When your business grows fast, your finances can quickly become more complex than your current systems can handle. That was the case for F&I Groundwork, who scaled from a small partnership to over 100 contractors nationwide. This YourFD case study explores how Coopers&Co delivered expert financial leadership, helping the business unlock clarity and confidently manage sustainable growth.
The challenge: growing pains in financial management
As F&I Groundwork expanded, their internal office team capably handled payroll and bookkeeping. However, the demands of VAT returns, CIS compliance, corporation tax, and strategic financial planning soon became overwhelming. The directors found themselves bogged down in compliance and lacking the clarity they needed to make confident financial decisions.
This is a common hurdle for growing SMEs: the need for a finance leader without the cost of hiring a full-time finance director.
The solution: tailored support from YourFD
Recognising the need for expert financial guidance, F&I Groundwork partnered with Coopers&Co via the YourFD service. From the outset, Coopers&Co delivered a bespoke package of outsourced finance director services, including:
- Management accounts reviews to provide real-time insights into financial health
- Compliance management covering VAT, CIS returns, and corporation tax filings
- Strategic financial reviews to identify tax efficiency opportunities and reinvestment strategies
- Financial mediation to help directors navigate difficult spending decisions by focusing on facts over emotions
This partnership allowed F&I Groundwork’s internal team to retain control over day-to-day operations while leveraging the expertise of an outsourced finance director for strategic decisions.
“Outsourcing our finance director function to Coopers&Co gave us clarity and confidence. We’ve freed up time and reduced stress, while making smarter, growth-focused decisions.” – F&I Groundwork Director
The impact of YourFD on F&I Groundwork
With Coopers&Co as their strategic partner, F&I Groundwork experienced transformative outcomes:
- Clear financial visibility enabled the directors to understand their real-time position and plan with confidence
- Reduced internal conflict by mediating financial disagreements and aligning leadership on spending priorities
- Time savings by outsourcing compliance and reconciliation tasks, allowing the business to focus on growth
- Tax-efficient strategies to reinvest profits and maximise resources
Ultimately, F&I Groundwork achieved sustainable growth while reducing stress and improving team cohesion, proving that a flexible, part-time finance director solution can make a full-time impact.
Why SMEs choose Coopers&Co for financial leadership
At Coopers&Co, we specialise in helping ambitious UK SMEs gain the financial clarity they need to grow sustainably. Our YourFD service blends compliance support with strategic insight, enabling business owners to make better, more confident decisions.
Take the next step towards financial clarity
What YourFD could do for your business
YourFD isn’t just about keeping the books in order, it’s about giving you the insight, control, and confidence to make smarter decisions and fuel sustainable growth. Whether you need sharper management accounts, forecasting support, or a strategic sounding board, YourFD provides the senior financial leadership your business needs, on flexible terms.
Who you’ll work with
You’ll collaborate with Jack Emmerson, ACCA-qualified Senior Client Manager and head of the YourFD service. With a background spanning Top 10 firms and a focus on KPIs, forecasting, and systems improvement, Jack brings practical, high-level expertise tailored to ambitious SMEs.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out our short enquiry form to request a callback from Jack and the YourFD team, and let’s explore how we can support your business too.
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