Charles Frost

We are Interim Financial Managers specialising in the manufacturing sector.

We are available, often at short notice, to help small and medium sized companies:

• Implement major changes to their business structure, for example their amalgamation with another business, or a restructuring of part of their existing business.

• Manage and resource the implementation of new computerised financial and manufacturing systems.

• Improve their financial processes and ensure adequate controls are in place.

• Improve the quality of financial information available to support the efficient development of business activities.

The knowledge and experience we have gained planning and implementing a number of such changes over the past twenty years, coupled with our practical hands-on approach, mean that we can reduce the time, costs and disruption of making such changes and help companies rapidly deliver significant business benefits.


Frost Business Services are also available to step in to provide cover for the head of finance, on a temporary basis, until he/she returns to work or a suitable replacement is found. If required we are able to assist in the recruitment process and remain available to ensure a smooth handover of the financial activities. This ensures that the development of your business can continue in spite of the absence of a key member of staff.

Responsibilities
• Growing the profitability of the Consumables Division.
• Leading a team of 7 specialists identifying new product ranges.
• Director of Allmake Rollers Ltd.
• Setting pricing policy, negotiating new customer supply agreements and nurturing relationships with key supply partners.

Achievements
• Increased the profit contribution from the publication ink sector by 48% (up £180k from £375k).
• Created a new team, operating philosophy and trading style after amalgamating two independently operating consumable business activities.
• Established a new business activity in the Flexible Packaging print sector.
• Developed a close working relationship with the MD and majority shareholder of Allmake Rollers Ltd following the strategic purchase of a 25% stake.
• Implemented a new e-commerce web site and the developed marketing materials to promote the new consumables brand

Finance Director & Company Secretary ~ June 1994 to June 2005

The turnover of the business unit for which I was responsible, grew from £20m to £100m during this period. I was initially responsible for the two divisions of Usher-Walker PLC. Following a business restructuring, my responsibilities grew to four divisions making up the UK Publication Inks strategic business unit.

Responsibilities
• To work closely with the Managing Director and the Divisional Management Teams to drive business growth and improve operating profit.
• To lead a team of 9 Finance, Administration and I.T. staff.
• Monthly management reporting, reviewing variances from plan with the Management Teams and European Corporate Headquarters.
• Preparation of the “Annual Operating Plan” and its subsequent presentation to the Chief Executive Officer of Sun Chemical Corporation in New Jersey, USA.
• Development of financial and operating controls and systems (especially within the manufacturing, costing and stock control areas).
• To liaise with external auditors, legal advisors and tax authorities.

Achievements
• Planned and implemented the restructuring of Sun Chemical’s business activities in the U.K. publication inks sector. Total operating costs were cut by more than £2m per annum, of which a reduction in the finance, administration and IT staff (19 to 9) saved £300k per annum.
• Implemented two fully integrated manufacturing and financial computerised business systems – First “Multisoft” then five years later “Protean”.
• Reconstructed the balance sheet of Usher-Walker PLC from incomplete records and implemented new internal controls to ensure the integrity of future financial reporting.
• Prepared prospective Business Plans and Executive Investment Appraisals for potential business acquisitions.
• Developed relationships and long term supply agreements with key strategic customers.

Responsibilities
• Management of the company’s treasury function and control of the highly seasonal cash flow, working within the facilities made available by the shareholders.
• Management of the accounts team (15 people).
• Credit management, setting credit limits and taking legal action to recover debts where appropriate.
• Reconciliation of control accounts to ensure the integrity of the balance sheet

Management Accountant ~ July 1991 to December 1991

Responsibilities
• To establish controls over finished goods stock on the company’s mainframe computer.
• Reporting of manufacturing cost variances against standards.

Financial Controller ~ January 1987 to May 1991

Responsibilities
• Supervision of all accounts functions including payrolls for >400 employees
• Production of monthly accounts
• To set up and oversee the financial systems for two newly created subsidiary companies

Assistant Cost Accountant ~ September 1986 to January 1987

Responsibilities
• Updating machine costs on the costing system by measuring the throughput rates of each of the corrugators and the many printing/cutting/slotting machines.

Responsibilities
• Audit and investigation work on a wide variety of organisations