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Case Study - NEPEAN INDUSTRY EDGE TRAINING

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Case Study: Nepean Industry Edge Training (NIET)

“Paul is really approachable and makes things simple. He goes into detail in the areas that he can see you need to know more about. He’s a gentleman in his approach - very happy to explain anything that you need without making you feeling embarrassed. Very easy to deal with and has managed to help me understand my numbers so I can be better at my business. He’s an absolute asset to my business.”
Sharyn Bellingham
Director, NIET (Nepean Industry Edge Training)

Sharyn Bellingham is passionate about people development. Her business Nepean Industry Edge Training (NIET) are renowned as a quality focused and reputable training organisation, with industry connections allowing them to train students in current practices, giving their students job ready skills upon course completion.

Sharyn had been attending SMART Business Solutions Lunch & Learn events and webinars for several years as a non-client. In 2021 when COVID-19 was in its second year of continued business disruptions, Sharyn sought a business advisory and accounting team that offered a more proactive approach to business support. The rest, as they say, is history.

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How long ago did you start working with SMART Business Solutions?

I had been attending the LIVE Lunch & Learn workshops for a few years. More recently with the COVID lockdowns, I was joining their webinars, trying to make sense of the ongoing changes affecting business owners and operators. I had attended Paul’s sessions several times and just really liked his approach. My business was in a fortunate position of benefitting from COVID-19. I realised that I needed expert guidance to help me understand my business on a deeper level so I could maintain the momentum and ensure longevity. I started working with Paul and the team just under 12 months ago in mid 2021 and have not looked back.

What services do SMART perform for your business?

SMART are now my accountants and tax advisors, ensuring compliance and all the essential things that a business owner needs to stay on top of. Paul is also my vCFO (virtual CFO) – kind of like business coaching but so much more than that. We meet quarterly where we cover off all aspects my business, both financial and operational, in fine detail.

How has having a vCFO helped you understand your business?

Paul has been coaching me in helping me better understand my business and the story that the numbers are telling me. I thought I knew my business and its strengths and weaknesses. Having someone as skilled as Paul go through my business with me in detail and do regular financial reporting has helped me see a clearer picture of how my business is doing.

I was new to running a business. Paul is showing me the real story behind the numbers and how to interpret them. He’s a gentleman in his approach. He’s very happy to explain anything that you need, in plain language, without making you feel embarrassed. He uses examples from my own business to make everything more relatable to me. He’s very easy to deal with and has managed to help me understand my numbers so I can be better at my business.

How has having a vCFO improved your business?

Since my own level of financial competence has improved, I can make better business decisions. I am a lot more comfortable now with working on figures.
Paul has asked questions about the operational side of my business, including how my staff are aligned with my overall business goals. His suggestion to run a branding and values coaching session worth my team was a gamechanger. By gaining clarity and sharing my business values and goals, my team all now know what we’re working towards. It’s helped with recruitment and our internal coaching program, which has also led to a better internal culture and shared expectations. I always thought my team were wonderful, but this additional layer of training, which I previously would not have considered doing, has elevated NIET across all facets.

Is having a vCFO worth the investment?

Having someone that goes beyond the essential compliance side of running a business has been an integral turning point for me and the success of NIET. Paul is helping me understand what to look for, where to focus attention and how the numbers are showing me growth opportunities and areas that require improvement. I’m aware of early warning signs now. Paul is an absolute asset to my business. It’s so well worth the investment.

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