Nettleships | Case Studies | First Leisure Corporation plc

Financial Controller East Midlands

Joined this leading operator of discotheques, bars and leisure venues in 1993 initially performing monthly consolidations, cash flow forecasting, accounting for acquisitions and disposals, business planning and budgeting. Promoted to run a finance function of 60 in Blackpool, reporting to the Group Finance Director. The site provided management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, VAT, accounts payable and receivable, cashflow forecasting and stock reporting. In 1998 obtained funding of £2m for a new finance system and project managed its implementation, whilst relocating the finance function to Leicester.

Achievements at First Leisure:

• Project managed the implementation of Lawson finance system: delivered 20% cost savings

• Relocated finance function to the East Midlands with no disruption to financial controls. Set up new finance office for this dynamic £250m business in only two months.

• Integrated and streamlined the accounting for three acquisitions – total value £100m.

• Designed and implemented a VAT saving scheme. Costs saved: £3m.

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.

“Now John is building his own business and I know he will be doing it with the same enthusiasm and commitment to the customer that he gave to my business. I strongly recommend him.”

Graham Coles, former Finance Director, First Leisure

See more client feedback.


			Financial Controller East Midlands Joined this leading operator of discotheques, bars and leisure venues in 1993 initially performing monthly consolidations, cash flow forecasting, accounting for acquisitions and disposals, business planning and budgeting. Promoted to run a finance function of 60 in Blackpool, reporting to the Group Finance Director. The site provided management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, VAT, accounts payable and receivable, cashflow forecasting and stock reporting. In 1998 obtained funding of £2m for a new finance system and project managed its implementation, whilst relocating the finance function to Leicester. Achievements at First Leisure: • Project managed the implementation of Lawson finance system: delivered 20% cost savings • Relocated finance function to the East Midlands with no disruption to financial controls. Set up new finance office for this dynamic £250m business in only two months. • Integrated and streamlined the accounting for three acquisitions – total value £100m. • Designed and implemented a VAT saving scheme. Costs saved: £3m. 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. “Now John is building his own business and I know he will be doing it with the same enthusiasm and commitment to the customer that he gave to my business. I strongly recommend him.” Graham Coles, former Finance Director, First Leisure See more client feedback.