Business Advisory
I work with ambitious SME owners on the things that actually matter — growing revenue, raising finance, and building a business worth owning.
About
I started my career at Pantheon, one of the world's leading private equity fund of funds, where I spent nearly six years in investor relations — learning how sophisticated investors think, what they look for, and how to build lasting relationships with them.
Then I did something most finance people never do: I went and actually ran a business. For over 10 years, I built and operated Perfect Blend, a successful hospitality business. I dealt with cash flow, staff, suppliers, growth, hard winters, and ultimately — a successful exit in 2024.
That combination — investor mindset, operational reality — is what I bring to the SMEs I work with. I've sat on both sides of the table.
What I do
I work with a small number of clients at a time, on a retainer or project basis. No junior consultants. Just me.
Commercial strategy, business development, and opening new markets. I help you identify where the real growth is and build a plan to go after it — from someone who's had to do exactly that.
Whether you're seeking equity investment, bank finance, or grant funding — I help you build a compelling case, find the right investors, and navigate the process. I know what investors actually want to see.
Getting a business ready for exit takes time and planning. I help owners understand their value, clean up what needs cleaning up, and position the business to attract the right buyers at the right price.
The unglamorous stuff — systems, margins, team structure, cash flow. Ten years of running a business taught me where the levers are. Sometimes a fresh pair of experienced eyes is all it takes.
How it works
We start with a free call to understand where you are, where you want to get to, and whether I'm the right person to help. No obligation.
If it makes sense to work together, I'll set out exactly what I'll do, how we'll work, and what it costs. No ambiguity.
I work with a small number of clients on retainer or project basis — which means you get my full attention, not a fraction of it.
I measure success by outcomes, not hours logged. If it's not working, we talk about it. That's how I'd want to be treated.
If you're an ambitious business owner who wants a straight-talking advisor — not a PowerPoint deck and a hefty invoice — get in touch. The first conversation is always free.
lewis@lewisaldridge.com