Smith Allen Chartered Accountants

Practical, straight-talking support for owner-managed firms

Running a business in Yorkshire demands clear thinking, quick decisions and people you can trust. Our Strategic Business consultancy is built around that reality. It’s hands-on, commercially sharp and geared to owners who want better profitability, stronger cash flow and a plan they can actually follow. No jargon. No glossy slide decks gathering dust. Just focused advice and the discipline to help you get things done.

We work alongside founders and managing directors across Huddersfield and the wider region as a sounding board, a challenger and an extra pair of skilled hands. You’ll get the breadth of a Finance Director, the rigour of a Chartered Accountant and the practicality of someone who understands how Yorkshire businesses really operate, on the shop floor as much as in the boardroom.

What we help you achieve

Clarity of direction. We start with where you want the business to be in 12–36 months and translate that into a simple plan: a handful of priorities, clear owners, sensible timelines and the numbers to track progress. If something doesn’t move the needle, it doesn’t make the plan.

Better profits, better cash. We focus on the drivers that matter: pricing, margin, overhead discipline and working capital. Expect honest conversations about what’s profitable and what isn’t, how to shorten your cash cycle, and where to trim costs without damaging capacity. We’ll help you build rolling forecasts so there are no surprises, just decisions taken early.

Robust reporting you’ll actually use. Monthly management accounts are the starting point, not the finish. We design concise board packs and KPI dashboards that cut through noise: revenue and margin by product or customer, order book, OTIF, stock turns, WIP, debtor days and cash runway. Reports are tailored to your business, often automated from QuickBooks/Xero into Google Sheets so you can see the picture at a glance.

Growth with control. Whether you’re expanding product lines, opening a new site or moving into new markets, we’ll model scenarios, capacity and funding needs so you can grow with confidence. If you need finance, we’ll prepare the packs lenders and investors expect and support conversations with the bank.

Fixing the foundations. Many performance issues are process issues. We help streamline purchasing, stock, pricing, approvals and monthly close so the numbers are right first time and decisions aren’t delayed. Where helpful, we’ll introduce light-touch tools and automations to remove admin and reduce error.

Planning for succession or exit. If your end goal is to step back or sell, we’ll map the value drivers, tidy up the numbers and reduce dependencies so the business is attractive and ready when the time comes.

How we work

• Straightforward and local. We’re based in Huddersfield and work across Yorkshire. We’re happy on-site, getting to know your people and your operation, not just your spreadsheets.
• Fractional FD or project-based. Some clients want regular FD time each month; others bring us in for a defined project—pricing reset, cash release, funding, system change, or a turnaround plan.
• No-nonsense communication. You’ll get clear actions, not buzzwords. If something’s off-track, we’ll say so and help you put it right.
• Fixed-fee options. Wherever possible we agree scope and fee upfront, so you have certainty and can focus on outcomes.

Typical engagements

• Three-year plan with 12-month budget and rolling 13-week cash forecast
• Pricing and margin review, including customer and product profitability
• Management reporting refresh with board-ready packs and KPI dashboards
• Stock and working capital improvement—freeing up cash without hurting service
• Bank-ready funding packs and introductions to suitable lenders
• System tidy-up and light automation between accounting, spreadsheets and operations
• Owner transition planning: stepping back, strengthening the team, preparing for sale

Why choose us

Owner-managed businesses need advisers who understand pace, pressure and pragmatism. We bring senior-level finance experience, the discipline of a Chartered Accountant and a calm, sleeves-rolled-up approach. We’re independent, we speak plainly and we measure success by improvements you can see in your P&L, your cash and your stress levels.

If you’d like a confidential chat about where your business is today and where you want it to be, let’s meet in Huddersfield (or we’ll come to you anywhere in Yorkshire). We’ll listen, give a view, and if we can help, we’ll set out a simple plan and a clear fee.