Services
Prototype Advisory offers two core services to support your business from early growth through to exit. Whether you need ongoing financial leadership or one-off exit planning, our services are tailored to maximise value at every stage:
Exit & Value Advisory – Pre-sale preparation, value enhancement, and hands-on deal support to ensure a smooth and profitable exit.
Fractional Finance Director – Part-time CFO services providing strategic financial oversight for growth and control, without the full-time cost.
Exit & Value Advisory
Key Components
This service helps business owners get “exit-ready” – whether you plan to sell your company, bring in investors, or simply want to increase its value. We act as your strategic finance advisor and transaction guide, making sure that when an opportunity arises, your business can command the best price and transition smoothly.
Benefits & Differentiation
Sale Readiness Assessment & Roadmap: We evaluate your company’s current state against buyer expectations and identify gaps. You receive a clear roadmap of steps to take so the business becomes more attractive to buyers – for example, cleaning up financial statements, reducing customer concentration risks, or formalising processes. This preparation is crucial, as optimally preparing an SME for sale can take 18–24 months. We start early so you won’t be caught off-guard.
EBITDA Improvement & Value Enhancement: We analyse your finances and operations to find opportunities to boost earnings and cash flow. By optimising costs, improving margins, and uncovering new revenue avenues, we help increase EBITDA – a key driver of valuation. The goal is a stronger, more profitable business that will not only attract buyers but also achieve a higher valuation multiple upon sale.
Buyer Documentation (“Buyer Pack”) Preparation: We create a comprehensive, investor-grade information pack about your business. This includes detailed financial analyses, forecasts, operational data, and growth story – all presented professionally. Our buyer-informed approach ensures nothing is missing or misleading; everything is packaged accurately so you can command the best price.
Transaction Support & Advisory: When you’re ready to engage with buyers or investors, we stand by your side as an experienced deal adviser. We assist in identifying potential buyers, coordinating with M&A advisers or brokers, and negotiating terms. Importantly, we project-manage the sale process, coordinating with lawyers and accountants, and help address due diligence queries. Our involvement reduces stress on you – letting you continue to run your business – and helps avoid common pitfalls that cause deals to falter.
With Exit & Value Advisory, you get end-to-end support from a seasoned M&A professional, rather than just generic advice. We not only plan, but also help execute the improvements and the sale. The result is that when the time comes to exit, you have a well-oiled, transparent business that buyers trust and are willing to pay a premium for. By engaging Prototype Advisory, you increase your chances of a successful, profitable exit – turning what could be a daunting process into a strategic, managed journey.
Fractional Finance Director Services
Financial Reporting & Controls: We establish robust financial processes and management reports so you gain clear visibility into your performance. This means timely, accurate financial statements and KPI dashboards that give you and stakeholders confidence in the numbers. Strong controls and transparency not only help in daily decision-making but also make your business more due diligence-ready down the line.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning: We help you create annual budgets and rolling forecasts, and run scenario analyses for strategic planning. With professional budgeting and “what-if” forecasting, you can see the financial impact of decisions before you make them – be it a new hire, a pricing change, or an expansion. This forward-looking approach ensures you’re prepared for the future and have a roadmap for growth.
Cash Flow Management: Cash is the lifeblood of any business. We implement cash flow forecasting and working capital strategies to prevent surprises and optimise liquidity. From identifying potential cash shortfalls in advance to streamlining invoicing or inventory cycles, we help keep your business solvent and agile.
Financial Strategy & Advisory: Beyond day-to-day finance, we act as your strategic financial advisor. This could include evaluating investment opportunities, advising on financing (loans, equity), or guiding major decisions like acquisitions or expansions. You get an external CFO perspective in your leadership team – a sounding board for important moves.
Mentoring & Team Development: If you have an in-house bookkeeper or finance team, we will coach and mentor them. We’ll put in place best practices for accounting, reporting, and analysis, and help develop your team’s capabilities. This leaves your company not only with better processes, but with stronger internal talent for the long run.
Our Fractional Finance Director (FD) service provides CFO-level expertise on a part-time, flexible basis. This is perfect for SMEs that need professional financial guidance – to support growth, tighten financial management, or tackle specific challenges – without the cost or commitment of hiring a full-time CFO. You get the strategic insight of a seasoned finance director, on terms that suit a smaller organisation.
Fractional FD services give you access to high-calibre financial leadership at a fraction of the cost. SMEs often struggle to afford a full-time CFO, yet can greatly benefit from strategic financial management. You maintain flexibility – scale our involvement up or down as needed. Crucially, you’re not just getting an accountant; you’re getting a commercially-minded finance partner who understands both the numbers and the bigger picture. The outcome is improved financial health, better decisions, and a business that is both profitable and prepared for growth or eventual exit.