Big Brain Co.
We stabilise, optimise, and scale SMEs, calling on decades’ of experience gained in various industry sectors.Our focus is on revitalising and building great businesses with great people.
Our Approach
We're structured, organised, and proven in executing on turnarounds:Immediate PrioritiesThe nature of turnaround doesn't allow for traditional "90-day plans" - we work fast, and aim to achieve the below within 14 days. 1. Stop the bleed – control cash outflow
2. Interrupt spend – implement Zero-Based Budgeting and ensure every commitment has rapid ROI
3. Financial clarity – scrutinise P&L, debtors, and inventory
4. Debt/Funding position – review loans, facilities, and covenants
5. System assessment – identify the most time-consuming tasks and automate ASAP
6. People landscape – establish supporters & responsibilities
7. Shared vision – map out areas of universal buy-in, then delegate and encourage decisiveness
8. Sprint mindset – prioritise objectives, and deliver in agile bursts
Strategic Enhancements - FP&A: analyse revenue streams, product / channel mix - KPI reset: department-focused metrics to drive behaviour - Mission alignment: reinforce purpose and each person's contribution: 'continuous empowerment'
Why We're Best-Placed - Commercial inventiveness & operational expertise - Access to a trusted professional network – Marketing, Systems, Tax, and more - Track record: stabilising, optimising, then scaling - Sector experience: Retail & Ecommerce, consumer goods, creative industries, healthcare - We avoid outsourcing wherever possible, preferring to find efficiencies in processes, creating time for further business understanding and growth
About Us
👋 Who We Are
Over 15 years of experience stabilising and optimising businesses across various sectors.Led financial stabilisation and turnarounds:
- Revitalising a £4m retail business with four-months' cash runway, to positive EBITDA within 10 months.
- Responsibility for 75 indivudals during a $100m exit (12x Revenue).
- YoY revenue growth of 5%-70%, and EBITDA growth 5%-15% during 7 months within a B2B fashion enterprise.Recognised for clear thinking, hands-on delivery, and a sprint mindset.
👀 What We Look For
Owner-managed businesses with a proven concept.Retiring owners seeking to protect their legacy.Sectors of interest: consumer goods, professional services, B2B or B2C.
🤝 Why Work With Us
Human-Centred Approach: we value employees, empowerment, collaboation, and company culture.Stability and Security: Proven ability to navigate financial and operational challenges.
We understand consumers, employees, and how to build great businesses.Flexible Deal Structures: Including seller financing and phased transitions.
🚀 Our Vision
To safeguard the future of businesses by collaborating with and empowering their workforces to achieve sustainable & profitable growth.
🚀 Who's Behind Big Brain Co
Led by Howard Stone, a business turnaround and transformation specialist for over 15 years, we are specialist in planning and executing on SME turnarounds.We bring discipline and commercial focus to stabilise underperforming SMEs, before scaling operations with a view to fundraise, exit, or continue a great business without funding.Known for clear thinking, hands-on delivery, and a sprint mindset, we've led turnarounds across sectors - including Retail, B2B fashion, SaaS, and hospitality.People, purpose, and performance kept in balance, we have a network of specialists to call on, covering marketing, law, tax, and others.