“We’ve grown fast and it’s all got a bit messy.”
Sorting the structure
What worked with five staff creaks at thirty. We’ll work out who does what and who has the final say.
Experience that helps businesses grow.
I help business owners, boards and management teams make better decisions, solve difficult problems and plan confidently for what comes next.
- Former Group CEO
- Chairman
- Non‑Executive Director
- Business Adviser
- 35+ years’ experience
“Something’s not right and I can’t put my finger on it.”
It’s usually one of these. Let’s start there.
“I’m too busy running it to plan where it’s going.”
Setting the direction
The day job fills every hour, so the plan stays in your head. I’d start by getting it on paper.
“People who find us like us, but not enough find us.”
Finding more customers
We’ll look at who already buys from you and why, then where the next ones are likely to come from.
“We’re busier than ever and the cash is always tight.”
Growing the business
Growth takes cash long before it brings any in. I’ll help you grow at a pace the business can carry.
“We’ve got a new idea but will anyone buy it?”
Launching something new
A new product or service eats time and money. I’d test the idea before you put the business behind it.
“The bank said no and I’ve no idea why.”
Raising the money
Most of my working life was in finance, so I know what a lender looks for before they say yes.
“If I take a week off, the whole place stops.”
Letting go a little
If every decision waits for you, the business can only grow so far. I’ll help you hand some over.
“I don’t know who takes over when I step back.”
Planning who comes next
Bringing your own people on keeps what they know in‑house. We’ll plan the handover before you need it.
“I’ll want to sell up one day. What would it fetch?”
Getting ready to sell
Buyers pay more for a business that runs without you. That takes years, so I’d start early.
You get practical advice without lengthy reports, from someone who has spent a career making decisions, building businesses and leading people.
“I need someone who’s carried the big decisions.”
I’ve carried them at the top. I know the weight.
Family‑owned retail business
Working with the founder on governance, future strategy, leadership and succession, including important ownership and management decisions.
Childcare business
Supporting the owner through growth, acquisition and integration, while helping build the management structure and longer‑term strategy.
Technology services business
Working with management to develop its growth strategy, commercial priorities and plans for increasing recurring revenue.
Financial services businesses and boards
Providing Chairman, Non‑Executive and advisory support around strategy, growth, governance, funding and stakeholder relationships.
Hi, I’m Gerald.
Bringing senior business experience to owner‑managed businesses
My career has largely been spent in banking, lending and financial services, ultimately leading businesses at Group CEO and board level. Today I use that experience more broadly, working with business owners, leadership teams and boards on strategy, growth, leadership, governance and major business decisions.
Many of the challenges are surprisingly similar regardless of sector: knowing where to focus, building the right team, managing growth, making difficult decisions and ensuring the business does not become entirely dependent on its owner.
- Barclays
- GE Capital
- Hitachi Capital
- Together
- Finoptis
“I came back to Yorkshire to help businesses here compete globally.”
“Is this for a business like mine?”
Three conversations I’m always glad to have.
You may be facing a major decision, planning the next phase of growth, dealing with a leadership or succession issue, considering an acquisition or feeling that the business needs a fresh pair of eyes. The size of the business matters less than the challenge. My role is to bring experience, perspective and independent thinking when it is most useful.
Family businesses
“It’s hard to be the boss when they’re also family.” I’m not family, so I can ask what nobody else will.Growing companies
“We’re growing faster than the way we run things.” Let’s build the structure for the next stage.Company boards
“Our board needs someone who has run something this size.” As a former Group CEO, I’ll ask the awkward questions nicely.“We’re not in finance. Would you still work with us?”
Good business questions aren’t confined to one sector.
Over the years I’ve worked across financial services, retail, childcare, technology, property and professional services, as well as with family‑owned and entrepreneurial businesses. I don’t need to know your industry better than you do. My role is to understand the business, ask the right questions, challenge thinking where needed and help you make sound commercial decisions.
Printing & Manufacturing
Investment, growth, capacity and the decisions that come with putting more capital into the business.
Childcare
Growth, acquisition, integration, leadership and building a business that can scale.
Technology
Growth strategy, recurring revenues, commercial focus and developing the management team.
Hospitality & Catering
Planning for growth, improving performance and building a business that is less dependent on the owner.
Transport & Logistics
Investment, funding, growth and making sure expansion remains commercially sustainable.
Retail
Strategy, governance, succession and helping family‑owned businesses plan for the next stage.
Financial Services
Strategy, growth, governance, funding and board‑level advice. It’s the sector where I built much of my career.
Property
Growth, funding and strategic decision‑making across property‑related businesses.
Not on the list?
If the issue matters to you and your business, it’s worth a conversation.
Let’s have a callWhat people say about working with me
“What are you actually like to work with?”
1 / 5
It’s a lonely place running a business.
Sometimes what is needed is not another consultant or lengthy strategy document. It is an experienced, independent person to sit across the table, ask the right questions and help work out what happens next.
Let’s have a callPut the kettle on and ring me.
My number is 07484 814724
You can also send me a few lines and I’ll reply myself. The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
No. I want to hear from local firms with a handful of staff as much as from larger companies.
We talk through what’s going on. The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. If we both think I can help, it’s a piece of work with an end point or a regular sounding board.
Yes. I take on a small number of businesses at a time, so the person you meet is the person you get.