A cross-section of project outcomes:
Clearing a strategic ‘log jam’
A regional capital goods vendor risked failure, in recession, due in part to a lack of consistent and timely management information, and no forecasts. Decision making had stalled and relationships were nearing breaking point in this vacuum. Lothian Associates helped steer the client through, by first inducing a shared recognition of the many problems, supported by essential weekly financial controls, reports and decisions. One year on, trading had improved, back-office costs were reduced and unanimity was achieved through the buy-out of one of the three founders.
Quantifying and shaping strategic plans
An established university consortium engaged Lothian Associates to help it quantify and present ambitious international development plans. In a Consultant FD role, we placed the business on a clear path towards the successful internal fund-raising that will support those plans. To achieve this, it was necessary to business plan and cash model the operation for 4 years forward. It was also essential to support the CEO when consulting with all 11 owner institutions - to take them through the detailed plans, and to modify those to embody their feedback and requirements.
Restoring order and accountability
A family-owned mixed group had been placed ‘on support’ by its lender. Difficult trading conditions masked the real issue: a refusal to take tough strategic decisions. Lothian Associates helped obtain agreement as to the main problems and, over several years, assisted the next generation of directors to regain control of their businesses. This lengthy process (ultimately) resulted in core activities being developed, while unprofitable operations were shed.
Making a meaningful difference
A sole practitioner asked us to plan an exit for his business, and to carry out initial discussions with possible buyers. We determined the essential criteria, in line with his needs, and helped him effect a successful and life-changing transaction.
Turning ambition into reality
An education services company with annual sales of £3m hired Lothian Associates to help it realise ambitious growth plans. As FD, Stuart Lothian assisted the negotiation and financing of both acquisitions and organic growth, together with post-acquisition trouble shooting. The enlarged group achieved annual turnover of £15m within 8 years and has since developed further, with majority private equity backing.
Preparing for expansion
A fitness club operator needed help to replicate its proven business model. Lothian Associates was engaged to assist the owners assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing operations and to financially prepare for the enlarged business which then progressed on plan.
A safe pair of hands
A private-equity-backed software and hardware developer engaged Lothian Associates during a bank-supervised turnaround phase. As FD, Stuart Lothian provided accounting rigour, strategic direction and turnaround negotiation skills that proved vital to recovery. After a two year project, it was sold to a NASDAQ-listed group to serve as the UK base for their European expansion. Lothian Associates was pivotal in a successful realignment of the previously distressed company, delivering value for shareholders, repaying lenders in full and safeguarding UK jobs.
Just in time to save the day
A client turned to us when already half-way into a new venture that appeared doomed from the outset. Progression would have risked his wealth and sanity to such an unacceptable degree, that timely and hard-edged guidance towards a clean exit was essential. After rapid assessment of all options, we identified negotiation paths out of various ill-judged commitments, thereby achieving a damage-limited outcome.
