"When we first engaged Emma and The Business Mill, I was probably the biggest sceptic in the room. I wasn’t entirely sure what a Finance Business Partner did, what Emma would actually do for us, or what we would have to show for it at the end.

What surprised me was how quickly she understood the business. She didn’t just look at the financials; she spent time with people across ASL, listened to how the business actually operated and was able to bring together issues that, individually, we were all aware of but hadn’t necessarily connected.

The value for me has been the independent perspective and the ability to turn a lot of different conversations, challenges and ideas into something much clearer. She has challenged us where needed, but has also helped us recognise what is already good about the business and where we need greater alignment.

I initially thought of Emma as someone coming in to look at the financial and commercial side of ASL. I now see her much more as a strategic business partner to the directors. At this stage, the role she is playing feels closer to that of a Chief of Staff — helping us step back from the day-to-day, bring structure to our thinking and make sure that what we decide actually moves forward.

I started the process not really knowing what the outcome would be. I can now see very clearly where the value sits, and I think having someone independent of the business to provide that challenge and structure is something we needed."