About Secantor

Paul works alongside ambitious owner-managed businesses as a trusted board adviser, helping directors improve profitability, strengthen decision-making and build businesses that are more valuable, resilient and easier to manage. He combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, becoming part of the management team to help businesses achieve sustainable growth.

With over 20 years' commercial and operational leadership experience, Paul has helped businesses improve planning, financial control, systems, productivity and leadership performance across a wide range of sectors. He holds an Executive MBA from Warwick Business School and works in a non-executive capacity, supporting boards through growth, change and long-term strategic development. As a Director of Secantor, Paul also oversees client relationships and leads our Client Care programme, ensuring every client receives ongoing support, quality oversight and access to the wider expertise of the Secantor team.

A very widely experienced company director and adviser to SMEs and entrepreneurs helping leadership teams develop strategy, strengthen management teams and build long-term business value. He works with clients as Chairman, Managing Director, Non-Executive Director, Finance Director, mentor and trusted adviser, providing experienced guidance through every stage of the business lifecycle.

Following senior financial and general management roles within large organisations and as Managing Director of a fifth-generation family business, Trevor has spent more than 30 years advising over 700 SMEs. His expertise spans business strategy, organisational development, business transformation, succession planning and supporting growth businesses through periods of significant change.

Peter works alongside owner-managed businesses as a trusted adviser and Non-Executive Director, helping business owners strengthen profitability, develop leadership teams and build businesses that are better prepared for investment, acquisition or successful exit. Drawing on extensive commercial experience, he provides strategic challenge, practical guidance and independent support to boards navigating growth, change and long-term value creation.

Having built, acquired, grown and successfully exited businesses himself, Peter combines first-hand entrepreneurial experience with extensive corporate finance and commercial expertise. Over several decades, he has supported businesses across a wide range of sectors, helping owners secure funding, improve operational performance and overcome the challenges that accompany business growth.

As Regional Director for Secantor, Peter works closely with business owners, professional advisers and introducers throughout the region, connecting ambitious SMEs with the experienced Finance Directors, CFOs, Non-Executive Directors and business specialists they need at every stage of their journey. His extensive network and collaborative approach ensure clients have access to the right expertise at the right time, backed by the wider capabilities of the Secantor team.

John helps owner-managed businesses strengthen financial performance, improve governance and make confident strategic decisions. He brings a calm, commercial approach developed through both senior corporate finance leadership and more than two decades advising SMEs through growth, turnaround, succession and exit.

His earlier career included senior finance roles with Whitbread and Sony Music, including European Finance Director, before moving into advisory work with growing businesses. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, John has extensive experience across manufacturing, technology, software, leisure, media, retail and professional services, and is fluent in German.

Jas is a commercially focused Non-Executive Director, CFO and Finance Director who helps SME owners improve financial control, manage cash flow, secure funding and prepare businesses for growth or successful exit. He combines strategic financial leadership with practical commercial advice, becoming a valued member of clients' management teams.

His career spans more than 35 years in senior financial leadership roles with organisations including IBM, Selfridges, Burberry, Avis Europe and Laura Ashley. For over 15 years he has supported SMEs through turnaround, business planning, fundraising, acquisitions and exits. Jas is an FCCA and holds an Executive MBA from London Business School.

Helen is an experienced Finance and Operations Director who helps businesses improve profitability by strengthening financial management, streamlining operations and implementing smarter systems and processes. She is passionate about helping businesses unlock growth through automation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

With more than 25 years' experience across global organisations, SMEs and start-ups, Helen has successfully delivered strategic change programmes that improve efficiency, productivity and business performance. Her industry experience includes manufacturing, technology, communications, IT services and professional services.

Richard works with ambitious SMEs and innovation-led businesses seeking experienced financial leadership, strategic commercial support and investor-ready financial planning. He helps businesses scale successfully through robust financial modelling, governance, acquisitions, funding and long-term growth planning.

A Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years' commercial experience, Richard has led high-growth businesses, supported management buy-and-build strategies and worked extensively with boards across the UK and internationally. He has significant expertise in mergers and acquisitions, financial forecasting, fundraising and presenting to private equity, institutional lenders and high-net-worth investors.

Mike is a highly experienced Fractional CFO, Finance Director and business mentor who has spent more than 25 years helping ambitious SME owners build stronger, more valuable businesses. Alongside providing expert financial leadership, forecasting, cash flow management and commercial insight, Mike's real strength lies in the way he works alongside business owners as a trusted adviser, sounding board and strategic partner.

Known for his calm, personable and supportive approach, Mike builds strong relationships with entrepreneurs and leadership teams, helping them develop both their businesses and their own leadership capabilities. Clients value his ability to provide practical guidance, constructive challenge and reassurance, particularly when making important strategic decisions.

His experience spans retail, e-commerce, consumer brands, food & drink and apparel, including senior leadership roles with Arthur Andersen, MOM's Organic Market (USA), Duchy Originals and Waitrose & Partners. Since 2011, Mike has worked as a Fractional Finance Director, Board Director and mentor to owner-managed businesses, helping companies strengthen financial visibility, improve cash flow, secure funding, build robust financial forecasts and achieve sustainable growth, including supporting a successful business exit in 2025.

Julia is an experienced Company Director and adviser to SME businesses, with a strong track record of supporting owner-managed businesses through every stage of the business lifecycle, from start-up and growth through to succession and exit. She is recognised for her collaborative approach, commercial insight and ability to help business owners navigate change with confidence.

Since joining Secantor as a Senior Associate in 2018, Julia has worked closely with directors and leadership teams, leading Strategic Business Reviews and supporting bespoke projects designed to strengthen business performance and deliver sustainable growth.

While Julia no longer undertakes client assignments directly, she remains an important part of the Secantor team. Drawing on her extensive experience, professional network and long-standing relationships, she continues to support business owners by helping them access the right expertise and connecting them with the experienced board-level professionals best suited to their needs.