Accountant, entrepreneur, reformer, connector, problem solver
20 years experience in SME, turnaround and private equity environments as a finance director and entrepreneur. With a specialism in growth, fund-raising and exits, people behaviours and dynamics in change environments.
A passion for equality and inclusion.
Finance director,
entrepreneur
CGMA, Economics BA Hons
After training as an accountant with IBM in Dublin, I moved onto to a series of roles with £7+m turnover SMEs, in Tech, PR and Events businesses, who were either preparing for exit or facing a turnaround situation. All very much hands-on roles, preparing financials for company sale; optimising valuation; pitching; post investment growth strategy, covering finance, IT, HR and operations.
Between 2007-2012 I founded and set-up a sports retail chain, Moti, here in Bristol, plus Cardiff and Reading.
Consultant Finance Director,
Providing on-going or project based support, for clients such as:
RACs, Real Wrap Co, Pobi, Brissi, Stephenson Law, KETs and Tumelo.
Consultant Finance Director,
Valyrian Group
Portfolio of technology companies serving the contingent workforce marketplace.
£500k bank raise, budget and cashflow projections for short-term loan.
Pitch deck & business plan, wrote business plan and 'Information Memorandum' (pitch deck) aimed at £10m investment raise.
Finance Director,
AMI Ltd
£8m turnover, 80+ people, events and consultancy.
Company sale into PE, took the company (from in part hand-written accounts) to a successful sale within 18 months.
Grew EBITDA by +100%, from £1.1m to £2.2m, over the 3 years, with revenue growth of £3m.
Refinanced £3m of shareholder loan-note to bank loan.
Owner & Director,
Moti Ltd
In 2007 I founded Moti, a running and triathlon sports retailer.
Grew to £1m turnover, and 25+ staff, over 3 stores. First in Bristol, followed by Cardiff and Reading.
Raised £100k bank-funding, set-up and expansion of Moti both self-funded and bank-backed.
Moti continues to expand, in 2013 I sold the business (via liquidation). Moti has grown from 3 to 6 stores, and continues to expand under the Moti brand.
Finance Director,
Harrison Cowley
£7m turnover award-winning PR agency, with 8 offices UK wide, and part of Huntsworth Plc group.
Turnaround to profitability, turned £500k+ loss position to £500k+ profit over 18 months.
Financial Controller,
CDC Solutions
$30m global turnover, VC backed software provider
Delivered due Diligence, on sale to Liquent Ltd in 2003.
Financial integration with sister company, followed by sale to Thomson Group in 2004.
Management accountant,
IBM
CIMA completed within 2 years.
All 1st time passes, including: 1st in world, twice 1st in Ireland.
Advocate for inclusion of entrepreneurs & investment
'Women entrepreneurs are invested in with 2% of global investment dollars'
I was so stunned by how low the figure was, I started Googling the topic. I found myself reading every article, listening to every podcast, reading 28 page research reports, for fun ... I wanted to do something about it.
First I needed to understand what was happening, how it happens, and what we can do about it. I spent 6 months, full time, (unpaid), researching and building this resource.
I discovered
It happens unintentionally
By understanding this is a product of historical culture, we can move forward, without blame.
People have a natural need to do the right thing
Denial, not wanting to stand out, peer or hierarchical pressure, not knowing where to start, are all factors that hold people back.
Why someone who's not an investor?
'What do you know about investing?'
- an understandable question.
The answer? Diverse perspectives. Overcome group think.
First and foremost I'm a commercial finance director, I speak your language.
And I'm mad enough to read 28 page reports.
Let's chat
Tell me about you ...
☕️
Would you like to meet for a coffee, or have a chat over the phone or Skype?
