Testimonials

As I explored a possible idea for a new business, Angela Freeman took me through the process in a highly ‘user-friendly’ fashion, making clear all the pitfalls as well as how to avoid them. She works on the positive and has been most encouraging but also realistic – Angela is not one for ‘flannel’ or flattery. She is highly skilled in placing herself not only in another’s shoes, but also allowing for their experience, personality and nature – it is this crucial ‘extra’ ability which makes her so much more than an advisor. 

Angela has a refreshing ‘no-nonsense’ approach to her work and can mirror back your situation in a clear and frank way –even when it might not be a pleasant picture – without causing feelings of embarrassment. She is never short of simple and easy strategies to offer in order to turn the situation round, and is equally able to suggest more sophisticated solutions and developments. 

In addition, Angela is a good monitor – subtly checking developments with the added bonus of being truly interested in one’s growing success.

Amanda Kipling

Proprietor, Speakers for Education

Richard and Angela at FCA Solutions have provided valuable input to Synergy for over six years.  Before we started trading, they produced initial forecasts, which showed that the business should be a success, and also enabled us to calculate how much cash we needed to inject into the business at the outset. The forecasts provided us with an estimation of how much work we needed to bill each month in order to meet our ongoing commitments as well as to repay the money we had invested in the business as loans over our agreed timescales.  Importantly, we were, and still are, able to keep a close, regular check on cash flow and profitability.

Since then, FCA Solutions have set up our accounting system and processes and have trained our staff how to use them.  They have helped us to recruit an excellent Finance Manager, and are closely involved with their ongoing training. They work on our account for approximately one day a month. This includes a review of our monthly management accounts and the processing of the payroll. On a more ad hoc basis, FCA Solutions are always there to give advice, answer questions and explain issues to the Directors or the Finance Manager and to liaise with the Inland Revenue or VAT office.

We all appreciate the support and encouragement they provide us with and have absolute trust that our accounting processes are thorough and reliable.  I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone who, like us, needs a high-level finance expert to oversee their accounting procedures and who wants to ensure that they are in safe hands, and at the same time wants to understand clearly the finances for themselves.

Sue Thamia

Director, Synergy Healthcare Research Ltd

We needed an experienced finance professional to quickly take over responsibility for the preparation of our management accounts, payroll, and budgeting process etc. These tasks were done quickly and efficiently, and, as a direct result, early the following year and after discussions with the Board of Directors, (Richard) was made responsible for producing and presenting the monthly management accounts at the monthly Board meetings.

He was instrumental in helping us raise our next tranche of equity-based funding, appointed and trained new accounts staff as and when required, reassessed and upgraded our company car policy, provided relevant information to help us in our commercial negotiations with customers and suppliers, was responsible for the taking of Board Meeting minutes and carried out a host of other ad hoc projects.

In preparation for our IPO, we decided that we needed an FD with wide-ranging experience with city institutions etc so we subsequently appointed a new FD. The transition between Richard and our new Finance Director has worked extremely well, and we are pleased to still rely on FCA Solutions to provide the company with on-going specific project support.

It is fair to say that without FCA Solutions’ assistance over the last few years, our company would not be in the strong position it is in today.

David Clayson

Managing Director, InfraRed Integrated Systems Ltd

I used the services of FCA Solutions in March/April 2006 for the purpose of writing my business plan.  I found Richard’s help and support invaluable.  I find the figures side of business quite hard, however Richard was patient and explained everything to me really carefully and made sure I understood fully before moving on.

My finished business plan is excellent. Also Richard continues to offer help and advice and has even sent newspaper articles, which he has read and are relevant to my business.  This help is above and beyond what I paid for.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of FCA Solutions and will definitely use them again some time soon.

Zoe Elie

Director, Intellipark Ltd

If you would like to find out more about ways in which we can help you please contact us to arrange a free, no obligation meeting by telephoning 01908 258823 or send an e-mail.