vfdnet Growth Brings Regional Expansion and new EOT Trustee Portal
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 FinanceHeads decided to retire and arranged for those of its members who wished to, to transfer to a similar organisation, vfdnet, with whom it had co-operated with for many years.
Their decision reflects the strength of vfdnet’s proposition, its collaborative model, and the reputation James Shand has built in guiding business owners through successful business exits, including transitions to employee ownership.
The move broadens vfdnet’s regional reach and deepens its specialist expertise, particularly in supporting business owners, trustees and leadership teams navigating succession and governance through Employee Ownership Trusts.
James Shand, Founder of vfdnet said:
“Their decision says a great deal about the strength of our network, the quality of the people in it and the opportunities ahead. It also supports our expansion into new regions and strengthens our ability to support more business owners, considering the best exit for their business, whether through a trade sale to PE, a management buyout, or sale to employee ownership.
“We have seen growing demand from EOTs looking for the right financially experienced independent trustee to join their board. The launch of our EOT trustee portal is a natural next step, helping connect EOTs with experienced finance professionals who can bring commercial insight, financial oversight and practical governance support.”
Some former FinanceHeads members are using the opportunity to retire, while others are continuing their portfolio careers through vfdnet, joining a network of experienced associate FDs and FCs supporting ambitious businesses with flexible finance leadership.
Andy Cristin, Director of FinanceHeads, is among those moving across and is now working closely with James Shand to support the migration of members into the vfdnet network.
Andy Cristin, Director of FinanceHeads and now a vfdnet FD, said:
“FinanceHeads has been a valued network for many years, so its closure marks the end of an important chapter. For some members, this is the right moment to retire. For others, it is an opportunity to join a supportive professional network that is growing, well regarded and strongly aligned with the way they want to work.
“I am pleased to be joining vfdnet myself and working with James to help members make the transition. There is a strong cultural fit, and vfdnet offers a supportive home for experienced finance professionals who want to continue making a real contribution to ambitious business owners.”
With a long-established reputation in Oxfordshire and an expanding footprint beyond, vfdnet continues to grow its network and specialist capability in response to the evolving needs of businesses and business owners across the UK.