Swanson & James Ltd

Solutions for Small & Medium Sized Enterprises

The increasing importance of finance to the SME

Since the early 1980’s the number of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s) has risen significantly, and now forms an important sector of the UK’s economy. SME’s are often seen to provide innovation, choice in the market place and are tomorrow’s major companies in the making. However, in an increasing financially based world, an innovative idea, adventurous plans and enthusiastic staff are no guarantee for success.

With increasing audit and internal control regulations of the ‘Companies Act 1985’ and stricter requirements from bank managers and investors to secure funding, the successful SME entrepreneur must have a firm grasp on financial matters in order to succeed. However, research shows a lack of financial management and adequate planning are the main causes of SME failure. Comprehensive analysis about revenue streams is vital to marketing plans, yet these are often overlooked. And just because a company is profitable on paper, without a tight grasp of cash flow, retained capital and overdrafts are soon used up.

It is Swanson & James’ aim to enhance the financial operations in your SME to provide a solid base on which to grow into tomorrow’s major company.

Enhancing your SME financial operations with Swanson & James

Swanson & James believes that the future health of any SME rests with a collaboration of an industry’s core business knowledge along with a strong financial bias and understanding. While you undoubtedly have the knowledge of an industry, Swanson & James has the credentials to equip your SME with the financial infrastructure and planning in order to succeed. But why should you choose Swanson & James

It is common for a small business to be put off from using Management Consultancies for a simple reason. Many consultancies like to take the role of a ‘strategic director’, telling clients what they need to do. But small businesses don’t have the time or resources to be told what to do; they want someone to do it for them!! This is where Swanson & James differs to conventional consultancies. Swanson & James rejects painting a ‘strategic blue sky’ for clients and follows a totally ‘hands on’ style, where Interims seek to implement practical solutions in close collaboration with clients.

Despite working with a number of well-known blue chip clients, Swanson & James is not a ‘consulting giant’ and is all too familiar with the pressures small business face.

Swanson & James’ areas of expertise include:

Assistance to secure equity capital and long-term finance

	Preparation of business plans with the necessary financial content.
	Creating bespoke financial modelling tools for medium term projections, scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.

Maximising cash flow by reducing working capital requirements and bad debts

Focusing on Risk, Quality and Time Management to restructure the credit control department in order to minimise payment cycles and bad debt while maximising the liquidity position and profitability.

Creating a financially orientated internal structure

	Implementing small business accounting packages.
	Introducing internal processes in order to have full financial accountability for all aspects of the business.
	Creating bespoke management reporting systems to provide extensive revenue and cost data to aid management decision-making.

Interim Financial Management

Short term consulting services of financial experts to rectify any problems you might have.

To view a number of innovative concepts that are used to
assist SME’s operations, see Formulating Solutions.

For further information about how Swanson & James can assist SME's, please contact us at: info@Swanson & James.co.uk