Preventing a crisis

Working Capital Training

FD4 was introduced to a client who was looking to acquire a target business that was about to go into administration.

How we helped

The directors had estimated the likely P/L impact and had therefore established a business case to proceed. However, as the business had no FD, the Working Capital requirement had not been analysed and estimated. The initial cash investment required to cover the growth in Working Capital by the new business together with other expenses was 3 times the initial estimate.

Working Capital Analysis

FD4 carried out a detailed analysis of the target to get an estimate of the Working Capital required.

Action Plan

This work also highlighted actions for Commercial staff to take to reduce the working capital requirement significantly.

Training

Key commercial staff were trained and the acquisition went ahead. As a result of the training and specific action steps highlighted by FD4 the working capital required was only 60% of the initial forecast.

Final Integration

The acquisition happened in early summer 2011 and by end of 2011 was fully and successfully integrated into the parent company.

Lasting Benefits

The working capital training, tracking and awareness remains, yielding a continued and permanent benefit to the company.

FD4 Working Capital

Through improved debtor/credit control and stock planning, we can help increase your working capital to allow for expansion of your operation.

David has proved to be a great sounding board over the years. In the past he gave some sound advice as I went through an exit with my previous business four years ago. At the moment, David is helping me develop my business plan for 2010 and beyond and also giving valuable input to some current business opportunities. He has a great ability to keep things simple and always see the big picture. He is extremely commercial in his outlook and an excellent strategist. I have no hesitation in recommending him as part of my network.