Mark Brown - Owner, L4 Financial Management
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I always had a strong interest in numbers and problem-solving, which naturally led me towards finance. But I wasn’t just interested in the numbers. I was interested in how businesses actually work, the decisions behind them, and what makes them successful.
Tell us about your current role.
I’m the founder of L4 Financial, a business that provides part-time Finance Director services to SMEs. Many smaller businesses can’t justify a full-time FD but still need strategic financial expertise. I work closely with owners and management teams to help them understand their numbers, improve reporting, and put better systems in place. My approach isn’t just about finance, it’s about ensuring finance is fully integrated with the rest of the business so that decisionmaking is focused and more effective.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Taking the leap to start L4 Financial was a big moment for me, but my real sense of achievement comes from the impact I have on my clients. Seeing SMEs go from firefighting issues to having a clear, structured plan for driving the business forward is what makes it worthwhile. I recently helped a client transform their financial reporting and debt collection process, which not only improved cash flow but also gave them the confidence to plan ahead with more certainty. Moments like that reinforce why I do what I do.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Technology has had a massive impact. Ten years ago, many SMEs were still reliant on spreadsheets and manual processes. Now, cloud-based accounting, automation, and software integrations have transformed what’s possible. The challenge isn’t just adopting new technology for the sake of it. It is knowing which tools add real value. I help businesses cut through the noise and implement systems that make life easier, not more complicated.
What are you currently working on?
Alongside my ongoing work with SME clients, I’m growing L4 Financial to support more businesses in the North East. I’m also involved in a project that will link finance, facilities management, and operational decision-making, helping a client develop a clearer and more streamlined financial workflow for their business. A big focus for me right now is making financial reporting more accessible.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
“Keep things simple.” Finance can get unnecessarily complex, but the best business decisions come from clear, straightforward thinking. Whether it’s cash flow, pricing, KPIs, or profitability, simplicity leads to better decisions and fewer mistakes.
What has been your biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is balancing short-term pressures with longterm strategy. Many businesses get stuck in a cycle of reacting rather than planning. A challenge in my role is shifting that mindset. I help business owners see that taking a step back to plan properly doesn’t slow them down; it actually speeds up growth in the long term.
Have you an ideal client?
My ideal clients are SMEs that have a clear direction but recognise the need for expert financial support to grow. They’re open to constructive feedback, willing to improve their financial processes, and value practical advice. I work best with business owners who want to move beyond just ‘keeping up’ with the numbers and instead use them to drive better decisions and long-term success.
What other businesses do you admire?
Since launching L4 Financial, I’ve paid closer attention to local businesses and the effort their owners put in. The North East is spoilt for choice when it comes to independent businesses. Some of my favourites include Proven Goods for the best doughnuts by far, Laneway & Co for high-quality coffee and a bit of tranquillity in the city centre, Reflex, an independent music store which is great for adding to my vinyl collection, and Riley’s Fish Shack for a great location and amazing freshly cooked food.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Music is a big passion of mine. I love collecting vinyl and going to gigs. Walking our dog also helps clear my head, especially after a day of problem-solving. And when I get the chance, I love to travel. Seeing new places and experiencing different cultures is always inspiring.
Favourite Books and Boxset?
For business, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a must-read. It’s a great insight into the need for resilience when running a business.
For fiction, Misery by Stephen King is a favourite.
For a boxset, The Sopranos is hard to beat.
L4Financial.co.uk