Advice

The Role of the Finance Director: Moving from Compliance to Performance

In the video, Nigel Bacon, Secantor’s CEO explains his vision for an effective finance function and how this can be the key to moving a business forward into profitable growth.  Click on the Information to learn about how a typical Secantor Finance Director can give a business wide ranging help at low cost.

The Benefits Talent Management can Bring to Businesses

In the attached short video clip, our HR specialist, Ann Sheldon will outline how you can improve your ability to better attract, manage and retain talent. Click on the information icon to get further details and a link to download a PowerPoint presentation on Attracting, Managing and Retaining Talent. 

The Importance of Good Management Information

Good quality Management Information (MI) is the lifeblood of all successful businesses. It supports the business plan by providing reports based upon performance analysis in areas critical to that plan, with feedback loops that allow for adjustment of every aspect of the business.

The International Centre for Families in Business

Secantor has considerable experience in helping family businesses to grow profitably and handle issues such as succession planning. In this important field we have a close association with the International Centre for Families in Business.

Marketing in a Recession

Are your customers trading down, buying less, becoming more price sensitive or taking ages to make buying decisions? These are the problems of recession and they can be tackled through "Smarter Marketing Thinking".

Strengthening Your Finance Function: The Key to Surviving Challenging Times

You will hear how you, as the MD of a small or medium sized business, can resolve problems and strengthen the performance of your company with the help of one of Secantor's highly experienced Finance Directors - working on highly cost-effective part-time or project basis.

A Challenging Part-time FD

Malcolm Harvey, Chairman of Lorega, relates his experience of working with a Secantor part-time Financial Director, emphasising the latter's strategic approach to financial management.

Getting the Best out of Your Banking Relationship

Douglas Kerr, a past Chairman of Secantor explains how you can improve your relationship with your bankers.

Riding the Recession

Many businesses are facing a lengthy period of difficult trading. Most business owners have not had to deal with such tough times before and are going to have to think carefully and take appropriate measures to weather the storm ahead. This article looks at some of the actions businesses should be taking now to maximise their chances of survival.

Foreign Exchange Issues

The recent past has seen a u-turn in rates and for those importing from the US or from countries linked to the US dollar. This may have a major impact on margins, unless the rise can be passed on, which may be difficult in this economic climate. Businesses which export goods into the US dollar linked zones should think about revisiting those markets where they were not previously competitive.

Nine Steps to Minimise Bad Debts

There are several things a business can do to minimise the likelihood of bad debts.