“I enjoy helping businesses make small changes that have a big impact, tightening processes, improving cashflow, and giving people confidence in the numbers.”

A Trusted Finance Partner for Owner-Managed Businesses

Colin Gibson joins EFM as a Fractional Finance Director for SMEs, bringing over 20 years of experience supporting owner-managed and growing businesses.

A Chartered Accountant by background, Colin began his career in audit before moving into industry to work more closely with business owners. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as a calm, thoughtful finance leader who combines technical rigour with practical, hands-on support.

“I’ve always preferred working alongside people rather than sitting above them.”

From Audit to Long-Term SME Leadership

After qualifying in practice, Colin moved into an owner-managed industrial business, where he progressed from Management Accountant to Finance Director and board member.

For more than ten years, he worked in close partnership with the Managing Director, helping to scale the business through disciplined cashflow management, funding, and operational improvement. His role extended beyond finance into systems design, manufacturing expansion, and strategic growth initiatives.

“The best results come when finance, operations, and strategy are aligned.”

These initiatives helped double turnover within four years and ultimately supported a successful sale of the business to a larger international group.

Growth, Change, and Financial Clarity

Following the sale, Colin stepped into CFO roles supporting post-acquisition integration, complex audits, and international restructuring. He has since worked in both PE-backed and international environments, most recently as Finance Director of a fast-growing sports travel business.

There, he helped guide the company through post-Covid recovery and rapid growth, rebuilding financial control and supporting expansion to over £13m turnover.

“When a business is growing quickly, cashflow is usually the pressure point.”

Colin’s Approach as a Fractional Finance Director

Colin’s approach is grounded in clarity, calm leadership, and trust. He works best with SME owners and leadership teams who want a practical finance partner rather than a domineering presence.

Cashflow First

Cashflow planning and forecasting sit at the heart of Colin’s work, ensuring businesses can grow with confidence rather than react to pressure.

Clear, Useful Reporting

Colin focuses on reporting that supports decisions, not just compliance.

Calm, Measured Leadership

He brings structure without disruption and challenge without confrontation.

“Most businesses don’t need more complexity; they need better visibility.”

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Colin is a keen endurance athlete, having completed multiple triathlons including IRONMAN-distance events. He enjoys paddle boarding, running, cycling, and swimming, spending time with his family and their dog, and is a lifelong Newcastle United supporter.

Working with Colin Through EFM

Colin supports SMEs that need experienced financial leadership without the overhead of a full-time Finance Director.

If you’re looking for a Fractional Finance Director for your business, Colin brings calm, clarity, and trusted support through EFM.

Read more about Colin and his experience here