Willowdene Group

ROLE: BUSINESS MANAGER

Organisation: Willowdene Group (Nov 2002 – Aug 2005)

To deliver the vision of the owner in an orderly, strategic manner, with particular emphasis on ensuring the long-term viability of the wider organisation.

To design and implement computer-based financial systems; develop and implement daily accounting procedures; monthly reporting; and ad-hoc strategic development tasks. To carry out the financial and management accounts function within the organisation, and conduct contract negotiations with local authorities. Maintain all IT systems and equipment, including appropriate security.

The development, design and distribution of marketing material, including the copy-writing and layout of the Company’s brochure and website.

Work with residents completing a rehabilitation programme to overcome the financial consequences of a chaotic lifestyle arising from prolonged substance-misuse. This included negotiating repayment plans, supporting applications to court, and dealing with agencies.

Key Achievements:
The separation of a partnership with diverse and conflicting activities into distinct business units, incorporating the core business units as separate legal entities. I handled all aspects of incorporation, dealing with the Company’s external accountants to complete asset transfers and tax planning, and transferring all client contracts to the appropriate Company.

The implementation of computer-based financial and data-management systems, appropriate financial and data management policies and procedures, which the National Care Home Inspectorate publicly recognised as being outstanding, robust and a model for best practice.

Active cost control and robust financial management, which the directors of the companies recognised as being central to the continued success of the Companies throughout a difficult trading period. The successful negotiation of a re-bank, saving the companies over £12,000 per year, and securing a lending structure more appropriate to the business.

The successful negotiation of a profitable franchise agreement with a college to provide additional revenue streams, which account for over £20,000 per year of additional profit. I also secured grant-based funding for capital investment, facilitating the building of additional facilities.