations, facilitated partnerships with premium service providers, and steered M&A activities while addressing funding requirements.o International Vehicle Manufacturer: Navigated transformative operational needs, optimising performance and adaptability and funding needs.o Commercial Fleet Provider : Enhance operational efficiency and maximize profitability through tailored strategies and implementations. Increased cashflow whilst addressing/reducing company debt.

Kensington, London

The startup fund opportunistically invested in land and real estate projects, including distressed assets in Greater London and the South East. • Occupied CF1 & CF30 regulatory roles with FCA and Appointed Representative liaison.• Managed internal/external structure with offshore fund management partner.• In house departmental, external supplier & developer management.• Internal & Compliance Audit/Due Diligence of 3rd party service providers.• Cultivated relationships within Banking, Finance, Insolvency, Accounting (Big 4) and Legal sectors.

London, United Kingdom

Balbec Capital LP is a global private investment firm with expertise in sourcing alternative credit investments, with a focus on obligors or assets in bankruptcy proceedings, restructuring, or some other form of distress. Founded in 2010 by a senior management team that helped pioneer investment opportunities in consumer insolvency assets,• Internal & Compliance Audit/Due Diligence of 3rd party service providers• Sourced and managed all 3rd party service providers (tech & physical)• Assisted in a multi-million pound capital commitment, at the time the largest single trade• Introduced numerous additional multi-million pound investment opportunities, in new sectors and asset classes outside of core business. • Assisted the sourcing of portfolio investment opportunity• Identified and built relationships with key organisations strategic to operational requirements.• Managed the FCA application/compliance process in association with key service providers• Held CF1 and CF28 (audit) roles • Modelled bespoke UK lending products whilst simultaneously delivering the necessary FCA license application. • Risk Management, regulatory and compliance insight – originated CCL, 2 Full FCA licenses, & ISO 9001

Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Perinta Limited was initially a debt purchase organisation with in-house trace capability and managed field services arm. Although only fully operational since April 2013, Perinta panel managed 3rd party organisations. • Managed the FCA application/compliance process in association with key service provider sourcing • Held CF1 and CF28 (audit) roles • Set up the company from inception including securing the Consumer Credit Licence• Secured funding for company growth via local sources • Sourced potential multi-million pound funding source via a U.S investment bank along with numerous further funding options within the UK/US for Debt Purchase requirements• Organised the outsource panel for recovery needs, which consists of the leading legal organisations across the United Kingdom• Ensured Perinta’s inclusion on the debt sale panel for major organisations including Banks, Telecommunications and large blue-chip organisations• Managed bidding processes on debt portfolios ranging from £400k to £344 million• Operationally focused, experience managing an internal and field workforce of 100+.• Sourcing and negotiating with European organisations for key strategic partnerships and debt purchase sourcing• Financial ownership of budget forecasts, operations and profitability. • Develop, maintain and nurture customer relationships to provide assurance and act as an escalation point.

Cleckheaton

Responsible for account Management and New Business development. Secured a major new client (doubled turnover) and organised several large tender opportunities in the insurance and utilities sector. Several other boutique clients successfully sourced during the tenure at TLG. Left due to inadequate service delivery of the department which eventually ceased to operate.

Worcester

HFS provided a range of services to the Financial and Legal industries. • Collaborating with banking & legal professionals and 3rd parties established infrastructure for company, co-ordinating recruitment selection and necessary training of permanent staff. • Provided cross-functional leadership, management and development of a 100+ nationally based workforce.• Secured the Consumer Credit License & ISO 9001.• Proactively built relationships with blue chip organisations including Sky, Bank of Scotland, Halifax & RBS.