Author Archives: Matt Smith

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Why US technology choose the UK for their European subsidiary

Posted on 6th July 2020 by Matt Smith

Despite being divided by a common language, there are shared cultural roots, which make the Anglo-American relationship important both economically and politically, and thus the UK is the obvious choice (despite the issues of Brexit) for US companies to establish their first European subsidiary. The Magna Carta, sealed in 1215, is more than just a peace treaty between the quarrelsome and unpopular King John of England and a group of … Continue reading

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Is a Virtual Finance Director right for my growing business?

Posted on 29th June 2020 by Matt Smith

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, early-stage and growing businesses face numerous challenges when it comes to financial management. From keeping track of cash flow to analysing financial data, the demands can be overwhelming. Related article | How to manage cashflow during economic turbulence However, with the emergence of the virtual finance director, a game-changing solution has arrived. This role combines the expertise of a traditional finance director with the … Continue reading

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What is accounting tech vs accounting outsourcing?

Posted on 15th June 2020 by Matt Smith

The world of accounts outsourcing is changing rapidly As providers of accounts outsourcing to growing technology companies, we are seeing an increase in the number of exciting and innovative accounting tech startups seeking our services to help them to scale. This sector includes online book-keeping, expense management, planning and tax software solutions. With the investment community readily investing in UK accounting tech companies (like the ones below), the disruption of … Continue reading

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FD maternity leave: What to do when you need cover

Posted on 19th April 2020 by Matt Smith

In this blog, we provide our thoughts on finding the right cover for when your FD is going on maternity leave and ensure this arrangement works advantageously for both parties without adversely hitting the wider team. We will also explore the following maternity leave-related questions: What are the rules around parental leave? How can an interim FD cover maternity leave? How do I plan for my FD’s maternity leave? What … Continue reading

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How to value a technology business

Posted on 4th March 2020 by Matt Smith

When we first start the process of preparing a client’s business for sale, the first question is usually “How much is my business worth?” followed quickly by “How can I increase its value?” The difficulty, in answering these questions, is that valuing a business is to a degree, more an art than a science and the answer is actually, ”it depends”. Ultimately, and it may sound cliché, but a business … Continue reading

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The role of an M&A Adviser

Posted on 1st March 2020 by Matt Smith

Understanding the steps of selling a business is relatively straightforward, but knowing how to increase the value of, and effectively market a business is something completely different. An M&A adviser’s role effectively encompasses three things: Marketing your business to several potential, interested buyers, and Negotiating the sale on your behalf alongside other advisers, such as lawyers, and Achieving the very best possible outcome for you, the seller, in terms of … Continue reading

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How technology is reshaping the future of the finance department

Posted on 19th November 2019 by Matt Smith

Estimated reading time: 4:00 minutes Technology is transforming the way finance departments in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) operate. Cloud computing, big data and automation are revolutionising this core department, irrevocably augmenting how finance professionals are now analysing every aspect of business performance. As efforts to embrace and integrate the latest trends gather pace, we explore how technological progress is reshaping the future of the department. Before the convergence of … Continue reading

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Selling a business? Share sale or asset sale?

Posted on 6th October 2019 by Matt Smith

So, you’ve made what is probably the most difficult decision a business owner has to make – to exit the business.  Now what?  There is honestly no substitute for early, pragmatic, professional advice but before taking that step it is worth understanding and considering all the variables: Is the sale going to be of the shares in the company that owns the business or just the business assets themselves? How … Continue reading

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Need Help Managing Cash Flow? Why Use Invoice Financing

Posted on 20th August 2019 by Matt Smith

Managing Cash flow is often easier said than done Managing cash flow during the early-revenue generating years is often easier said than done, and poor cash flow management can quickly bring a business to its knees – even a profitable one! This is especially so in the challenging times we face right now with Brexit and COVID-19. Related article | Coronavirus how to manage cash flow and working capital Increasingly our … Continue reading

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Selling a business? Cash, Earn-Out, Loan Notes or Shares?

Posted on 25th May 2019 by Matt Smith

So, you’ve made what is probably the most difficult decision a business owner has to make – to exit the business.  Now what?  There is honestly no substitute for early, pragmatic, professional advice but before taking that step it is worth understanding and considering all the variables: How will the sale consideration be received – cash, earn-out, loan notes or shares? Is the sale going to be of the shares … Continue reading

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