Smoothwall is a Software as a Service company trading within the education sector providing technology and solutions that are essential to the safety and well being of young people. The business which was previously owned by Private Equity investor, Tenzing, was acquired by Family Zone Cyber Safety Limited, an Australian ASX Listed business, in August 2021 for £75.5m giving a 5.6x multiplier for the outgoing shareholders.Key responsibilitiesManagement of the UK finance functionA full audit of ARR including methodology used to calculate accurate recognition of revenuePreparation of financial statements for both the trading company and six subsidiaries, including tax packsImprovement of financial reporting and reducing month end close including full variance analysis to assist with producing timely reports to the Australian Stock ExchangeCash flow managementReforecasting of 2021 budget including cost reduction measuresOperational responsibility of hardware including stock controlImprovement of systems throughout the business Review of management accounts and presentation of Board packOversight of the payroll function in both the UK and USStock control of hardwareTax for both UK and USManagement of overseas bank accountsManagement of finance and operationsContract management, ensuring commercial terms and conditions are currentKey achievementsSuccessful business sale in August 2021 and acquisition of eSafe Global Limited in June 2021Acquisition of eSafe Global Limited for £3.8m in June 2021Delivered a three year reforecast in November 2021Improvements and implementation of processesWorked alongside US tax advisors to ensure tax compliance and file any delinquent returnsImproved cash collectionsImproved structure of the finance function including recruitment of staffImproved stock control and visibility of hardware purchasingWorking with our Perth office on integration of Netsuite ERP system

Working with a number of owner managed and PE backed SME's on a contract basis to produce accurate management accounts, budgets and forecasting models. Industry sectors include financial services, pubs & restaurants, recruitment and IT.

AIM listed Paragon Entertainment Limited, with a turnover of £14m is the parent company of award winning Paragon Creative. Paragon is one of the world's leading design development and build companies offering an impressive range of integrated services. Since our incorporation in 1987 we have earned our reputation as a world-class scenic, theming, model making, interactive and specialist fit-out facility.Working alongside the CEO I was instrumental in delivering operational cost saving measures and returned the business to month by month profitability.Key responsibilities• Understanding of all financial aspects of company strategy and vision• Work with the CEO, SMT and each operational function to raise the quality of management information in the Business to improve decision making at Board, departmental level and in estimating projects• Raise the quality of the financial control environment so that the Business meets its regulatory and accounting requirements and safeguard its assets including the requirements of the prevailing accounting standards and audit systems as well as Company Secretarial matters and credit control• Raise the level of operating efficiency and profitability in the Business. Supporting the CEO in implementing and continually improving the financial operating model• Drive, build and influence a culture in-line with the Company’s values, operating principals and ethos• Work in partnership with CEO and SMT team to define, create and implement the financial strategy aligned to the overall Business’s vision and strategy• Responsibility for Finance, Operations, Commercial, IT, HR and Procurement departmentsKey achievements• Guided the business through a challenging year during 2018• Improved financial reporting throughout the business• Strengthened the finance team• Completion of successful equity raise• Repositioned the business to ensure a more focussed strategy

Responsible for finance and commercial team from start up. Validoc is an owner-managed consultancy business working with global banks to improve online security and is also a majority shareholder in Zetland House Limited, which is a property investment company which owns student accommodation property in Huddersfield.Key responsibilities• Business planning and strategy• Due diligence for potential acquisition of Irish based bank • Contract negotiations• Raising capital through equity and loan• Property investment deals/site acquisitions• Production of monthly board pack and statutory accounts• Cash flow management and working capital requirements• Purchase of residential and commercial properties• Responsibility of all legal, HR, IT, payroll and administration functionsKey achievements• Grew Validoc from start-up to £2m turnover within two years• Grew Zetland House to £200k turnover within a year• Raised £1.5m in external investment for a property purchase with refurbishment• Implementation and improvement of policies and procedures in accordance with ISO:27001.• Setting up new policies and procedures for two start-up businesses

UNTHA is a leading global manufacturer of capital equipment within the waste and recycling sector. Upon joining the business in the UK, the company sold a majority stake to its parent company, UNTHA Shredding Technology GmbH, based in Austria. Initially Finance Director of UNTHA UK Limited, I assumed responsibility of the financial and commercial function, working closely with the CEO of the parent company assisting with the global finance function.Key responsibilities• Assist CEO in Austrian HQ to manage the group’s global financial performance• Production of management and statutory accounts• Solid cash flow and working capital management skills• Currency management for Euro’s and Dollars including hedge funds• Strategic planning and forecasting including actual v budget analysis• Ensuring all possible operation costs savings are highlighted and achieved• Responsible for setting up and running “UNTHA Finance” Key achievements• Increased turnover by 300% within first year, 122% year two, 136% year three• Increase profitability from £133k loss to profits of £377k within two years• Strengthened a weak balance sheet in both years one and two increasing from maximum risk to exceptionally strong credit score.• De-risked business from foreign currency fluctuations• Set up “UNTHA Finance” offering finance packages to enable customers to purchase equipment• Improved financial reporting to the parent company which instilled confidence• Implementation of a new CRM system, GenesisWorld within the UK• Design and implementation of new systems, policies and procedures

Remote Operations Limited (T/A Erudine) was a software development company turning over £15m, selling to Government and Financial Services sectors. I was a key member of the board which included directors from EADS Defence and Security. EADS became investors in the business following a proposal submitted to them by my CEO, CTO and myself.Key responsibilities• Strategic Planning• Full responsibility of accounting function • Raising finance through equity and loan• Production of management and statutory accounts• Financial Projections• Budget setting and variance analysis• R&D tax return IP relatedKey achievements• Helped owners grow business from £3m to £8m turnover • Improved R&D reporting to maximise claim refunds earlier than previous years • Implementation of new accounting software• Improvement in implementation of new systems, policies and procedures• Working closely with the directors of a €4bn business and standing my ground in board meetings where necessary• Successfully raised £3m equity investment from EADS Defence and Security• Successfully raised £350k EFG loan through HSBC

Structure Matters (UK) Ltd was formerly Hospitality Matters (UK) Ltd. Upon joining the company it was clear to me that the business couldn’t meet its debts therefore I successfully took the business through a Voluntary Arrangement. Structure Matters (UK) Ltd was formed as the new trading name eventually tuning over £6mCapesthorne Pavilion was a temporary structure erected in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire for a three year term due to planning permission agreement. The business was funded by Structure Matters (UK) Ltd with a profit share agreement with Capesthorne Hall which I negotiated. The vent space was run by the employees of Capesthorne Pavilion including two event managers who were directly reporting in to myself. The business turned over £1m within two years. Key achievements:Taking a company through a successful Voluntary ArrangementNoticing a market in the Middle East, I focussed my efforts on growing this market with the managing director which returned significant growth with a return to the shareholders.Successful in the growth of the new company achieving growth with healthy profitsSuccessful the growth of Capesthorne Pavilion Ltd from start up to £1m turnover in 2 years.Implementation and improvement of Accounting policies and procedures