Transition Newsletter – Edition 1

Credit Management deep dive: Tools & insights for Interim finance leaders

Date/Time – 23rd April 2026, 2pm

Late payment affects businesses with even the strongest credit control practices in place. However, robust sales order-to-cash processes will reduce risk, enhance cash flow and improve forecasting.

This session will explore what ‘good’ credit management looks like, providing insight into how to spot whether a business is leading or lagging in key areas such as credit function, new customer onboarding, credit risk assessment, order input, invoicing, cash collection and critically, its use of KPIs to monitor performance and drive improvements.

From the people, policies and systems a business has in place to the day-to-day processes staff follow, there are often numerous ways to make improvements to this critical function.

What you will get from the session:

• Insight into both tactical and strategic credit management best practices to enable immediate positive change within the business
• Real life example of how short-term outsourced credit management can lead to long-term positive change and upskilling of internal resource.
• Access to an online Credit Management Healthcheck tool to provide insight and guide improvement for businesses you are engaged to support
• An opportunity to discuss any challenges with credit management experts

Alex Hilton-Baird
Partner – FRP Advisory
Managing Director – Hilton-Baird Collection Services

Alex Hilton-Baird established Hilton-Baird Collection Services in 2001 to provide expert debt recovery and credit management support to a wide range of businesses from SMEs and Corporates to Asset Based Lenders and Insolvency Practitioners.

Part of the wider Hilton-Baird Group, Hilton-Baird Collection Services, was acquired by FRP Advisory in 2024 further strengthening its offering to its clients.

IFT North Conference 2026

12th March 2026

IFT Midlands, West and Wales Conference 2026

23rd April 2026

The QCA City Debate with Boardroom City Debates (London) 

25th March 2026

“This House believes that boards need to do more to engage with investors”

ICAEW North-West (Virtual) 

Throughout 2026

Your path to a successful non-executive portfolio

Are you looking to become a Mentor?

Inspiring Leadership Foundation are looking for new volunteer mentors

Volunteer just one hour a month to help people from underserved communities reach their full potential in their professional lives

Effective mentoring requires a non-judgemental and supportive relationship between the mentor and the mentee. We look for these qualities in a good mentor:

Experience

A good mentor has experience in the field in which they are mentoring. They have knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that mentees are likely to encounter and can offer practical advice on how to navigate them.

Good communication skills

A good mentor is an excellent communicator. They listen actively and ask questions to understand the mentee’s situation and challenges. They also provide constructive feedback and offer clear, concise guidance.

Positive attitude

A good mentor has a positive and optimistic attitude towards their mentee’s goals and aspirations. They encourage and motivate their mentee to succeed while providing realistic expectations.

Accountability

A good mentor holds themselves and their mentee accountable for their actions. They set clear goals and expectations, monitor progress, and provide feedback to help their mentee stay on track.

Trustworthiness

A good mentor is trustworthy and maintains confidentiality. They create a safe and non-judgmental space where their mentee can be open and honest.

Patience

A good mentor is patient and understands that growth and development take time. They are willing to support their mentee throughout the learning process, even when progress is slow.

Overall, a good mentor is supportive, knowledgeable, and committed to helping their mentee succeed. They build trust and a strong relationship with their mentee while providing guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement.

A few final words

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Best wishes,
Susan and Lincoln