Strategic business advisor
for ambitious UK companies

A business advisor uses their experience and expertise to help you navigate challenges and opportunities. They've typically been through similar situations, so they draw on real-world experience to offer guidance. Advisors act as a sounding board, help with major decisions, and provide context about your market and how other businesses operate.

Most growing businesses benefit from an advisor when entering a new phase, facing a major decision, or making significant changes. Common triggers: seeking external finance, planning to exit, struggling with profitability, or simply lacking internal expertise in a certain area. If your senior team has gaps, or you need additional support, it's probably time.

Adviser fees vary widely depending on experience and scope. An experienced advisor with a proven track record of improving global companies or securing investment will charge more than someone who advises smaller local firms. Fee structures include: hourly rates (£100–£400+), monthly retainers (£1,000–£5,000+), project fees, or success fees. We're transparent – fixed fees agreed upfront.

This is the most common question business owners face. A limited company provides tax planning opportunities and limited liability, but involves more administration. A sole trader is simpler but offers less protection and potentially higher tax. Key factors: profit levels, risk, need for investment, and future exit plans. We review your situation and recommend the optimal structure.

Your main options include: overdrafts (flexible but often expensive), revolving credit facilities (borrow, repay, re-borrow), short-term loans (fast but higher rates), invoice finance (advance against unpaid invoices), merchant cash advances (sell future sales), and equity investment (sell a stake in your business). The right choice depends on your growth stage and need for speed.

A sharp reduction in turnover raises serious doubts about long-term viability. First priority: ensure sufficient working capital. Check overdraft facilities, consider invoice finance, or explore short-term loans. Then, analyse why turnover is falling – market changes, competition, pricing, sales effectiveness? We help you diagnose the root cause, build a recovery plan, and manage cash flow through the downturn.

Start with their experience and expertise – ensure it aligns with your business and aims. If you're a small business seeking £30k funding, an advisor who specialises in global corporations may not be the right fit. Check FCA registration if they're regulated, ask for client references, and meet 2-3 candidates before deciding. Chemistry matters – you'll work closely together.

Beyond advice, advisors offer: introductions to their network, credibility (their reputation enhances yours), context about market dynamics and competitor behaviour, and experience – they've been through it before and can help you avoid common pitfalls. They also provide objectivity that internal teams often lack.

Exit planning should start 2-3 years before you plan to sell. Key steps: prepare your accounts (clean, auditable), optimise tax structure (Business Asset Disposal Relief), build a management team (reducing dependency on you), and identify potential buyers (trade, private equity, MBO). We guide you through valuation, deal structuring, and negotiation to maximise your exit value.

This is the most common start-up question. Consider: limited company (tax efficiency, limited liability, easier investment) vs sole trader (simpler, less admin) vs partnership/LLP (for professional services). Key factors: expected profits, risk level, need for external funding, and long-term plans. We help you decide based on your specific circumstances – and can restructure later as you grow.

Profitability improvement typically focuses on three areas: pricing (can you increase prices without losing customers?), cost control (review suppliers, overheads, and variable costs), and sales mix (focus on higher-margin products/services). We conduct a profitability review, identify quick wins, and build a sustainable plan for margin improvement.

Advisors tend to be all-rounders with broad experience across business areas – they draw on their own experience to guide you through decisions. Consultants are typically specialists focused on specific tasks or projects (e.g., marketing consultant, IT consultant). Advisors often build longer-term relationships; consultants are usually hired for defined projects with specific deliverables.