Construction, Civil Engineering, Precision Engineering, Media including TV, PR and Marketing, Exhibitions and Events, Contract Cleaning, Marine, Print, Haulage, Pharmaceuticals, Utilities, Military and Chemical.
Here is what some of them have to say:
"Business Explorer was brought in to rescue a very difficult situation for a rapidly growing start up organisation let down by their employed Chief Financial Officer. Business Explorer did a fantastic job of establishing the most important baseline accounting information to report to a demanding board, a set of investors and the corporation itself. The team did a sterling job -- on time and within budget -- of ensuring the orderly and robust delivery of correct financial reporting. We can't recommend the team highly enough".
Dr. Liz Williams, CEO, Sedari Registry Management Services
3rd January 2012
"Right from the first meeting with Ian, something clicked – at last I had found someone who not only had invaluable experience but also a genuine desire to understand my motivations for business and a knack in helping me verbalise my hopes and desires for the future direction of the business.
Furthermore, Ian, with seemingly limitless patience, helped me create a structured business strategy that was not only geared toward creating wealth but also in line with my values. Ian has helped me create a roadmap for my business. I’m more motivated than ever, I am more decisive. I am already more successful and I am happier.
I would urge any business owner looking to create genuine growth to speak to Ian – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
Jon Sanctuary,
Managing Director,
Tempest Cosgrave Ltd.
11 October 2011
“Ian was a freelance finance director of (our investee) Pan Graphics and, at the time of his appointment, the company was in financial distress. There were severe cash pressures as well as significant balance sheet issues. …..Ian made an immediate impact. His calm unruffled style provided those around him with the confidence that there was a steady hand on the tiller. ….Most importantly, he provided sound, well reasoned advice to fellow Board members when difficult decisions had to be faced. Additionally, he acted as a sounding board for me when I needed a fresh and objective view….In summary, he is a seasoned professional who knows his way around, who can get up to speed quickly and who goes about his work in a calm and supportive way, which gains the confidence of those around him.”
Peter Skinner, director, Apax Partners & Co. Ventures Ltd
“May we take this opportunity to thank you for a most valuable and rewarding day. Both of us feel that the day was a complete success, and has provided us with great focus for the tasks that lie ahead. The concept of Strategic Planning has now given us both a much clearer direction for the future of our business”.
Giles Oliver & Philip Lettieri, joint managing directors of construction company in Somerset
“Ian uses all his experience as a chartered accountant to provide good strategic and business planning. My colleagues and I have benefited from his full range of services as our freelance finance director for almost a year now and, as an old sea dog, I see him as my compass”.
Louis d’Espagnac, managing director of IFA in Hampshire
“Dear Ian, Just a quick note to say a big THANK YOU for yesterday’s strategic planning meeting. The day was, of course, a complete success and afterwards, at dinner, my co-directors could not stop talking about it! We all feel that it was a totally constructive day and are now much better prepared to meet the demands of the business and to forge a better future for ourselves.
We all look forward to working with you in your role as our freelance finance director over the coming years”.
Richard Beardall, managing director of leisure industry company in Dorset.
Since Ian started consulting for McKenna Townsend PR as our freelance finance director, he has worked with us to achieve a very clear business plan based on extremely robust financial analysis. I would not hesitate to recommend that any business would benefit from his extremely valuable financial and strategic planning.
Furthermore, we have benefited greatly from introductions to selected members of his professional network. Sometimes it takes somebody slightly removed from a business to see the bigger picture.
Sarah Townsend, joint managing director, McKenna Townsend PR of Ringwood, Hampshire.
The finance for non-Accountants training I received from Ian Thurgood of The Business Explorer was so helpful, extremely comprehensive and very easy for me to pick up. From having been a complete finance novice, he has given me the confidence to understand financial matters and be comfortable reading budgets, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts.
I feel a lot happier, more capable generally and a better member of the team now. I had a great day and my confidence is so much better now I feel ready for anything to be thrown at me. Since then, we have had our monthly meeting and I was able to understand all the figures and even anticipate (the boss’s) thoughts, always good for a PA.
Aimee Logan, PA to the Director of Engineering, Southeastern Railways in London
“Thank you for a very challenging day last Thursday. It has given me so much more focus and drive. Trouble is now I can’t sleep with anticipation”.
Noel Robertson, managing director of manufacturer of blinds and awnings in Hampshire.
“Thank you for an enjoyable and beneficial day. I went into the day as a sales person and came out much more of a businessman. Thank you for your time”.
Andrew Merriman, director of IFA in Oxfordshire
Since getting to know Ian, I have been struck by his personable, confident yet flexible approach to business. He’s able to tease out the financial issues of his clients and present them with clear and achievable solutions. He has a wealth of experience and useful connections, established over years of working in his area of expertise.
Nigel Barfoot, Datatech Consultants