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.

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!

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

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.