Background
The business operated as a national architectural firm and had been experiencing substantial losses due to a slowdown in work caused by the challenges in the construction industry.
Simon was engaged as a Safe Harbour adviser and continues to act in that role, providing strategic guidance to the board. Since his appointment, the business has halted losses and undertaken a series of restructuring steps, enabling it to right-size operations and return to paying shareholder dividends.
Key restructuring initiatives included a reduction in headcount, including senior principals, enhanced accounting and performance monitoring, stronger governance protocols for monthly board meetings leading to more transparent and robust discussions, closer analysis of the project pipeline, improved debtor management, and the appointment of an operations manager to ensure projects were profitable and delivered as efficiently as possible.
How did we assist?
- Engaged as Safe Harbour adviser to support the board in addressing financial distress.
- Halted operational losses through right-sizing initiatives including workforce reductions.
- Strengthened governance through structured monthly board reporting and financial transparency.
- Improved financial and performance monitoring, including pipeline and revenue visibility.
- Enhanced debtor management to support cash-flow stabilisation.
- Supported leadership restructuring including the appointment of a dedicated operations manager.
Outcome
Through strategic guidance and structured Safe Harbour support, the business successfully stabilised, returned to profitability, and resumed dividend payments to shareholders. Stronger governance, improved financial visibility, and deliberate restructuring initiatives ensured the business became more resilient and better equipped for long-term performance.
