Stewart Handler Email & Phone Number

Nantwich, England, United Kingdom

Across The North West Of England

Providing FD services to SMEs, including strategic overview, business review, business planning, preparation of forecasts, budgeting, bank and investor submissions, liaison with HMRC and the management of finance departments. I have supported companies working in PR, construction, security, renewable energy, metal fabrication, chemical manufacturing and children’s entertainment.

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Birkenhead, Merseyside, United Kingdom

I was Group Finance Director for the AEV group of companies based in Birkenhead, manufacturing electrical insulating varnishes and resins for sale to a worldwide customer base.I secured funding with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, introduced strategy planing and group accounts, overseeing 20% growth in UK business.I also managed the implementation of an ERP system, helped develop the junior management structure and chaired the Technical Steering Group.

Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside

Responsible for all financial and administrative matters, including:Restructure of investment agreement so that the investment is recognised as equity, rather than debt, to provide a stronger balance sheetCreation of opening balance sheet and agreement of its structure with PriceWaterhouseCoopersCreation of accounting and cost structuresCreation of costing system, to monitor contract progress against individual contract budgets and re-forecasts, to facilitate early remedial action to protect budgeted margins. The system was hierarchical, with component contracts being rolled up via multiple levels into an overall contract review.Creation of automated monthly management reporting systemIntroduction of sales, purchase and stock proceduresCompletion of banking arrangementsCompletion of two forecasts for the current year and a budget for the next financial yearIntroduction of a marketing and PR policy to raise the profile of the company following the investment

Responsible for all finance and administration, including:Introduction of in house budgeting and forecasting.Introduction of cash flow forecasting.Completion of an automated management accounts package.Introduction of monthly management accounts.Improved relationship with the bank.Consolidated banking facilities.Created business models for presentation to bank.Complete review and clean up of all company ledgers.Saving of £97k in overheads.Corporation tax saving of £70k.Introduced financial control model to construction contracts, to enable performance comparison against forecast outturn, with regular review on a contract by contract basis, to allow corrective actions to be taken against areas of under performance.Responsible for a review of all contractual terms and profitability prior to signing.Got company through PQQ stage of tender process for the first time (and then in another 13 projects).Consolidated supplier base in leisure business, reducing costs.Introduced reconciliation procedures into leisure business.Introduced KPIs into leisure business.Halved length of time taken to close month end.Introduced credit control procedures and debt chasing.Halved debtor collection period in construction business.Introduced managers to finance and budgetary control.Improved team spirit within accounts function.Improved relationships with key customers, including Housing Associations and key suppliers.Created pension scheme for the business owners

Responsible for all finance and administration, including:Budgeting, forecasting and management reporting for all the companies in the group.Created budgeting, forecasting and management reporting systems.Cash, treasury management and control, including close liaison with credit controller regarding all debtor issues. Presented monthly accounts pack to the Board.Restructured contract costing processes to provide more accurate information, in a more timely manner. Re-modelled the job costing process with the creation of a hierarchical structure, with reporting at both parent and subordinate levels, so that problem areas could be quickly identified and corrective actions taken.Signatory to all operational contracts after personal review.Arranged funding with bank, maintained, managed and improved that relationship.Created and presented business models for funding propositions to banks for the associated companies, which resulted in the receipt of £750k of EFG loan funds.Managed relationship with lawyers regarding company secretarial matters and any client/supplier litigation.Created and developed relationships with key suppliers and professional service providers.Developed accounting systems to automate processes and reduce reporting times.Managed all capital acquisitions.Reduced stock holding by more than 50% by improving purchasing procedures and stock control systems.Introduced weekly contract review meetings, to ensure that all parties were aware of contract progress and any issues that required attention.Developed understanding of finance in non finance managers, particularly contracts managersImplemented cost reduction programme after detailed review of overheads. Introduced annual costs review as part of budgeting process.Assisted MD in MBO, liaising with bank and lawyers over sale and contractual documentation.Managed all tax affairs.Company secretary to nine companies.Created directors pension scheme.

Business Studies

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