Niall Cooter Advisory
I Unlock Trapped Cash
Working Capital is an unavoidable part of running a business, and while it can’t be eliminated, it can be optimised to ensure cash flows smoothly through the business to support future growth.
For over 35 years I’ve partnered with organisations around the globe to unlock the excess cash hidden in Working Capital, which is the fuel that drives true business agility and growth. As a specialist at PwC, I brought deep technical expertise to help leaders diagnose the root causes of trapped cash and design, plan, and deliver targeted solutions that address the people, culture, process, systems, and policies to optimise Working Capital performance.
My clients achieve measurable, lasting reductions in Working Capital, which deliver:
- Enhanced cash flow and increased headroom, enabling more certain liquidity and sharper cash forecasting
- Cash release to pay down long-term borrowings and invest for growth
- Improved enterprise metrics, including stronger Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and Free Cash Flow, to bolster shareholder confidence
- Increased capacity to fund future dividends
The impact extends well beyond the Balance Sheet. Clients routinely benefit from improved Profit & Loss performance through:
- Reduced bad debt charges
- Lower inventory write-offs
- Streamlined overheads and efficiency savings
- Lower interest costs or increased interest income
If you’re looking to unlock cash tied up in Working Capital in a way that delivers immediate returns and sustained transformation, I’m here to help you make it happen.
Why unlock cash from Working Capital?
Less cash trapped in Working Capital means:
- Improved Cash Flow
- Lower Bad Debt and Inventory Write Offs
- Lower Carrying Costs
- Improved Enterprise Performance Metrics
- Improved Stakeholder Sentiment
Most businesses have potential to release cash from Working Capital.
Working Capital performance is the product of practices and processes across:
- Finance
- Sales
- Procurement
- Operations
The Balance Sheet is often the cheapest source of financing whether it be to fund:
- Investment
- Pay Down Long-Term Borrowings
- Pay Shareholder Dividends
I focus on three key areas of Operating Working Capital
Receivables
- Trade Receivables
- Unbilled Revenue
- Deferred Revenue (Liability)
Key Performance Drivers
- Credit Risk Management
- Customer Payment Terms
- Accurate & Timely Billing
- Dispute Management
- Prompt Payment
- Cash Culture
Payables
- Trade Payables
- Supplier Prepayments (Asset)
Key Performance Drivers
- Supplier Payment Terms
- Master Data Accuracy
- Terms Compliance Controls
- Early Payments
- Duplicate Payments
- Payment Frequency
Inventory
- Raw Materials
- Work In Progress
- Finished Goods
- Spare Parts
Key Performance Drivers
- Inventory Strategy (MTO or MTS)
- Procurement Strategy & Alignment
- Supplier Performance & MOQs/EOQs
- Forecast Accuracy
- Lead Times (Manufacture, Delivery etc)
How I can help
Whether you want a review of just one area of Working Capital or all three areas, I can shape my offering to meet your needs:
- Analytical assessment of performance
- Process walkthrough and evaluation of your processes and systems
- Introspective questionnaire issued to internal customers
Example Deliverables
- Summary of findings and recommendations
- Quantification of cash release and related P&L opportunities
- Schedule of improvement initiatives to realise the opportunity
Whether as a followup to a Diagnostic or if you already know the initiatives you want to address, I can help you:
- Validate initiatives and opportunities with internal stakeholders
- Build an implementation plan
- Design benefits tracking, reporting and dashboards to drive benefits realisation
- Recommend a project governance approach to maximise success and ensure sustainability
Example Deliverables
- A validated list of improvement initiatives
- Unconstrained implementation plan
- Benefits tracking dashboard
- Documented governance structure
I have extensive experience of improving Working Capital and can offer my services in a variety of ways, including:
- As a trusted advisor to Finance Leads or directly to the Board
- As a situational expert to provide objective challenge to support your ongoing implementation programme
- As part of the team to redesign your Working Capital process including designing processes, system requirements and policies
- As a subject matter expert to provide technical training in Working Capital management and cash awareness
Example Deliverables
- Written summary of advice provided
- Best practice process documentation tailored to your business
- Draft policy statements
- Bespoke Training Materials
Selected client testimonials
”Niall very quickly identified the issues that were driving our working capital problems. The analysis was very insightful”
CFO: Industrial Manufacturing
”Niall’s technical expertise sets him apart from many other consultants. He really knows what he’s talking about”
Transformation Director: Global Chemicals
“I trust that Niall has my back. He connects the dots and ensures that I understand the consequences of the key decisions I need to make”
Transformation Director: Global Engineering
Some of the companies I have been proud to advise during my 35 years as a working capital expert
Location
London, United Kingdom
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only
and should not be used as a substitute for consultation and professional advisors
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