Chris Backhouse

Chris has over thirty years’ experience as an adviser to, and finance director of, listed and privately owned, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs).
A plc finance director, with a range of industry & international experience,
He has been involved in both service and manufacturing businesses, with operations in the UK and overseas. He has worked with venture capital -backed enterprises and has assisted in a number of management buy-outs and other acquisitions, as well as improving results in under-performing operations.
Assisting a portfolio of companies as their FD on a flexible basis.
As Regional Director of FD Solutions, the UK’s leading provider of flexible FD’s, he currently focuses his expertise on business planning and development and merger & acquisition activity for entrepreneurial businesses, ranging in size from start-up to £100m turnover. As well as directing his colleagues, his present roles include acting as the FD of:
• a UK laboratory test equipment manufacturer which exports to over 80 countries and has production facilities in China,
• a TV programme distribution company that utilises the latest transponder and satellite systems to serves businesses across Africa and the Middle-East,
• a software company that develops and manages intra-nets for governmental bodies,
• a provider of outsourced ophthalmic services to the NHS.
Personal
A Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Chris lives in Surrey, and has twin sons (at University) and a teenage daughter. His hobbies include playing squash, tennis and snooker, cooking and watching football and other sports. He also enjoys travelling, sailing and scuba diving (preferably in warm water).
2006-Date
FD Solutions,
Regional Managing Director
Provision of interim and part-time Finance Director support to growing entrepreneurial businesses.
2004-2006
Pims Group Ltd,
FD & Company Secretary
Design, installation and servicing of waste-water pumping systems. 100 staff. Venture Capital backed MBI.
2003-2004
Consultant
Provision of Strategic and Business planning advice, including acquisition due diligence reviews.
1999-2003
Betts Group Holdings Ltd
Group Finance Director
Packaging manufacturer, operating in 8 countries world-wide. An MBO of Courtaulds Packaging.
1997-1999
Unilabs Group (UK) Ltd,
Finance Director
Clinical pathology group and laboratory operator.
Turn-around to sale.
1993-1997
Ipeco Holdings Plc,
Group FD & Co.Secretary
Listed aerospace and defence products company. Profit improvement and privatisation.
1988-1993
Ernst and Young,
London
Group Senior Manager in Entrepreneurial Services Dept.
1983-1988
Baker Tilly, London
Supervisor to Group Manager.
1978-1983
KPMG, London
Trainee Accountant to Supervisor.