The backdrop to the 2024 Federal Budget is one of persistent high inflation and subsequent cost-of-living pressures around the country. How did Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, score Treasurer Jim Chalmers this year? Well, with one eye on an early election, the government did just enough to “appear” to be helping households and businesses. Michael discusses the economy as a whole, particularly the influence of immigration levels, and the recent increase in company collapses and job ...
May 22, 2024•16 min
When a business is facing distress, it’s worth considering bringing in a Chief Restructuring Officer (CFO). They’re often best equipped to develop a robust turnaround plan, negotiate with suppliers and financiers, and manage the execution of the plan, according to Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance. The decision to bring in a CRO, he says, is made by the company often based on recommendations from key stakeholders. The skills of a CRO can be financial or operational, depending on the s...
May 08, 2024•8 min
The many thousands of Australian businesses which fall over the cliff each year impacts the economy by billions of dollars. The social consequences are also severe, including bankruptcies, stress, layoffs, unemployment, and even suicides. To avoid collapse, Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says businesses should regularly assess their financials, identify critical KPIs, and confront the brutal facts. It is important, he insists, for directors to seek outside help and for stakeholder...
Apr 24, 2024•14 min
How well prepared is your business to withstand any kind of shock? In this episode Michael Fingland introduces ‘productive paranoia’, a concept made famous from business author Jim Collins. Productive paranoia is the trait of being constantly alert to potential disruptions and challenges that could impact a business. Michael explains the process of brainstorming initiatives and creating a plan to combat potential changes. Productive paranoia can be used as both a defensive and offensive tool to ...
Apr 03, 2024•12 min
Working capital, also known as cash flow, is the lifeblood of every business, yet many businesses fail to understand and track it. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says as a business grows, the amount of working capital increases. He explains the need to calculate working capital days; for example, capturing the period from purchasing raw materials to receiving cash for sold goods. Tracking and improving debtor days, stock turnover, and creditor days can unlock cash and subsequently...
Mar 20, 2024•13 min
Increased stress levels are impacting businesses, and leaders need to be aware of the personal stressors that employees may be facing. That’s according to Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, who says implementing stress management techniques in the office, such as yoga classes and team outings, can help alleviate stress and improve staff morale. Checking in with employees and demonstrating care is essential for understanding their well-being and addressing any issues they may be facing...
Feb 21, 2024•9 min
Retail sales have plummeted, indicating a challenging economic climate for businesses, says Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance. Working capital management is crucial during tough times, with a focus on debtors, inventory, and creditor management. AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and provide a competitive edge for businesses, and so it’s important to stay updated on AI applications and consider setting up an internal AI team. Strategic planning at the start of the year, h...
Feb 07, 2024•10 min
A new way of farming is taking the world by storm. Regenerative Agriculture is aimed at improving the level of organic matter and carbon in the soil. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says it includes a series of five core principles: minimise soil disturbance, keep soil covered, maintain living roots in the soil, maximise plant diversity, and reintroduce livestock. Not only is Regen Ag better for the land and healthier for consumers, farmers are making more money than conventional f...
Nov 22, 2023•13 min
Farmers across Australia – as well as other parts of the world – are facing a multitude of challenges, including a glut of supply, a surge of productions costs, financing and debt issues, inflation, and weather events. Cashflow is being hit hard, and many will still be facing headwinds for another 12 months or so, says Michael Fingland of Vantage Performance. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 08, 2023•7 min
Australia in many ways hasn’t recovered since the days of COVID. Productivity for instance has continued to suffer and is affecting businesses across the country. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says artificial intelligence is a productivity game-changer. He explains why you need to understand and embrace AI or risk being left behind. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 25, 2023•10 min•Ep. 66
As the economy struggles, so too are many businesses across the country. Prices are going through the roof and it’s tougher to access funding. Michael Fingland, CEO of Vantage Performance, says if you’re looking for a loan you need to stand out from the crowd. To do that, you need to develop and strategic plan and show the bank that you understand your cashflow and balance sheet. Vantage Performance – https://vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 11, 2023•14 min•Ep. 65
Vantage Performance’s own research has shown that the vast majority of company directors still don’t know about the Safe Harbour regime. Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie he is disappointed in the findings, particularly during a pandemic when many businesses are struggling to survive. In this edition of the Vantage Performance podcast he explains why struggling businesses need to have a robust Safe Habour plan, and the key elements that plan includes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
Apr 04, 2021•18 min
The COVID crisis has tested the staying power of many business leaders. In today’s Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland takes Phil Dobbie through the traits of resilient leaders, who can consistently deliver results, carrying their team with them. Listen in to pick up tips about what makes great leaders deal with a crisis, from how they communicate, through to looking after the welfare of their teams. Plus, what’s the latest must-have in the Fingland household! See omnystudio.com/listene...
Nov 27, 2020•19 min
COVID19 is likely to result in a 1 in 100 year recession – so what does that mean for your business? In this edition of the Vantage Performance podcast Michael Fingland goes through the seven principles that will help your business to survive and come out stronger than before. The seven principles discussed are: 1. A 100 day stabilisation plan 2. One or two big changes in strategy 3. Stakeholder management and communication 4. What is your why? 5. Pay down debt 6. Strong financial management 7. ...
Aug 04, 2020•18 min
Businesses should be seeing the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity. It’s a time to refocus, says Vantage Performance’s Michael Fingland. In this podcast he tells Phil Dobbie that now is the time to think of the one or two big changes to your strategy that will make your company more resilient and ready to grow as the economy picks up. It means you will have a stronger company. But you also don’t have much choice – banks and investors will be picking winners as the impact of the virus hits home. F...
Jul 07, 2020•17 min
Right now, the Australia economy faces the same challenges as a business struggling to survive. Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie that we need to treat the country in the same way as we would a business, with a turnaround strategy that will rebuild a vibrant economy. The opportunity is to return to a new normal that is more prosperous and resilient than life before the virus. In this podcast he outlines the three elements of a turnaround plan and says we should be kick starting a 100 days of pl...
Apr 22, 2020•21 min
Monday 6th April 2020 In these uncertain times it is vital that managers keep their stress levels under control, for two reasons. First, it’ll stop you getting sick. Secondly, your staff will be looking to you to show that you have the situation under control, so they can manage their stress levels. In this podcast Vantage Performance’s Michael Fingland talks Phil Dobbie through his simple three-point plan. And explains the daily routine he follows to keep stress under control. YouTube: https://...
Apr 05, 2020•15 min
Many businesses are facing a severe reduction in revenue, without the cashflow and working capital to see through what could be several months of shutdown. In this, the first of several special Vantage Performance podcasts, Michael Fingland urges business owners not to give-up, because there are options to ‘put on ice’ various expenses and other aspects of your operations, including delaying rent and tax payments. Today he talks through the steps you can make to bounce back quickly once this dif...
Mar 29, 2020•28 min
Businesses often fail because they lose their way. The original vision gets lost as the company grows over time, or perhaps its less relevant today and hasn’t been subject to regular review. In this edition of The Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland tells Phil Dobbie the number one question his company uses to direct the business. From that spring a series of other questions that are constantly asked by all staff to ensure the team stays on track. Listen in to the questions they ask and...
Aug 18, 2019•12 min
Over the years, Vantage Performance has developed a set of questions they always ask themselves at the start of a new Turnaround Project. Vantage Performance CEO Michael Fingland talks Phil Dobbie through all seven, explaining their importance in determining how to proceed: 1. What are the 1-2 big changes needed? 2. Can we stabilise cash flow for at least 100 days? 3. How many key issues are inside versus outside of their control? 4. Are there any management gaps? 5. Are management up to the cha...
Jun 26, 2019•13 min
It’s almost two years since the Australian government introduced the Safe Harbour legislation, designed to provide protection for directors whilst they’re developing and executing a turnaround or restructuring plan, to greatly reduce the number of companies that enter Voluntary Administration or Liquidation. In this edition of the Vantage Performance Podcast, Phil Dobbie asks Michael Fingland, Vantage Performance’s CEO, whether the legislation has been a success, how it has changed behaviour and...
Jun 18, 2019•14 min
If your business is in trouble, and you fail to meet your obligations with your bank, you could face having your account moved to a workout banker. So, how does that change your relationship with your bank. Phil Dobbie talks to Matt Jesse in this edition of the Vantage Performance Podcast. Matt has 25 years’ experience in the turnaround industry – before joining Vantage Performance he was a workout banker with a major Australian bank. He describes what will be expected of you and how to ensure t...
Jul 10, 2018•13 min
The Queensland Government’s new licensing scheme for labour hire providers came into effect on 16 April 2018 requiring all labour hire providers to lodge a license application by 15 June 2018. The new laws have serious implications for all labour hire businesses, their clients and other stakeholders. Even if they have lodged their application, they may be denied a licence due to the stringent requirements that have been put in place. All applicants are required to meet mandatory standards to be ...
Jun 20, 2018•18 min
In today’s podcast Michael Fingland, from Vantage Performance, says we need potential clients to have a clearer understanding of what the Turnaround Industry is. He says there needs to be a better global definition that will encourage directors to seek help earlier. He says, “It’s what every financier, government department, every bank, lawyer, accountants, wants … for their client to seek help and not just muddle through and hope they get it right.” Right now, though, the definition of the Turn...
May 03, 2018•12 min
The relationship with your bank is equally as important as with your clients and suppliers, says Vantage Performance’s Michael Fingland. In this podcast he talks Phil Dobbie through the five steps you should follow to improve your banking relationship: - Ensuring there are no surprises - Having strategic clarity - Providing financial visibility - Building familiarity with the management team - Develop a personal relationship Listen to the podcast to hear Michael expand on each of these ideas, an...
Apr 03, 2018•12 min
It’s been 6 months since the Australian parliament passed the Safe Harbour legislation, providing protection for directors from insolvent trading whilst they pursue a turnaround. In this podcast Phil Dobbie talks to Michael Fingland about how it’s working in practice, some interesting developments in the roll out and how it’s already starting to change director behaviour. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFingland Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3 Website: https:/...
Mar 14, 2018•14 min
How often have you tried to figure out what a company can do for you? They might list a series of product features and the benefits they can provide, but do they really explain the real outcome for you when you buy from, or engage with, that company? In this edition of the Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland explains to Phil Dobbie the importance of selling the outcome – the elevator pitch that creates the emotional response that drives the prospect to seek out more about the services y...
Mar 07, 2018•11 min
The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a survey tool used by many businesses – large and small – to measure customer satisfaction levels. In this edition of the Vantage Performance Podcast Michael Fingland explain to Phil Dobbie how the tool can also be used to value a business. It provides a useful snapshot of how valuable a customer base is – essential for companies looing to buy or sell a business. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFingland Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-3...
Nov 20, 2017•13 min
Michael Fingland, executive director and CEO of Vantage Performance, says you can't motivate people, instead create the right environment and people will motivate themselves. It’s the basis for creating high performance teams. In this edition of the Vantage Performance podcast he takes Phil Dobbie through the seven essentials. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelFingland Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-fingland-34a09b3 Website: https://www.vantageperformance.com.au/ See omnystudio...
Oct 20, 2017•14 min
This week a significant step was made by Australian legislators, introducing a Safe Harbour provision for directors of companies that could be trading insolvent. The Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No 2) Bill 2017 enables directors to pursue reforms in their business rather than moving the company into administration. In this podcast Phil Dobbie discusses the legislation with Michael Fingland, Executive Director of business turnaround specialists Vantage Performance. They dis...
Sep 19, 2017•10 min
