Case study: distribution sector
Overdue debt was reduced from £12m to £4m
Full finance function transformed ahead of £50m refinance
summary
In addition, we embedded robust processes, rebuilt the finance structure, and supported the business through a successful £50m refinance.
Facts
We were instructed directly by the Group CEO of a £160m turnover business where rapid growth had significantly outpaced the development of its finance function.
The business required urgent support to stabilise cashflow, improve control, and prepare for due diligence ahead of a £50m refinance.
actions
We delivered a structured transformation programme across people, process, and systems:
• partnered with IT to build accurate and detailed aged debtor reporting
• conducted deep-dive reviews with credit control to identify key account issues
• secured approval to expand the credit control team
• engaged cross-functional stakeholders — Sales, Customer Services, and HR — to embed accountability in debtor management
• implemented a dispute resolution workflow and established a dedicated disputes team
• redesigned the STCFF model to provide clear, actionable working capital insights
• strengthened Accounts Payable with a new team leader and automated approval workflows, including dual-approval controls
• introduced structured weekly payment runs, eliminating inefficient ad hoc payments
• supported the recruitment of a new CFO and enabled internal promotions within the cash and working capital team
Results
Within months, the business achieved significant and sustainable improvements:
• overdue debt reduced to c. £4m
• debit notes reviewed and resolved within 28 days
• a fully aligned cash and working capital team with clear ownership and accountability
• improved working capital cycle, with on-time creditor payments and enhanced supplier terms
• reduction in debtor days driven by effective, embedded credit control processes
• introduction of structured bad debt provisioning
• disputes team cleared backlog within six months, delivering £600k in recovered value
• Successful completion of a full refinance by month eight.
A fully stabilised and scalable finance function, with strong credit control processes, improved working capital management, and clear accountability across the business.
The organisation is now positioned for continued growth with greater financial control and funder confidence.
.
Exit & legacy
• Successful recruitment of a new CFO.
• Internal promotions within the finance and working capital teams.
• A sustainable, high-performing credit control and finance operation capable of supporting future growth.
• Successful recruitment of a new CFO.
• Internal promotions within the finance and working capital teams.
• A sustainable, high-performing credit control and finance operation capable of supporting future growth.
our offices
Bristol Office
Credebt Ltd
Trym Lodge
1 Henbury Road
Westbury-On-Trym
Bristol
BS9 3HQ
Manchester Office
Credebt Ltd
82 King Street
Manchester
M2 4WQ
London Office
Credebt Ltd
Hamilton House
Mabledon Place
London
WC1H 9BD
Credebt Limited: Registered in England Number: 6933734 Registered Office: Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3HQ
Data Protection License Number: Z1837677 | Credit Services Association Membership number: 804