In my experience, founders often appoint the EOT trustee they feel most comfortable with. Later, they may wish they had appointed the person who made them feel slightly uncomfortable. That is not because an effective trustee should be difficult or confrontational. It is because there will be times when the EOT needs someone prepared to […]
If you are thinking about your exit, your starting assumption may well be a trade sale. It is the most familiar route. A buyer, a negotiation, a completion date. You sell the business, receive the consideration and hand over control. (Oh, that it was always that simple!) But for many business owners, particularly those who […]
So you are thinking about the best exit for you and your business. You may already have considered a trade sale or even a sale to a private-equity-backed business, but rejected those options because protecting your legacy matters and because you want your successor management team to be well looked after. Previously we have examined […]
vfdnet is strengthening its network of associate finance directors and financial controllers, expanding into new regions, and launching a new EOT trustee portal for Employee Ownership Trusts seeking a financially experienced independent trustee for their board. The growth comes from six of FinanceHeads members choosing to join vfdnet. After 16 successful years, the owners of […]
Leo Hickish, Chairman and Director at Batcheller Monkhouse, Shares His EO Journey with James Shand at vfdnet. Q: Before we talk about the transition itself, could you paint a picture of Batcheller Monkhouse before the move to employee ownership — the culture, the team, and where the business was in its lifecycle? A: We were […]
You’ve put years of graft into building your business. Long days, late nights, endless decisions – it’s more than a business, it’s your legacy. That’s why, when the time comes to sell, the last thing you want is to see its value slashed – or worse, a deal fall through – simply because you weren’t […]
You might already be an FD on paper — leading a finance team, reporting to the board, managing cash, driving strategy. But here’s the truth: what SME business owners really need from a portfolio FD is something very specific — experience in preparing for and delivering a business sale. That could be a trade sale, […]
Transitioning your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be an incredibly rewarding move, but it’s not without risks. While an EOT offers stability, tax advantages, and a lasting legacy, the process is complex. Without proper due diligence, business owners can find themselves facing unexpected legal, financial, and operational challenges. Understanding what could go […]
Transitioning your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be an incredibly rewarding move, but it’s not without risks. While an EOT offers stability, tax advantages, and a lasting legacy, the process is complex. Without proper due diligence, business owners can find themselves facing unexpected legal, financial, and operational challenges. Understanding what could go […]
Transitioning your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be an incredibly rewarding move, but it’s not without risks. While an EOT offers stability, tax advantages, and a lasting legacy, the process is complex. Without proper due diligence, business owners can find themselves facing unexpected legal, financial, and operational challenges. Understanding what could go […]
Grapevine are a full-service IT and communications support provider. Brian Vockins was one of the key owners and sought an alternative to a business sale as his exit strategy. He wanted to leave a good legacy and an Employee Ownership Trust was his choice. Brian shares his story and his reasons for choosing to become […]
Are you a business owner looking to elevate your company to the next level? Need the expertise from an FD but not ready to employ one? Consider the benefits a Fractional CFO, or part-time FD, could bring to your business. Why Outsource Your Financial Director (FD)? Owner-managed businesses often reach a stage where they need […]
vfdnet were the sponsors at the recent Oxford Finance Leaders Forum where the focused topic was the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in commercial finance and accountancy. As a sponsor James Shand spoke for ten minutes about vfdnet and the benefits of being an associate. Then James handed over to vfdnet Financial Controller Associate, Conrad […]
Are you a seasoned finance professional wondering, “Could I be a fractional CFO?” or asking, “What is a fractional CFO?” If so, you’re in the right place! At vfdnet.com, we connect skilled finance experts with ambitious SMEs and owner-managed businesses in need of their expertise and leadership on a flexible basis. Let’s explore what it […]
Imagine the first glorious hour of a sunrise early in the morning or the precious last hour of sunlight where everything appears in a softer, subtler hue. It’s not something I am able to enjoy every day but when I do it’s a moment of reflection and stillness. What I refer to as The Golden […]
Embarking on an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) or a Management Buyout (MBO) as an exit option has become popular for business owners. The choice reflects your values and commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of your business. However, the journey isn’t without challenges, particularly be aware of a potential gap in leadership and skills […]
Barry King joined vfdnet as an Associate FD in 2016. He met James Shand nearly a year before that, he shares his journey from the point of deciding on a portfolio finance career. Are you at a junction in your finance career considering if a portfolio route is the right next step for you? Read […]
Will Marr is a vfdnet Associate FC. He’s been an associate since 2019 and recently started mentoring under James Shand’s wing to learn ‘real-life’ about options for business exits with a focus to date on Employee Ownership Trusts. vfdnet are seeing a real interest in EOTs alongside MBOs and where a trade sale isn’t the […]
When it comes to selling a business, owners have various options available to them. Two methods of business sale that have gained popularity are Management Buyouts (MBO) and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT). Proving a trade sale is no longer the only or obvious option. An Employee Ownership Trust, requires a minimum of 51% of your […]
In an Employee Ownership Trust deal the focus can often be on getting the best deal for the business owner. Everyone’s keen once a decision has been made to complete a sale to employees that they lose sight of the importance of ensuring all stakeholders’ interests are included in the EOT agreement. Our Virtual FDs […]
So, you’re the Finance Director of a company that’s on the verge of a major transaction. You have been at the core of the process from due diligence, preparing all the finance documentation and working closely with the legal counsel. It’s been pressured, and your life has been overtaken by work. You’re about to complete. […]
James Shand is an experienced Virtual Finance Director and owns vfdnet, here he shares mistakes he wishes he’d been told to avoid when starting his portfolio finance career 18 years ago. What I wished I’d known when I stepped into the portfolio FD world The variety and independence of being a portfolio FD are great, […]
