Dan Cooper - Partner, Ryecroft Glenton
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Very different to what they are now! Growing up my absolute focus was on building a basketball career. Having played from the age of 12, both locally and nationally, to being linked with the “original” Newcastle Eagles Academy, I felt that I lost my passion for the game and decided to become an accountant!
I didn’t realise I was inspired by business or that there was any form of entrepreneur in me, however, on commencing my accountancy studies (AAT and ACA), I quickly realised that the hunger for the business and finance worlds was indeed in me.
Tell us about your current role?
I am one of thirteen Partners and Head of Outsourced | FD at Ryecroft Glenton (RG), offering strategic advice to business owners. Starting Outsourced |FD (as an idea), my focus and mission was to introduce a finance and advisory based service to SMEs, supporting them in various roles, on an outsourced basis. My core aim is to support businesses on their own journey and help them achieve their goals, while in turn I am achieving mine.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Becoming a Partner in RG certainly is up there, but it must be Outsourced | FD being recognised as one of RGs core services and becoming its 7th Service Line. Looking back and reflecting on the journey over the last five years (we celebrated our 5th year in April of this year), it is extremely rewarding to see how we are now servicing so many clients, how we have grown the team from zero to nine and how we are now building a presence nationally.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
The role of the “accountant” I feel has significantly changed into that of a “business advisor”, (part of the reason Outsourced | FD was launched). Outsourcing is becoming more and more favoured, not only finance but all areas of business, such as marketing/PR support. These are all roles that require specialists and generally for SMEs are not full-time roles.
Technology has also been a significant factor in driving the changes our industry has seen. Business can utilise the power of technology and AI to drive processes and delivery output, enabling them to drive the business forward – it is a key focus area in our service delivery to ensure clients receive accurate and real-time data for strategic decision making.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently focusing on the future of Outsourced | FD and preparing a strategic plan for the next two years to ensure we achieve the same success and growth we have over the last five years. This will focus on our core areas of delivery, expansion of the team and further enhancements through technology.
Tell us about the team you work with?
In short, they are GREAT! Having increased the headcount from four to nine in the last 12 months, the connection and collaboration across the team is exceptional. We would not be able service our clients without them and their passion and commitment for what we do allows us to deliver an outstanding service to our clients – it is just a real pleasure to work with them every day.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Although not direct advice given to me, but more of a mindset to always have in you:
Michael Jordan’s Secret To Success: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games…I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Not that I have failed this many times!
Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality: “A consta nt quest to become the best version of one’s self”.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I would probably say, recruitment. The candidate market over the last couple of years has been the toughest I have seen it in all my years of working.
How do you unwind outside of work?
It has to be family time, with our two Golden Retrievers, Boe and Maggie and also being a foodie, working our way round Michelin Star restaurants (without the dogs!).
Favourite Book and Boxset?
I have never really been a book person, although I am currently listening to Happy Sexy Millionaire, by Steven Bartlett. I am also a regular listener to his Diary of a CEO, Podcast. Favourite boxset – it has to be Suits – fourth time round, it is still just as good!
ryecroftglenton.com