At Champion, we’ve built a long-standing relationship with Leonard Curtis, leveraging their expertise to support our clients’ needs and ensure businesses receive comprehensive financial solutions.
Beyond funding support, Leonard Curtis’ legal team has provided expert guidance to our clients across various sectors, including:
- Management Buy-Out: Advising on the acquisition of an electronics and telecommunications supplier.
- Business Reorganisation: Overseeing a share-for-share exchange and asset transfer for a restaurant group.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Acting for sellers in the sale of a recruitment company.
- Corporate Restructuring: Managing a demerger for a transport business.
We’ve also referred clients for specialist legal support, including shareholder disputes, litigation, and court matters, ensuring they receive expert advice when it matters most.
Leonard Curtis recently acquired a majority stake in https://dealdirect.virtualnonexecs.com/, a leading platform connecting non-executive directors (NEDs) and board advisors with opportunities.
With a thriving community of more than 24,000 NEDs, access to £450m+ in indicative investor funds, and relationships with over 300 private equity, venture capital, and family office investors, this ecosystem is a game-changer for businesses looking to scale.
Many SME founders are experts in their field but lack experience in corporate governance, attracting investors, and preparing for an exit. This is where a NED can make a transformational difference.
The right NED, at the right time, provides strategic oversight, financial credibility, and a long-term vision – helping founders navigate key growth milestones and avoid common pitfalls.
The first step? Defining your business goals and identifying gaps in your leadership team’s skillset. From there, a NED can help strengthen governance, attract investment, and position your company for future success.
Strengthening governance: future-proofing your business
A strong governance framework is the backbone of sustainable growth and a key factor for investor confidence. A NED helps SMEs:
- Build a structured board – ensuring decisions aren’t solely founder-led but guided by expert oversight.
- Improve compliance – reducing regulatory and legal risks that could derail progress.
- Manage risk effectively – identifying financial, operational, and reputational risks early.
- Drive accountability – ensuring leadership teams make data-driven, strategic decisions.
Example: A fast-growing SaaS company hires a NED with compliance expertise. The result? A more disciplined, investor-ready business with a strong risk management framework.
Raising capital: attracting the right investors
Securing funding is one of the biggest hurdles for SMEs. Whether through private equity, venture capital, or debt financing, a NED can:
- Refine your pitch – shaping a compelling business case for investors.
- Leverage their network – connecting you with the right funding sources.
- Guide financial strategy – ensuring you raise the right amount on the best terms.
- Enhance investor confidence – strengthening governance and credibility.
Exit planning: maximising business value
Many SME owners leave exit planning too late. Whether you’re considering a trade sale, MBO, or IPO, a NED can:
- Position the business for acquisition – ensuring financials, governance, and operations are investor-friendly.
- Boost valuation – identifying strategies to increase market value.
- Navigate due diligence – helping founders prepare for buyer scrutiny.
- Ensure a smooth leadership transition – making the business less reliant on founders.
Example: A manufacturing SME looking to exit in five years hires a NED with M&A experience. The NED helps optimise finances, strengthen governance, and position the company attractively. The result? A smoother sale at a higher multiple.
For SMEs aiming for sustainable growth, investment, and a profitable exit, a NED isn’t a luxury – it’s a strategic advantage.
Looking to raise capital or prepare for an exit? The right NED could be your smartest hire.
Visit https://dealdirect.virtualnonexecs.com/ to find out more.
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