#17 THE MODERN CFO - How Finance Shapes the Future

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how the role of finance is evolving as businesses grow and why SMEs need forward-looking insight rather than backward reporting.

Rob Brown is joined by Neil Martin, Group CFO at Azets, to discuss what business owners often miss when they are focused on day-to-day operations and how experienced financial perspectives can unlock better decisions.

We talk about what tends to break first as businesses scale, the early signs a finance function is no longer fit for purpose and why growth requires different thinking at each stage.

Neil explains how a modern CFO should act as a sparring partner, helping to challenge assumptions, prioritise decisions and look around the corner.

We also discuss the importance of setting a clear North Star, how decision-making changes when leaders extend their time horizon and when it may be time to bring in or upgrade financial leadership.

The episode also covers practical thinking on AI for SMEs, including where to start, how to learn from others and why curiosity plays a critical role in understanding new technology.

You can connect with Neil Martin on LinkedIn.

+++

Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence.

Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology.

Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community.

This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.

Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it.

Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(53)

#23 Q1 2026 BAROMETER - Why SMEs Still Back Themselves

This episode of Fresh Perspectives goes behind the numbers of the latest Azets Barometer to explore how SME leaders are navigating uncertainty, resilience, investment and growth in 2026. Rob Brown is...

10 Kesä 33min

#22 MAKING TAX DIGITAL - What You Need To Do Now

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and what it means for business owners, landlords and the self-employed as the biggest change to the UK tax system in decad...

3 Kesä 21min

#21 EXPANDING BEYOND THE UK - How To Avoid Costly Mistakes

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what UK SMEs need to consider as they expand internationally and why global growth is often more complex than expected. Rob Brown is joined by Michael Holl...

27 Touko 28min

#20 CHARITIES AND BUSINESS - Much More in Common Than You Think

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores the financial challenges facing charities and not-for-profits, why the sector is under more pressure than most people realise, and what trustees and busines...

20 Touko 33min

#19 RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS - Why Doing Good Drives Growth & Purpose

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores how businesses can balance commercial success with meaningful social impact and why purpose is becoming central to long-term sustainability. Rob Brown is j...

6 Touko 35min

#18 THE INSOLVENCY TOOLKIT - How Businesses Survive Financial Difficulty

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores what restructuring and insolvency actually mean for business owners, why early advice makes all the difference and what options exist long before a company ...

29 Huhti 20min

#16 SOCIAL IMPACT - Why Business Must Do More Than Make Money

This episode of Fresh Perspectives explores why social impact is no longer optional for modern businesses and how responsible partnerships can strengthen performance, culture and long-term value. Rob...

8 Huhti 26min