Speaker: Theodoros Constanti, CFO: Alan Cutler
What would you like to say to your CFO?
Theodoros Constanti: Thank you very much to the CFO Centre, in particular Alan Cutler, for everything you've done for us here at The Marble Group. You really have changed our lives by the incredible financial structure you've put in and the team in which you've created from scratch. You've complemented us brilliantly and we really couldn't have done it without you.
What one or two big issues/untapped opportunities were you facing before you started working with us?
Theodoros Constanti: We fundamentally used to concentrate a lot on sales and marketing. People normally do what they're good at and focus on their strengths. And unfortunately, we were missing out some key parts of the business, like getting all our invoices paid and getting good, solid financial information and Alan from the CFO Centre came and made that happen.
What have been the benefits to your business specifically?
Theodoros Constanti: So, we learned the importance of having that helicopter view of the business and understanding the direction our business needed to go in. We were just focusing on selling kitchen worktops and stone and stairs and floors and walls and everything else. Alan came and he streamlined our operation to solely focus on one area of the business that was the most profitable for us. So, he really gave us the direction we needed so that we could grow and succeed.
What have the benefits been to you personally?
Theodoros Constanti: Since Alan's arrival, my business partner, Michael, and I have really grown into understanding the needs of the business instead of working longer hours and 15-16 hours a day. We learned the importance of hiring a team, empowering that team and allowing them to do a lot of the work, and we've learned to think a little bit smarter, rather than just work hard. So he's been incredible!
What are you hoping to achieve over the coming 12-24 months with the support of your FD/CFO?
Theodoros Constanti: As long as Alan Cutler is here working with us at The Marble Group, we will continue to watch this business grow and thrive. We will expand. We will continue to hire. We should be over 100 staff by 2022 and I would have to say that most of our success is down to Alan Cutler from the CFO Centre. So with him by our side, let's see if we can go all the way and become the largest stone company in the UK.
