Perth Business Advisory Case Study
With Tony Del Popolo, Chief Operating Officer – Ledge Finance
Overview
Ledge Finance (Ledge) is a Perth-based finance broking business.
After a management buyout in 2020 and the introduction of additional shareholders to its experienced leadership team, the company reached a stage where aligning shareholder goals and creating a clear strategic direction became imperative. Ledge engaged Brentnalls WA’s business advisory services to help formalise this process and set them on a path for sustainable growth. Ledge Chief Operating Officer Tony Del Popolo shares his experience with Brentnalls WA and the Quarterly Business Review.
Challenges
As the business gradually transitions into a debt advisory business to meet evolving market demands, the management buyout brought together shareholders with diverse commercial, financial, and business perspectives and experience. To harness this diversification and create a pathway as to how the company’s leadership would evolve, it was agreed that without taking proactive steps to address shareholder alignment and future succession planning, the company risked slipping in its long-term objectives.
Whilst sustaining growth, Ledge wanted to build a structured approach towards strategic planning and milestone tracking. Ledge had initially considered appointing an independent chairman to guide this process but ultimately decided that Brentnalls WA’s expertise in professional services businesses and the Brentnalls team’s understanding of similar challenges made them the ideal partner.
Why Brentnalls WA?
Tony had worked with Chris Mandzufas and the Brentnalls WA team for over two decades as a strategic partner. He had seen their track record helping other businesses, which gave him confidence in their ability to support Ledge’s objectives. Brentnalls WA offered a tailored approach that resonated with the company’s needs, including facilitating strategy sessions, creating alignment across leadership, and helping to document the business’s vision and values as part of the Quarterly Business Review process.
Ledge was seeking a structured approach to organise its strategic vision and communicate it effectively to all stakeholders. Brentnalls WA provided the framework to translate the leadership’s ideas into actionable plans and implement systems that improved clarity and accountability.
Solutions
Brentnalls WA introduced a range of solutions to address Ledge’s objectives:
- Shareholder Alignment: The introduction of structured monthly meetings created a consistent platform for shareholders to discuss business direction, address concerns and align on long-term goals. This process gave shareholders visibility into financial and operational metrics while fostering collaborative decision-making.
Strategic Documentation: Brentnalls WA helped Ledge articulate its vision, mission, and core values, which had previously existed but were now formalised, allowing the company to establish a clear identity and direction and laying the foundation for continued strategic growth.
Quarterly Business Review (QBR): The QBR process was implemented to help the leadership team track progress, refine strategies, and hold each other accountable. This structured approach enabled the company to focus on long-term goals while maintaining operational excellence.
Working with Brentnalls WA
The engagement with Brentnalls WA has proved beneficial for Ledge. The leadership team gained a new appreciation for the importance of articulating core values, mission statements, and employee propositions. By formalising these elements, Brentnalls WA enabled the business to engage with its staff and clients at a deeper level.
The QBR process provides visibility and clarity on the business and improved shareholder communication and accountability. The regular meetings create a space where shareholders can openly discuss their perspectives, leading to stronger collaboration and alignment.
Results
While only early in the engagement, Ledge has experienced tangible and measurable change since partnering with Brentnalls WA:
- Improved Shareholder Engagement: Structured monthly and quarterly meetings have enhanced communication and ensured all shareholders are aligned on the company’s strategic direction.
- Clarity in Strategic Vision: The formalisation of Ledge’s mission, values, and long-term goals has given the leadership team a clear roadmap for the future.
- Strengthened Leadership Confidence: The process has encouraged a culture of trust and collaboration, enabling the leadership team to delegate responsibilities more effectively.
“Brentnalls WA has brought clarity to the business. They hold key stakeholders accountable, and we found their engagement to be cost–effective and profoundly beneficial. ” ~Tony Del Popolo, COO, Ledge Finance.
