Some problems in a business announce themselves. A debt problem rarely does. It does not show up in a single bad quarter, but builds quietly over time, as cash that should be funding new machinery, new capability and new work disappears instead into servicing borrowings taken on in easier times. For sectors already under strain, […]
Europe’s defence sector is facing a rapidly evolving threat landscape. EU defence spending reached €343 billion in 2024, up 19% year-on-year. Defence investment also increased from €51 billion in 2021 to €106 billion in 2024, a record-breaking level. This surge reflects the scale and speed of Europe’s rearmament, marking a clear break from decades […]
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the European economy, contributing roughly 14% to 15% of GDP and supporting more than 30 million jobs. It now faces a decisive crossroads shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain risk, high energy costs, skills shortages, and intensifying global competition, which will require major adaptation in the decades ahead. A […]
There is a particular kind of strain that creeps into a business before it becomes visible on the balance sheet. A few departures that should not have happened. A once-reliable customer who starts asking sharper questions. A leadership team that spends more time reacting than leading.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the construction sector, Fabienne Viala has delivered major public and private projects across the UK and France. In building a career defined by high-stakes leadership roles in complex environments, her unique perspective on resilience, representation, and strategic leadership, offers invaluable insight for women advancing in senior positions across […]
The challenge: When a modular housing manufacturer faced critical operational challenges following the dismissal of its Managing Director, swift interim leadership was essential. The sudden management void threatened to disrupt operations, undermine productivity, and destabilise the company’s market position. Our solution: Recognising the urgency and complexity of the challenge, Valtus leveraged its extensive network and […]
I was chatting with an experienced Interim CFO recently, and I asked her about the most common issue she encounters when turning around businesses. To be fair, it wasn’t my most original question, and I expected something predictable: “Underperforming teams.” “Weak financial controls.” “Poor cash management.” Instead, she surprised me: “Steve, the one thing every […]