SMEs can access flexible financial expertise

Small business owners are being offered the opportunity to hire senior finance professionals on flexible contracts.

Specialists  TheFinancePeopleUK.com  have launched the UK’s first financial matchmaker service which aims to introduce SMEs with experienced financial directors and top level professionals.

They can then access the financial knowledge of these experts on a flexible contract basis.

The new service will allow small businesses to access top level financial planning expertise.

The service was launched to meet the need for expert financial advice to help achieve faster and sustainable growth within the small business sector.

Attracting outside investment is often key when it comes to pursuing expansion, however small firms may not go after funding due to a lack of assets, alongside having a short record of profitability if the business is in its early stages.

Even when SMEs are well established within the industry, business owners might still find it difficult to raise funds from lenders for further investment, as jargon-filled legislation is often complex and leaves them vulnerable.

Anita Tweats, CEO of  TheFinancePeopleUK.com ,  explained: “Big businesses understand the importance of a great FD when it comes to forward planning and pursuing growth.

“But all too often SMEs are held back by a lack of financial knowledge and expertise. By bringing together experienced financial professions and making them available for SMEs to employ on a flexible contract basis we believe we have created a unique service within the UK.

“The support and expertise of an experienced financial professional is key to a successful SME funding outcome. A finance expert would be able to assist in navigating a swarming market, structuring the funding solution and preparing projections for business plans.

“Financial experts can also help manage relationships with banks to make the process of borrowing smoother and provide much needed guidance on choosing a suitable lender.

“Presenting a solid financial plan will also increase the attractiveness of the offer for potential investors.”

For business owners who are in the process of expansion, investing in a financial specialist could pay off tenfold, as advice would be given on recognising and pursuing potential companies to acquire or merge with.

Anita continued: “SMEs need financial expertise for help, guidance and support from the off-set, as small businesses with a solid finance team achieve faster and more sustainable growth.

“A solid finance strategy is attractive to outside investors when you are looking to raise funds to support that growth

“The role  of  finance professionals is widening and taking on a more business-focused nature, which is of particular importance for SMEs. From their infancy to their eventual growth into something larger and beyond, the role of the finance function changes and adapts to suit the needs of the business.

“The finance expert that helps a new start-up get off the ground will play a very different but equally critical role when that business is in full, sustainable growth mode.”