From our board, advisors and associates – we all share the same objectives, supporting working capital improvement.
Chris Payne on WCC.
"We set up Working Capital Consulting as we felt there was a gap. Other consultants treat working capital as a by-product or a means to another end.
For us, being a trusted partner for working capital is our goal.
We find it enjoyable and satisfying to work with client’s, their own numbers and people, find opportunities hidden from them and work with them to deliver more cash through improved processes.
It takes a lot of experience - to find, deliver and help sustain cash and profit from working capital, and that’s what we have. It’s what we set out to do and still do today."
Chris leads WCC. He started the company in 2006 to provide expertise through a dedicated working capital consultancy. He has worked in working capital and management consulting for over 35 years.
He spent 22 years with a large consultancy as managing director and head of business development. He has helped develop working capital solutions, led teams and supported implementation for multi-national clients including Unilever, Philips, Rolls Royce, Reed Elsevier, IBM, GE, CRH, Sika, Schindler, BNFL, BAE Systems, Cargotec, Whitbread, Smurfit Kappa, Kingfisher, Metso, Gillette, Amcor, Hanson, Chemring, Balfour Beatty and Wolseley.
“Working capital is about working with people, at all company levels, to help find where and how cash and process cost can be improved. It’s what I enjoy and take great pride in”.
With over 40 years of experience spanning law, sales and marketing, retail, management consulting and international development Iain has a huge range of experience to call on. His career includes senior management roles with General Foods, Mars, WH Smith and Somerfield. Iain is currently an advisor to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and serves on supervisory boards of a number of their investments. He is also Chairman of Business West.
"Working Capital Consulting has a unique capability to turn an understanding of a business into real improvements in financial performance. I am a consultant working mainly in the sales and marketing and customer relationship areas of business and I have been pleased to be involved in WCC working alongside the team as non-executive chairman. The skills and processes that WCC bring to a business create the results: the understanding and insights provided by the WCC team creates extra value for Chief Executives and the boards of client businesses. ”
Rick spent 25 years in the paper industry, including 7 years in the USA as CFO of Appleton Papers Inc, ending as Group Financial Controller of Arjo Wiggins Appleton plc in London and Paris. He joined Rolls Royce plc in 2001 as CFO of Rolls Royce Marine after the acquisition of Vickers. In 2010 he moved to CFO of the Nuclear business when it was launched, before re-joining the Marine business as CFO in 2018. In the final 18 months of his time with the company he led a major Finance Transformation programme. He now spends time advising small companies and start-ups.
“In 45 years with major businesses, I have worked with many of the well-known consultancies. They all have strengths and they all need managing. CFO’s are generally held accountable for working capital and cash, yet they do not hold all the levers to manage them. As such, excellent, informed, professional and motivated help is invaluable. I first worked with WCC in 2006 and invited them back on 2 further occasions. They do what it says on the tin and do it with limited management and fuss. They helped me enormously and I’m delighted to join them as a Non-Exec and do my best to return the favour.“
Michael has worked at Director level in consulting for several years. He is an accounting and operating process specialist with significant IT Systems and software expertise. Michael has worked with our Aerospace, Facilities Management, Chemicals and FMCG clients. He has significant experience simplifying large and complex data structures to provide clear and straightforward identification of opportunities – then helping to deliver them.
"I come from a finance and IT background with advanced skills in process and data analysis. WCC have put my skills to good use on a broad spectrum of projects from WCC standard analysis through to analysis of huge quantities of data, to identify improvements to a business’s cash or working capital performance. I enjoy working with WCC as they have access to high levels of the organisation to get the job done.”
Ian has had an international career of over 30 years. He has operated as Financial Officer and as external consultant. He has specialised in assisting blue chip corporations in delivering cash, optimising their processes and exceeding their expectations. Ian has coached Rugby Union for over 12 years, successfully mentoring and developing players of all age groups.
As a former Finance Director, I find the insight and solutions that Working Capital Consulting delivers to clients extremely rewarding. The old adage of “Cash is King” can get lost in complex business processes that are either outsourced or managed by Shared Services. Working with client teams at all levels and asking simple questions, based on WCC experience, confirms significant improvements in Cash flow, delivered though practical solutions to our blue chip clients.
Getting to work with WCC has been a brilliant opportunity. I look forward to acquiring valuable insights from the team's collective experience, refining my knowledge and enhancing my ability to address intricacies within working capital management. I’m eager to contribute to WCC's collaborative environment and bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Our board meets regularly to review client and company activity and to ensure that we operate to the highest standards.
With significant experience spanning finance, operations and non- executive roles from many industry groups , our board provides support to help maintain our dedicated focus and consulting activity.