About Nichola
I help small business owners understand their numbers so they can make confident, profitable decisions.
With 15+ years in senior finance and commercial roles, I specialise in turning messy financial data into clear actions that improve cash flow, margins, and overall performance. I work closely with SMEs and e-commerce brands that are growing but want better visibility and control over their money.
My focus is practical, jargon-free financial insight — not just reports, but real guidance founders can use straight away.
I regularly support businesses with cash flow forecasting, profitability analysis, pricing reviews, budgeting, and management reporting to help them run stronger, more profitable operations.
English
Native or bilingual
Can work on-site
Rotherham (up to 50km)
Experience
- IDE Ltd & Dover Vanguard (ASSA ABLOY Group)General ManagerJanuary 2022 - January 2025 (3 years)• • Full P&L leadership across two manufacturing subsidiaries, overseeing Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, and Commercial functions.• • Led FP&A cycles including budgets, rolling forecasts, and scenario modelling to support strategic planning and group reporting.• • Re‑established financial control and governance following a leadership disruption, restoring stability and profitability.• • Defined and validated financial requirements during system changes, improving reporting accuracy and operational visibility.• • Implemented KPI frameworks and digital reporting, transitioning from paper‑based processes to group‑aligned systems.• • Partnered with Group Finance and senior stakeholders on forecasting, performance reviews, and long‑term planning.
- BSI UK, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems LtdBusiness ControllerJanuary 2009 - January 2022 (13 years)• • Owned end‑to‑end FP&A including budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning across a multi‑site operation.• • Led finance and FP&A integration for multiple acquisitions, aligning chart of accounts, forecasting frameworks, and management reporting.• • Played a central role in post‑merger systems integration, including ERP implementation, data migration validation, and reporting logic testing.• • Produced Board‑level MI, scenario analysis, and investment cases for Group leadership.• • Managed statutory reporting, strengthened financial controls, and delivered consistent group submissions to tight deadlines.• • Directed a £7m Service Inside Sales function, achieving sustained revenue growth through performance management and process improvement.
- BusyBabies.coFounderJanuary 2025 - Today (1 year and 5 months)• • Built and operate a Shopify‑based e‑commerce brand, providing hands‑on exposure to digital systems, pricing, margin analysis, cash forecasting, and data‑led customer insight.• • Utilise modern automation and AI tools to support reporting, marketing analytics, and operational efficiency.
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Education
- Operational Level Diploma in LeadershipASSA ABLOYOperational Level Diploma in Leadership
- ILM Management CourseSheffield Chamber of CommerceILM Management Course