Chris Nichols
Fractional Fd - Trading as Vitalfd @C&k Accounting Services Limited
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WORK HISTORY
Fractional Fd - Trading as Vitalfd @C&k Accounting Services Limited
Beverley, GB
As a commercially focused Portfolio FD with 25 years of cross-sector experience across Africa and the UK, I specialise in delivering: financial transformation through cost reduction and growth strategic turnarounds Exit strategiesMy career spans multiple industries—including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, financial services, and the non-profit sector—where I’ve partnered with Business Owners and Boards to define strategy, unlock value, and lead complex financial change.From restructuring $12m in bank debt to implementing ERP systems in organisations with no prior financial infrastructure, I thrive in roles where financial leadership directly impacts business outcomes.Achievements include improving gross margins from 10% to 23% at a regional plastics manufacturer, leading a $30m capital raise for a sustainable agri-business in East Africa, and turning around underperforming finance functions with embedded risk and compliance issues.I’ve also worked extensively with PE, VC, and DFIs, and have a strong track record of investor relations and board-level reporting.I always focus on bringing clarity and simplicity to complexity—introducing robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and insightful analysis that empower organisations to make better decisions, faster.Previous experience:🟥 UK Barclaycard Hyperama plc (Speciality Food & Drink Wholesaler)- Exit D B Ramsden (Cash & Carry, On-Trade)- Exit Milestone (Construction) PayPoint.net (Payment services) Africa Practice (Advocacy) Homeserve plc (Home services) DS Smith plc (Packaging) Dial-a-phone (Online Mobile retailer) The Angel Foundation (Charity) World Vision (Charity) Tearfund (Charity)🟥 Africa & South East Asia New Forests (Private Equity) PGI Group (Private Equity) Phatisa (Private Equity) QBS (Foundation seed) Kilombero Plantations (Agriculture) MGB Mining (Pre Revenue Startup) General Plastics (Packaging) Scaw Metals (Metal manufacturing)
EDUCATION
Newcastle University
B.Sc
ABOUT CHRIS NICHOLS
Are rising costs eating into your profits?🤦 Struggling to maintain healthy cash flow? Need help growing your business without taking on unnecessary risk?I help ambitious business owners and Boards of UK SMEs reduce costs, improve cash flow, and unlock growth. As a Fractional Finance Director with over 35 years of experience, I work hands-on with companies turning over £0.5m–£40m, providing strategic financial leadership and practical implementation—not just advice.I focus on delivering real results in three critical areas: Cost Reduction – From overheads to supplier renegotiations, I implement proven methodologies that cut costs in areas like utilities, telecoms, insurance, waste management, fleet, and more. Cash Flow & Controls – I audit and improve financial systems, strengthen internal controls, and mitigate risks—making sure finance supports, not holds back, your business. Growth Strategy & Exit Planning – Whether you’re scaling up or preparing for a sale, I help clarify your direction, build value, and get the business investor- or buyer-ready.I don’t just identify problems—I solve them. I empower business owners and their teams to make bold, informed decisions that move the business forward, especially in today’s volatile market.If you\'re navigating rising costs, planning a turnaround, or preparing for sale, let’s connect and build a stronger, more valuable business.Contact me:Mobile: 07•••••••39Email: c••••@vitalfd.co.uk
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