Working Capital Making your cash work for you. Corporate Finance
An alternative to borrowing Whilst healthy profitability and a strong balance sheet are frequently used to identify a successful business, it s the ability to generate strong and sustainable cash flows which is the real indicator of a financially robust and well run operation. Most commercial and operational decisions will be made by management, based on the availability of cash, so it s essential that cash flow is managed effectively. DSG Corporate Finance can support you in the development of a working capital improvement programme designed to release the vital cash currently trapped in your business and which may provide an alternative to borrowing. Our approach We adopt a simple three phase approach to improving your working capital, forecasting and cash flow management: Undertake an initial high level review of your balance sheet to identify those areas which may be improved. Develop a tailored solution to address the problem areas identified. Work with you to help implement the improvement programme in a manner which ensures improvements are maintained long after our involvement ends.
Is a lack of cash constraining your business? A closer focus on working capital may be appropriate where your business has: High or steadily increasing debtor or stock days. Significant net working capital compared to turnover. A future cash requirement but a management team reluctant, or unable, to take on bank debt. Current cash levels close to existing facility limits or management concern over meeting forecast covenant requirements. An over simplistic or inaccurate model for cash flow forecasting. Large fluctuations in cash flows due to trading seasonality. Demands from suppliers for accelerated cash payments. A requirement to improve visibility over future cash flows to assist management decision making.
Expert advice and ongoing support The key components of our working capital improvement programme are: Initial evaluation Desk top review of financial and operational data. Assess current cash flow forecasting procedures and KPIs to improve visibility over cash drivers. Identify key problem areas and opportunities for quick wins. Quantify potential impact of cash generation initiatives. Review current financial facilities and identify cash upside opportunities. Review opportunities to minimise tax outflows. Identification of surplus assets. Prepare outline cash optimisation plan, focussed on priority areas. Present findings to management. Developing solutions Assist management with implementing quick wins. Work with management to build and implement a robust model for cash flow forecasting. Develop updated management accounts reflecting enhanced cash and working capital KPIs. Focussed implementation to secure sustainable results Monitor implementation of programme. Assess cash performance versus budget, undertake variance analysis and instigate remedial actions if needed. Refine initial recommendations as appropriate. Provide ongoing support to management to ensure continued adoption of cash optimisation plan.
The results Our working capital improvement programme will: Improve cash and working capital forecasting and control. Provide management with enhanced visibility over future cash flows. Potentially reduce external funding requirements or existing debt levels. Smooth cash flows to manage seasonal or month end peaks. Increase liquidity. Release cash flows to support purchasing or investment decisions. Get in touch Cash optimisation is just one of the many ways our DSG Corporate Finance team can help you and your business. We have years of experience in executing transactions of all types and across a range of business sizes. For big firm quality advice at competitive fee levels please feel free to contact us. We have a genuine interest in business and welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss your plans for the future.
ANDREW MOSS LEAD ADVISORY E: adm@dsg.uk.com M: 07702 468031 IAIN WHITE TRANSACTION SERVICES E: ipw@dsg.uk.com M: 07920 757529 MIKE STOTT TRANSACTION TAX E: ms@dsg.uk.com M: 07891 193038 DSG has offices in : Liverpool City Centre Castle Chambers, 43 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 9TL T: 0151 243 1200 Bootle Stratford House, 149 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3DL T: 0151 933 6997 North Wales Unit 5, Evolution House, Lakeside Business Village, St David s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3XP T: 01244 526030 Southport 45 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PG T: 01704 532722 www.dsg.uk.com @DSG_Accountants DSGcharteredaccountants DSG is registered to carry out audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Corporate Finance