Nettleships | Case Studies

Financial Management East Midlands

Arla Foods UK PLC recently combined with Express Dairies as one of the leading milk companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £1.2bn. Nettleships provided interim financial management of their finance function based in the East Midlands (125 heads) and project managed its transition into a much smaller more streamlined finance team.

The site provided financial control and reporting, company secretary, management accounts, budgeting, VAT accounting, cash-flow management, balance sheet reconciliations, payroll and transaction processing to support 10 diaries and nearly 100 depots.

The period of transition brought a number of challenges including low staff morale due to uncertainty about the merger, and significant system issues.

Achievements at Arla Foods

• Restored morale by increased emphasis on leadership and “people management” processes:

o Implemented regular performance reviews

o Set targets for action

o Brought staff absence down to 3 days per annum average

o Strengthened the management team

o Improved communications (eg monthly team newsletter)

o Brought in a monthly induction process for new starters

• Improved financial controls and processes, automating supplier reconciliations, cashbooks and cash flow reporting.

• Integrated financial reporting and management accounts for newly merged company.

• Internal Customer ratings improved

• Auditors found zero audit issues

• Transition plan and cost savings proceeding on target

Relevant services:

Financial management, outsourced finance function, accountancy, Company Secretary, regulatory compliance, clearing red tape, payroll, VAT, cash-flow improvement, financial control, management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, decision support, business planning, advisory, consulting, project management.

”John has added significant and lasting value to the SSC where he has laid foundations for the future both with his work with process improvements and developing a strong team culture.”

Kevin Wood, Director of Financial Control, Arla Foods UK PLC

See more client feedback.


			Financial Management East Midlands Arla Foods UK PLC recently combined with Express Dairies as one of the leading milk companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £1.2bn. Nettleships provided interim financial management of their finance function based in the East Midlands (125 heads) and project managed its transition into a much smaller more streamlined finance team. The site provided financial control and reporting, company secretary, management accounts, budgeting, VAT accounting, cash-flow management, balance sheet reconciliations, payroll and transaction processing to support 10 diaries and nearly 100 depots. The period of transition brought a number of challenges including low staff morale due to uncertainty about the merger, and significant system issues. Achievements at Arla Foods • Restored morale by increased emphasis on leadership and “people management” processes: o Implemented regular performance reviews o Set targets for action o Brought staff absence down to 3 days per annum average o Strengthened the management team o Improved communications (eg monthly team newsletter) o Brought in a monthly induction process for new starters • Improved financial controls and processes, automating supplier reconciliations, cashbooks and cash flow reporting. • Integrated financial reporting and management accounts for newly merged company. • Internal Customer ratings improved • Auditors found zero audit issues • Transition plan and cost savings proceeding on target Relevant services: Financial management, outsourced finance function, accountancy, Company Secretary, regulatory compliance, clearing red tape, payroll, VAT, cash-flow improvement, financial control, management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, decision support, business planning, advisory, consulting, project management. ”John has added significant and lasting value to the SSC where he has laid foundations for the future both with his work with process improvements and developing a strong team culture.” Kevin Wood, Director of Financial Control, Arla Foods UK PLC See more client feedback.