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Scaling a business is one of the most exciting stages in any entrepreneur’s journey but it’s also where things often start to unravel.

What got you to this point won’t necessarily get you to the next level. And for many SMEs, the pressure of scaling without the right support quickly turns opportunity into overwhelm.

That’s where a fractional CFO becomes not just helpful, but essential.

Why growing does not equal scaling

Let’s be clear: growth and scaling are not the same thing.

Growth means doing more: more customers, more sales, more staff. Scaling means increasing revenue in a way that’s efficient, sustainable, and profitable without your costs and complexity increasing at the same rate.

To scale successfully, you need structure. You need clarity. And you need a financial strategy that supports the pace of your ambitions.

We work with business owners every day who are brilliant at what they do but find themselves stuck in a whirlwind as their business grows. Common scale-up challenges include:

• Unclear financial reporting or profitability
• Cash flow stretched by increased demand
• Systems and people operating at breaking point
• No visibility on funding requirements or margins at scale
• A lack of time and headspace to plan beyond the day-to-day

In short, many businesses grow before they’re truly ready to. They lack the infrastructure and financial leadership to support that next level.

How to scale your business successfull

Like all building projects, scaling a business successfully means starting with the foundations. These include things like processes, systems, and even leadership and culture. If we simply stack more and more sales on top of a shaky structure, our business will eventually become top heavy and fall over.

Foundations sit within your business model – is it right for the next stage; the scaled-up version of your business?

Experience is ultimately the best investment you can make at this stage.

Our part-time CFOs bring enterprise-level insight and calm, clear leadership into your business at exactly the right time. They’re not just there for the numbers on a spreadsheet, they become your strategic partner, assisting decision-making and alerting you to what you might not easily see.

They do this by building three-way financial models (P&L, cash flow, balance sheet) that allow you to test growth scenarios. They will identify gaps in your systems, team and structure before they slow you down and improve your visibility of profits at a product and customer level.

Importantly, because scaling up often means investment in equipment or other assets, they’ll guide your funding strategy, so you raise the right money, at the right time.

All these actions are about aligning your financial plan with your long-term goals and giving you confidence in your numbers and clarity in your direction so you can make better decisions, faster.

Why the fractional CFO approach works

Our clients tell us they don’t just value the financial expertise, they value the partnership. Having someone in their corner who brings a level head, broad experience, and a commitment to seeing their business succeed is a huge boost, both mentally and operationally.

One of the biggest advantages of using a fractional, or part-time, CFO is that you don’t need to hire full-time. This is a huge benefit at a time when your resources are being ploughed into scaling. And our flexible, fractional model still gives you the right expertise, right when you need it, without the overhead.

If you’re planning to grow or already feeling the strain, let The CFO Centre help you take the next step with structure, not stress.

With the start date of April 2025 looming, is your business concerned about the impact of the Chancellor’s rise in National Insurance Contribution (NIC) rates?  

Against a backdrop of potential new tariffs on the horizon from the US Trump administration, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and the persistent ripple effects of global economic shifts, it’s understandable that businesses are feeling the pressure. 

The good news is there are ways to offset this financial challenge, and The CFO Centre is here to help you find clarity, control, and confidence. 

We’re already busy supporting clients with a range of measures designed to reduce the impact of the tax rises on overall profitability and build resilience against broader economic challenges. 

Every business is different, and we’re therefore devising plans to suit a wide range of sectors and stages. For example, if you’re in the hospitality trade and you employ lots of part-time shift workers, the impact will be greater across multiple part-time employees as opposed to fewer full timers. If you’re about to bring in lots of new hires, you might look to outsource support functions such as finance and HR, rather than directly employ. 

The initial choice often feels quite black and white: to reduce the employee cost base or to raise prices. But here’s how we’re helping our clients to look at other ways of mitigating the risks. 

Revisiting the employee cost base 

It’s important to know that this doesn’t have to mean making people redundant.  

Firstly, we’re helping our clients understand ways to reduce their NI bill by implementing employee benefits or salary sacrifice schemes. 

These reduce the salary value against which NI is charged by swapping money for benefits, which ensures your people are not disadvantaged. 

Typically, you can offer optical, dental or alternative health cover, helplines, gym memberships, or retail discounts through such schemes. These can be very low cost to you, due to potential economies of scale, and so they are an attractive option and could even replace an inflationary salary increase. 

We’re also looking at clients’ budget allocation and helping them to reforecast. If an annual salary rise was planned for 2025, businesses could use some or all this money to meet the additional NIC costs. Although this isn’t great news for employees, it does protect jobs and, by partnering this with salary sacrifice, damage to morale can be minimised. 

Turnover and forecasting tips 

Aside from raising prices, which is often the last resort, we’re helping our clients to revisit forecasts, especially in light of growth against borrowing. Forecasts set prior to the budget need careful attention to ensure the changes do not impact any borrowing covenants. If this is a risk, you may need to reduce investment in future growth to protect the current position. 

Forecasts are understandably becoming more conservative as the economic landscape shifts under our feet, with accuracy becoming more critical than ever.  

Having an experienced CFO on board is a lifeline at times like this because many businesses have very little ‘fat’ in their cost base so every variation against expectation is a risk. We work with clients to build flexible, scenario-based forecasts whether that’s in respect of NICs, tariff impacts or fluctuating market demand. 

Our overarching message in for businesses to be proactive. Don’t wait until the effective date for NICs, or for current unknown changes to manifest.  

We’d advise all employers to focus on their financials and make the most of management information to start recharting their course as soon as possible. 

Understanding your reality, knowing which numbers matter, and exploring other potential upsides such as tax reliefs, outsourcing to contractors or supplier contract renegotiations can help you protect the numbers that really matter – your prices, your people and your profit. 

Overcome the challenges of increased tax rates with an experienced CFO who can help you thrive in 2025. You can book a no-obligation, 30-minute discovery call by dialling 0800 169 1499 or completing our contact form.

Business success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the numbers that really matter.

Yes, profit, revenue, and cash flow are essential. But what about time, freedom, and peace of mind?

What about having the right support to make confident financial decisions, grow sustainably, and enjoy the business you’ve built?

These are areas where an outsourced CFO can make a real difference. With a part-time CFO from The CFO Centre, you gain strategic financial leadership without the cost or commitment of hiring in-house. More than that, you get trusted advice that helps you turn business success into personal success.

What is an outsourced CFO and why does it matter?

An outsourced CFO is a seasoned financial expert who works flexibly with your business, providing the same strategic insights as a full-time CFO but only for the time you actually need them.

If you’re dealing with any of these challenges, it might be time to consider how to hire a CFO:

• cash flow worries
• scaling your business
• profitability issues
• raising capital
• time constraints

At The CFO Centre, we believe a CFO’s duties are about more than spreadsheets and reports. They bring big company experience and strong financial leadership to your SME and help you achieve your goals faster.

What are a CFO’s responsibilities?

Our fractional CFOs are much more than a financial controller. They are a strategic partner who helps drive your business forward. While every business is different, some key CFO responsibilities include:

1.     Financial strategy & business growth

• Developing a clear financial plan tailored to your business goals
• Identifying growth opportunities and risks before they happen
• Ensuring your finances align with your long-term vision

2.     Cash flow & profitability management

• Keeping your business cash-positive so you never have to worry about bills
• Analysing profit margins and identifying ways to increase efficiency
• Implementing pricing strategies that boost revenue without harming sales

3.     Fundraising & capital management

• Helping you secure funding from banks, investors, or grants
• Managing your finances to ensure the right capital structure
• Strengthening relationships with banks and financial institutions

4.     Financial clarity & risk management

• Providing clear, easy-to-understand financial reports
• Ensuring compliance with tax and legal regulations
• Identifying risks before they become costly problems

5.     Business Exit & Long-Term Planning

• Helping you scale without losing control
• Preparing your business for a future sale, merger, or acquisition
• Ensuring you’re investor-ready if you want to raise capital

With The CFO Centre, you’ll do far more than simply hire a CFO, you’ll gain access to a world-class team of financial experts, ensuring you always have the best advice at your fingertips.

The CFO Centre’s approach

We make working with a CFO simple, flexible, and tailored to your business.

Step 1: Let’s talk about what matters

We start with a free, no-obligation conversation to understand your business, your challenges, and what success looks like for you. Whether it’s cash flow concerns, scaling, or freeing up your time, we can discuss what CFO responsibilities you need help with.

Step 2: Matching you with the right CFO

Not all CFOs are the same. We carefully match you with a CFO who can add value in your industry, challenges your thinking in a sensitive and thoughtful way, and believes in your long-term vision.

Step 3: A flexible, cost-effective engagement

Unlike hiring a full-time CFO, with The CFO Centre, you only pay for what you need. Whether you need support a few days a month or for a short-term project, we tailor our services to your business and budget.

Step 4: Immediate impact & quick wins

Once onboard, your CFO dives straight in, tackling key challenges and implementing strategies that deliver results fast, whether it’s improving cash flow, increasing profits, or streamlining operations.

Step 5: Long-term growth & financial confidence

We’re here to help you build the business you’ve always dreamed of. And because you’re backed by our entire CFO team, you gain access to the collective expertise of over 700 financial experts.

The right numbers, the right CFO, the right future

At The CFO Centre, we believe business isn’t just about financial statements, it’s about having the freedom, confidence, and control to run your business on your terms.

Our CFOs don’t just work on your finances, they help you achieve the numbers that really matter:

• more cash flow to fuel growth
• more profitability to reward your hard work
• more time and freedom to focus on what you love

So, now you know how to hire a CFO, why not take the first step to levelling up your business and book a free discovery call today.

The CFO Centre Group is delighted to announce the inclusion of Sara Daw, CEO of The Liberti Group and The CFO Centre Group in the 2024 E2E Female 100 Track in association with  The Independent.

The E2E Female100 track is a prestigious award which recognises female-led enterprises in the UK, boasting a turnover surpassing £10 million over the preceding biennium. It symbolises a resolute commitment to celebrating the trailblazing spirit of female entrepreneurs and leaders across many sectors. The E2E Female100 track serves as a spotlight on UK-based companies that not only excel in their respective domains but also foster consistent employee growth and spearhead transformative business strategies. These enterprises have a secure impact on a national and, in select instances, global scale.

Sara is delighted with the award and what it means for the wider team:

“Not only am I honoured to achieve this personal recognition, I’m also thrilled that female leadership is being appreciated in this way and that the spotlight is on us all for everything we’ve achieved together as part The CFO Centre and the wider Liberti Group.”

Speaking about the track, Shalini Khemka CBE, founder of E2E says: “The E2E Female 100 has allowed us to highlight the amazing companies throughout the UK with a turnover of £25 million plus. These are companies that despite a challenging economy and a challenging few years, have generated exceptional turnover results and are continuing to grow at a rapid rate.”

Colin Mills, Founder and Chairman of The Liberti Group commented on the business’ inclusion within the track “It is a huge honour for The Liberti Group to be recognised in this way, to be part of this group of females and to be representative of females in business.”

Colin added “It provides validation of all the hard work and effort from our team over the years. This will create awareness in the business community that by engaging with C-suite talent on a fractional or part-time basis, business owners can build and scale their businesses faster and with greater certainty, changing their lives and that of their colleagues.”

The full track can be viewed  here.

If you want to scale up your business for success, start by asking yourself some questions about your company’s capability and its capacity to deal with growth. This is a time for honest reflection and getting a clear perspective on your current position.

As an entrepreneur this may be challenging as you are close to your business and may lack the perspective to assess the situation clearly. If this is the case, you may consider turning to a trusted professional, like a CFO, a business mentor or coach who can give you objective advice.

Before we dive into the 7 factors for a successful business scale up, here are 2 questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves before considering scaling:

1. Is your company capable of growing? Can you and your employees deal with additional work or sales cost-effectively? What happens if your company achieves exponential growth – will your costs rise exponentially as a result?
2. Does your company have the capacity to deal with growth? Can your systems, employees, and infrastructure scale up quickly to meet demand – for instance, from a sudden surge in orders. Will you be still able to manufacture or deliver on time?

As you scale up your business, it’s important that quality and performance stay the same. You’ve built a reputation for delivering to a high standard and you don’t want to lose that by scaling up without robust plans in place. You also don’t want to run out of money because your rapid growth affects your cash flow.

Once you’ve finished your review, you are going to need careful planning and some funding to scale your business. You’ll also need to have the right systems, processes, technology, staff, finance, and even partners in place.

If this all sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry! Our CFOs have shared their incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to provide you with the 7 factors important for all effective business scale-ups.

1. Identify the gaps in your processes

You need to audit your business processes (core, support, and management) to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Find the gaps and address them before you start to scale up. Keep it simple, remember that complex processes slow things down and hinder progress.

2. How will you boost sales when you scale up?

What does your company need to do to increase sales and meet your scale up goals? Take time to create a sales growth forecast that details the number of new clients you need, the orders, and the revenue you want to generate.

Examine your existing sales structure and decide if it can generate more sales. Can you increase your flow of leads? Do you need to offer different products or services? Is there an untapped market? Do you have a marketing system to track and manage leads? Is your sales team capable of following up and closing more leads?

If you don’t have enough staff to cope with an increase in sales, consider hiring more employees, outsourcing tasks, or finding partners that may be able to handle functions more efficiently than your company.

3. Forecast scaling up costs as accurately as possible

Once you’ve completed the sales growth forecast, you should create an expense forecast. This should include the new technology, employees, infrastructure, and systems you’ll need to be ready to handle the new sales orders. The more detailed your cost estimates, the more realistic your plan will be.

4. Get funding to cover your business expansion

If you need to hire more staff, install new technology, add facilities or equipment, and create new reporting systems, you’ll need money to invest. If you don’t have enough reserves to do this then you need to find money another way. Check out our helpful article if you aren’t sure how to fund your company’s growth.

5. Make delighting customers a priority

To reach your sales forecasts, your company will need loyal customers. You’ll win their loyalty by delivering outstanding products or services and exceptional customer service every time you interact with them. Don’t let scaling up reduce your quality.

6. Invest in the right technology

As you scale up, you and your team will find that manual tasks become overwhelming. For example, if you leap from processing 5 website sales each day to 5 per hour, your employees will quickly get overwhelmed. Be ready to invest in technology that will automate tasks and allow enough time to find the technology, migrate from your old system and train your team. In the end, all businesses depend on automation to bring costs down and make production more efficient.

Another important point in this area is integrating technology. You can have the best systems in the world, but your business will struggle to thrive if they aren’t integrated. You need robust, scalable systems that work smoothly together.

7. Successful scale-up is hard – ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from experts who have experience in scaling up companies. As Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs said, “I’ve never found anybody who didn’t want to help me when I’ve asked them for help. I’ve never found anyone who’s said no or hung up the phone when I called – I just asked.”

You can ask top entrepreneur for help, turn to a trusted mentor, or recruit a part-time CFO to sit beside you. Whatever you choose, you will need a supportive, non-judgmental partner. A person who will help you develop a progressive, scale up strategy that delivers the right numbers so your business can grow and fulfil your aspirations.

Investing in the preparation stage is the key to success – when you get this right, you can scale up rapidly and meet your business goals. Just take care that you don’t get so caught up in the business that you lose sight of your personal goals. Our clients say they really value the way their CFO helps them to balance what’s important to feel accomplished both in their work and as people.

De-risk your scale-up with a highly skilled, experienced CFO. The first step is easy. Just book a no-obligation, 30-minute discovery call by dialling 0800 169 1499 or completing our contact form. Our in-house team is here to help get your business scale up journey underway.

 

As a small business owner in the UK, knowing when to onboard a Chief Financial Officer can be key to unlocking business growth and healthy finances. You might have heard that CFOs are only needed by corporations and businesses turning over more that £50m, but this isn’t true. Many small business owners say they regret waiting for so long to appoint their first CFO so let’s explore what’s going on behind the choice to bring a full-time or part-time CFO into a small business.

• 7 Signs your small business needs a CFO
• 8 Reasons to hire a CFO
• Benefits of a fractional CFO over a full-time one
• Making the decision to hire a CFO

Signs your small business needs a CFO: tackling common growing pains 

1. Rapid growth: If your business is growing very fast—with revenues multiplying—then it is time to consider CFO services. This matters because rapid growth, while exciting, can be risky if not managed properly. As the owner, you need someone who can ensure your financial resources keep pace with your growth, preventing cash flow issues or overextension. A CFO can help you scale sustainably. Your CFO will manage your growth efficiently by monitoring financial resources, analysing cash flow, and optimising resource utilisation. 
2. Cash flow problems: Cash flow is the lifeblood of your small business. If you’re experiencing issues here or struggling with working capital management, it could threaten your entire operation. A CFO can help you anticipate and prevent cash shortages, ensuring you can always meet your financial obligations and invest in growth opportunities.  Your CFO will be able to introduce cash flow projection models to highlight any shortfalls that may be developing and create a strategy to get around such eventualities. 
3. Inability to engage in strategic financial planning: Every business requires a strategic financial planning approach. Without strategic financial planning, you’re essentially flying blind. As the owner, you need a clear financial roadmap to guide your decisions. A CFO can provide this, helping you set realistic goals and measure your progress towards them.  
4. Increased financial complexity: As your business grows,  financial management becomes more complex. If you’re struggling to keep up and your financial controller is overwhelmed, it could lead to costly mistakes or missed opportunities. A CFO can manage this complexity, freeing you to focus on other aspects of the business. 
5. Better decision making: As the owner, every major decision you make impacts your business’s financial health. A CFO provides the detailed financial analysis you need to make informed decisions, potentially saving you from costly mistakes and helping you identify profitable opportunities. 
6. Raising external funding: If you’re looking to expand through external funding or venture capital, a CFO is crucial. They bring gravitas to the leadership of your small business and they can present your financial story in a way that appeals to lenders and investors. This potentially increases your chances of securing funding and on better terms. 
7. Time constraints: As a small business owner, your time is valuable and you are probably being pulled in many different directions. If you’re spending too much of it on financial management, it’s taking away from other important areas where you could be adding value. A CFO can take this burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on strategic leadership and growing your business. 

8 Compelling reasons to hire a CFO for your UK business

As a UK small business leader managing a company with less than £50m turnover, you might be wondering if your organisation could benefit from high-level financial expertise and what exactly you’ll get for your money. Here are the 8 main reasons mentioned in our conversations with business leaders.

1. Enhanced decision-making in the UK market
   A CFO provides you with accurate, relevant financial information tailored to the UK business environment, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.
2. Improved financial controls for UK compliance
   Implement robust internal controls that ensure accurate financial statements, protect company assets, and reduce the risk of fraud while adhering to UK regulatory requirements.
3. Strategic financial planning for growth
   Benefit from expert guidance in creating and executing financial strategies that align with your business goals and the unique challenges of the UK market.
4. Improved cash flow management
   Optimise your working capital and cash flow, crucial for navigating the uncertainties of the UK economy and supporting sustainable growth. The challenge that small businesses face in getting paid was recognised by the British government when it created the role of Small Business Commissioner to tackle late payments and poor payment practices.
5. Access to a broader financial network
   Tap into a wealth of connections within the UK financial sector, from investors to lenders, helping you secure funding or explore new opportunities.
6. Expertise in UK tax strategy and compliance
   Stay ahead of the complex tax landscape with a CFO who can optimise your tax strategy and ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations.
7. Support for mergers and acquisitions
   Get expert guidance on M&A opportunities, including due diligence, valuation, and post-merger integration, tailored to the business environment.
8. Preparation for future growth
   Whether you’re aiming for rapid expansion or considering an exit strategy, a CFO can help prepare your small business for the next stage of growth. This will enable it to become a medium-sized business in the competitive UK market.

If this all sounds great but you feel daunted by the financial commitment, there is another solution. By engaging a fractional CFO, you can access the strategic financial leadership you need to thrive in today’s challenging economic climate. This cost-effective solution provides the expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes, drive growth, and achieve your business objectives.

Benefits of a part-time CFO over a full-time CFO

1. Cost-effective financial leadership
   Gain access to C-suite level financial and strategic planning expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO. This is an ideal solution for small businesses in the £5m to £50m turnover range. 
2. Flexible support tailored to UK business cycles
   Adjust the level of CFO support based on your business needs, whether it’s year-end reporting, tax season, or during critical growth phases.
3. Access an even broader financial network than a single CFO can bring
   With a team of CFOs behind your fractional CFO, you can tap into a vast global network of expertise, partner organisations and potential allies for your business.

Making the decision to hire a CFO

Hiring a CFO depends on your specific business needs and your situation. Business leaders are prompted to get in touch with us for several reasons, including:

• Business size: There is no threshold in revenues, but businesses generally start considering the need for a CFO once their annual revenue reaches £1-2 million. 

• Growth rate: Faster-growing businesses and newly invested businesses may well need CFO expertise much earlier to handle their growth in an effective manner. 

• Industry complexity: Certain industries have more complex financial needs, meaning CFOs are in demand sooner rather than later. 

• Financial goals: If you have ambitious financial goals or are looking to make major changes (such as expansion or acquisition), then a CFO can be priceless. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when a small business needs a CFO, but one thing is for sure: many can benefit from this level of financial expertise earlier than they might think. If your business is suffering from financial growing pains, is lacking strategic financial direction, or is ready for phenomenal growth, consider bringing a chief financial officer on board. If these challenges sound familiar, you ou  don’t need to struggle on until you can afford to hire a full-time CFO.

Part-time and outsourced CFO services will get the financial guidance that you need at a much-reduced cost for your growing business. Right now, you need a Chief Financial Officer who will provide the necessary financial know-how, strategic acumen and pragmatism to ensure you sail through problems, utilise opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth. Whether you choose to bring in a full-time or part-time CFO into your team, your small business will benefit from a steadying hand on the tiller.