“What a difference it made our organisation when we employed a part time FD. Not only could my own time be far better utilised, but as a result of the fresh, objective perspective within the company from someone so experienced, we very quickly began to add real value to the business; and all for significantly less cost and commitment than if I had employed someone full time in that position!”
CEO – Voluntary sector organisation, Bristol
“At a time when our overseas business was about to decline, I was fortunate to be introduced to Jon Nicholls as a part time FD. He was able to help us to focus on our marketing strategy and support and develop our finance section. His ability to interact with all levels of staff meant he was quickly able to introduce appropriate systems and processes into the business. The benefits that I obtained from his support, advice and experience were both ongoing and unsurpassed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Blue Biz to anyone in a similar situation.”
CEO of Retail Company, based in St Annes, Bristol
“We have been very fortunate over the years to be able to rely on good, calm, objective, no nonsense advice from Blue Biz Consultancy. Jon’s broad business experience comes into play when he discusses the issues we face in a way which is both understandable and relevant. His ability to create and deliver bespoke leadership and management training courses was impressive, particularly given the multinational nature of our business. ”
Property management and development company, UK based
We are so grateful for Blue Bizs input, I am not sure how we would have survived without their help, especially given the funding cutbacks. The additional support and organisation has allowed us to focus more on driving the business forward, and creating a business model which is less grant dependent.
CEO, Charity based in Bristol
"It is so important for SMEs to have the correct financial, strategic input such as Blue Biz has given to our organisation. We now have clarity, focus and direction. I would imagine other companies are also in the position of requiring a Financial Director yet not being in a position to retain one full time. Blue Biz’s tailored services can fill this gap."
Hotel Owner, based in Bath
"Blue Biz coaching resulted in my challenging assumptions I had no idea I had — assumptions about what success was supposed to look like, and what I needed to do to achieve that success. Our coaching sessions resulted in my having a more authentic life, both at work and outside of work. Jon garnered an accurate understanding of my situation through intense listening and intuition, asked questions where I needed to be challenged, and provided valuable suggestions when I needed practical advice. I would recommend Jon’s coaching for anyone seeking focus and clarity for their life."
Amanda - Bristol
“Blue Biz helped us to refocus our business at a time when our cashflow was at a low ebb and we were thinking about quitting. Jon gave us the strategy, motivation and inspiration to carry on. We are now looking forward to a really productive and profitable 2007. We shall certainly be retaining Blue Biz to help support our plans in the future”
Director of Construction Company, based in Chipping Sodbury.
“We were working hard and seemed to be going nowhere. The arrival of Blue Biz helped us to recognise what we needed to focus on and how to improve performance. We now have a very healthy future.”
Director of Home Care provider, based in Bishopston, Bristol.
"Jon's input was a crucial element in the raising of capital to fund our overseas expansion plans. The business plans were a key factor in convincing our new funding partners to invest significantly in our organisation"
Director - Privately owned Media company, London
"Jon was the architect in refinancing our business, using our own assets, thereby funding our longer term growth objectives. He was also instrumental in stabilising the organisation following our flotation on the London stock exchange"
Chief Executive - Chartered surveyors, London
Jon Nicholls is one of the most all-around, effective CFO’s I know. He has deep experience in almost every event that a small or growing business might confront. He is a pleasure to work with and he is a reminder that all businesses rest on the quality of the financial systems in place.
I cannot recommend Jon highly enough.
Owner, Lettings and property management agency, Bristol
"Jon led a number of projects arising from a review of service planning and financial management arrangements. This involved a radical and positive "shake - up" in the way that we managed our budgets, and led us to retake control of our spending."
Head of Performance & Resources - Public sector organisation
"Jon led a project to transform a fragmented set of organisations into stronger and more strategically focused units based on a new social firm model. Analysis undertaken also had the affect of improving short and longer term performance."
Strategic Manager - Care provider, Bristol
"Refocused the company towards a more performance driven agenda following the corporate takeover of a number of smaller independent estate agencies."
Group Finance Director - Mortgage Corporation, Exeter
“Our Company had some very traditional systems and attitudes which needed to change if we were to survive and grow in the future. Blue Biz helped us consolidate our position, create the business plan and strategies, and implement crucial changes. We wouldn’t have managed such a dramatic change without Jon’s support.”
Director of Building Subcontractors, based in Southville, Bristol.