When a business reaches a point where the numbers are driving bigger decisions, it could be time for strategic financial leadership – but for growing Gloucestershire businesses, hiring a full-time finance director on a six-figure salary isn’t always realistic.
That's where Gloucestershire firm Griffiths Marshall Advisory Group can help, offering a Fractional FD service that provides board-level insight and accountability, working closely with leadership teams to shape strategy, sharpen performance and guide your growth journey, without the overhead.
Based on expert insight from Griffiths Marshall's head of business advisory, Pascal Neumann, SoGlos lists six reasons a fractional finance director could be a smarter choice than a full-time hire for growing Gloucestershire businesses, from gaining senior expertise at a fraction of the cost, to being able to use cross-sector experience to inform decision making.
Senior financial expertise without a six-figure salary
Pascal says most growing businesses need FD-level thinking long before they can justify a full-time FD’s salary, bonus, pension and benefits, when in reality, many don’t need someone in the business every day at all.
What they need is an experienced FD who regularly reviews the numbers, whether monthly or quarterly, and helps them act on what they show. A fractional FD provides exactly that for a fraction of the cost, so owners can get the advice that helps them grow without waiting until they’re 'big enough'.
Andrew Powell, managing director of Cotswolds housebuilder Crannatt Construction Ltd, which works with Pascal, said: 'Pascal has been excellent and is very much part of the Cranatt team. His monthly reporting is delivered on time and always very thorough. This has given me much more confidence in making informed decisions and planning for the future.'
Planning ahead with a clear cash flow forecast
Many businesses are profitable on paper, but owners are unsure how their cash position will look over the coming months. Pascal says a fractional FD can build a forecast that maps out the months ahead, helping owners anticipate likely pressure points and plan for them, rather than reacting once they arrive.
Providing tailored reporting, short and medium-term forecasting, and strategic business planning, the service enables businesses to plan for the future with clarity and accuracy, and to keep plans on track through regular review meetings.
Griffiths Marshall says that last year, two of its Fractional FD clients grew their revenue by 49 per cent and 82 per cent, and both 'nearly doubled the cash in their bank.'
Knowing where the profit really comes from
Pascal says businesses owners are often surprised to find that some customers, products or services are quietly losing them money.
A fractional FD can identify this, and once it's visible, businesses can adjust their pricing, cut what isn’t working and focus on what is.
James Filmer, joint MD of premium windows supplier UltraView, formerly Cotswold Windows, said of the support the company received from Griffiths Marshall associate director, Paul Cox: 'You can’t keep doing the same things and expecting different results. After numerous careful meetings, we evolved the company based on the analysis Paul carried out. He was instrumental in helping us make the decisions needed to improve the profitability of the business.'
Testing big decisions before committing to them
Whether it’s hiring, investing in equipment, or opening an additional site, a fractional FD can model the impact before any money is spent, so owners can see what a decision would do to their cash and profit, and choose the option that makes the most sense, rather than relying on gut feel.
A Bristol-based complex care provider, Pride Health & Social Care, has Pascal providing fractional FD services to keep its numbers and goals aligned while it targets growth through acquisition and organic expansion.
Company director Dee Mhungu said of the service: 'Pascal gives me those reminders of where I'm at and where I need to get to. His detailed management accounts are key to inform our next move.'
Experience drawn from many businesses
Because they work with a range of clients, a fractional FD sees the same challenges play out across many businesses and sectors.
Pascal says that means they’ve often already tackled the exact problem a business is facing and know what works, rather than solving it for the first time.
A trusted sounding board
Running a business can also be lonely, and it’s not always easy for leaders to talk openly with staff or family.
A fractional FD is someone independent to share ideas and worries with, who will challenge thinking constructively and help owners see the bigger picture.
Pascal says many owners find that alone takes a huge weight off their shoulders.
To find out how to access fractional FD services from Griffiths Marshall Advisory Group, visit griffithsmarshall.co.uk/services/business-advisory.
