Colin began his career in audit practice, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and gaining broad experience across SMEs, public sector organisations, charities, colleges, and larger commercial entities. This grounding gave him a deep technical foundation, a strong understanding of governance and audit, and an appreciation for how small operational improvements can significantly strengthen a business.

Seeking a more hands-on role, Colin moved into industry in 2007, joining an owner-managed container rental business as Management Accountant before progressing to Finance Director and board member. Over more than a decade, he played a pivotal role in growing and professionalising the business, working closely with the Managing Director to scale operations, raise significant funding, expand the asset base, and introduce disciplined financial controls.

During this period, Colin’s role extended well beyond finance. He was deeply involved in operational decision-making, product development, system design, and strategic growth initiatives, including the creation of a bespoke asset tracking and billing platform and the establishment of a UK manufacturing facility with a unique clean-room capability. These initiatives helped double turnover and ultimately supported a successful sale of the business to a larger international group.

Following the sale, Colin was appointed CFO of the enlarged group, leading post-acquisition integration, complex audits, Brexit-proofing through the creation of European structures, and mentoring a non-finance CEO through significant organisational change.

More recently, Colin has held senior finance leadership roles within international and PE-backed environments and is currently Finance Director of a fast-growing sports travel business, supporting its post-Covid recovery and growth from zero turnover to over £13m. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on SME environments where trusted relationships, pragmatic leadership, and financial clarity matter most.

Colin’s career has equipped him with the breadth and depth of expertise invaluable to the fractional Finance Director and advisory services his EFM clients rely on.

He has a proven track record in:

SME growth and owner-managed businesses

Working alongside founders and owner-managers to scale businesses sustainably, introduce financial discipline, and support long-term value creation without losing entrepreneurial agility.

Cashflow, forecasting, and funding

Managing cashflow in growing and leveraged businesses, navigating tight liquidity environments, raising asset finance, grants, and growth funding, and embedding robust forecasting to support confident decision-making.

Finance function development

Building and restructuring finance teams, introducing management accounts, month-end processes, and systems that deliver timely, accurate, and meaningful insight rather than just compliance reporting.

Systems, processes, and operational improvement

Designing and implementing finance and operational systems that improve control, automate processes, and support scalable growth, including bespoke asset tracking, billing, and reporting platforms.

Transactions, integration, and governance

Supporting business sales, managing full vendor due diligence processes, leading post-acquisition integration, and delivering complex audits with clarity and control. Experienced in international and Brexit-driven restructuring.

Board-level and people-focused leadership

Acting as a trusted adviser to boards and senior leaders, mentoring non-finance executives, and bridging the gap between finance and operations through calm, measured, and practical guidance.

• Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) with strong audit and governance background
• Extensive experience in manufacturing, engineering, rental, logistics, and travel
• Highly skilled in cashflow planning, forecasting, and funding strategy
• Proven track record in system implementation and process improvement
• Experienced in business exits, post-deal integration, and stakeholder management
• Calm, thoughtful, and collaborative leadership style suited to SME environments

Initial situation
An owner-managed industrial business had reached a growth ceiling, with increasing asset investment, manual processes, and limited scalability. The owners wanted to expand but needed greater control, operational clarity, and a clear path to long-term value.

Action and result
Colin worked closely with the Managing Director to professionalise the finance function, raise significant asset finance and grant funding, and introduce robust forecasting and reporting. He played a key role in designing and implementing a bespoke asset tracking and billing system and led the establishment of a UK manufacturing facility with a unique clean-room capability. These initiatives doubled turnover within four years, strengthened profitability, and positioned the business for a successful sale to a larger international group.

Outside of work, Colin is a keen sports enthusiast and endurance athlete, having completed multiple triathlons including Ironman-distance events. He enjoys running, cycling, and swimming, spending time with his family and their dog, and is a regular cinema-goer. A lifelong Newcastle United supporter, he enjoys sharing matchdays with his son whenever possible.