Glyn Welsby
- Specialism:
- Scaling businesses profitably using tried and tested processes
- Financial planning and cash flow forecasting
- Financial and operational KPIs
- Extensive M&A experience, having bought and sold 13 of my own businesses, as well as supporting 9 sales and 14 acquisitions in the last two years
- Track Record:
- Greenhalls Pubs and Restaurants
- ICI Paints UK / Hammerite Paints, including overseas business
- Britax Automotive, part of Public Safety Equipment
- SCM Turbo / Arts & Crafts / JL Brierley Textiles
- Currently working with an IFA advisory business, signage manufacturer, HR advisory business and printing specialist
- Offer: Financial planning, including budgets, forecasts and cash flow management, alongside improving financial controls. I also provide support throughout the M&A process when buying or selling a business, combining practical experience with a detailed understanding of how to secure improved valuations by reducing risks and increasing opportunities.
- Glyn says: “As a Fractional CFO, you get all the knowledge and experience of a seasoned CFO, but you only pay a fraction of the overhead.”
- Try me: linkedin.com/in/glynwelsby/
My portfolio journey began following the sale of three businesses in 2020, at the start of Covid, when I was looking to invest in other businesses. I found that I had a strong network of past colleagues, customers and suppliers who were looking for someone with my experience of M&A. I was introduced to one business looking for a part-time FD and, within a few weeks, I had secured several roles. To begin with, it was hectic getting to know the different teams and supporting each business owner, but I quickly discovered that it was something I enjoyed. I like to be challenged.
One of my first significant successes was the sale of a business in the insurance sector. I advised the owners to turn down a very lucrative offer because I strongly believed the business had been undervalued by a large consolidator in the sector. Approximately nine months later, the eventual deal was worth nearly double the value of that original offer.
Along the way, I’ve learned how important it is to meet people face to face to cement relationships. Even where I’ve secured roles that are predominantly remote, I still make a point of visiting the client and spending time with the wider team. If that involves a long trip, where possible we’ll even combine it with a weekend away.
It’s working for me now because I genuinely enjoy the variety of challenges I face each day. I like a good challenge, but the portfolio model also gives me more control over my own time. That allows me to exercise regularly and, sometimes, I even exercise with my clients.
Looking ahead, I hope that joining the Portfolio Executive Community will introduce me to additional opportunities through fellow fractional leaders. I’m also keen to meet regularly with other Fractional CFOs to share ideas and approaches, particularly in sectors where my own experience may be more limited. More broadly, I’d welcome the opportunity to build relationships with other fractional leaders, share contacts and create opportunities to support one another.