In our recent seminar, “Powering Production: Overcoming Capital Challenges in Manufacturing,” industry experts tackled the financial hurdles that small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses face in Australia. The panel, led by Nicholas Samios from Hermes Capital, included David Mansfield (DEI), Gary Tescher, (Promentor), and Josh Hallowell (Pickles), each bringing unique insights into funding, restructuring, and asset management.

The discussion began by addressing common financial challenges, especially for family-owned enterprises and SMEs. These businesses often struggle with:

• Asset-heavy operations: Manufacturing requires significant investment in equipment, which can be a barrier for businesses when capital is tight or machinery needs updating.
• Inconsistent cash flow: Long lead times and high upfront material costs lead to cash crunches, especially when payment terms from customers are extended.
• Capital access issues: Traditional banks may hesitate to lend to businesses with a limited track record or specialized equipment, creating a funding gap for these manufacturers.

The panel explored solutions to these challenges, from asset-based lending to restructuring options:

• Understanding and Valuing Assets: Josh Hannay discussed the importance of regularly assessing equipment value, including surplus items that could be sold to free up capital.
• Streamlining Production: Gary Tesar shared examples of manufacturers optimizing production processes and reducing waste to cut costs, particularly when new equipment isn’t feasible.
• Early Intervention and Restructuring: David Mansfield emphasized that timely restructuring and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, especially banks, can prevent severe financial distress and preserve business value.

Panelists noted the growing demand for niche, high-value manufacturing, such as medical and defence products, which allows Australian manufacturers to compete despite high labour costs. However, government support was highlighted as critical for fostering growth and innovation in the sector.

Watch the full recording for a deep dive into these discussions, including practical strategies to navigate financial challenges and leverage existing assets in the competitive manufacturing landscape.

Interested in future seminars by Hermes Capital?

Check out our upcoming events here.

In this episode, recorded live at the Royal Exchange Club in Sydney, experts from the transport and finance industries come together to address the significant financial challenges currently faced by the Australian transport sector. The panel explores key issues such as the decline in asset prices, difficulties in capital raising due to aging equipment, increasing ATO debt, and tighter profit margins caused by stricter payment terms from suppliers.

The panel includes industry leaders:

• Nicholas Samios (Hermes Capital)
• Ben Gibson - (Pickles)
• Luke Andrews - (BDO)
• Roman Tepes - (Balance My Books)

Topics discussed range from asset valuations, equipment maintenance, and cash flow management to debt restructuring and stakeholder management. The seminar provides actionable advice on how businesses can navigate financial distress and make informed decisions in the current climate.

If you’re in the finance or transport sector, this seminar offers valuable insights into the unique challenges facing the industry, as well as practical strategies for overcoming them.

Key Topics Covered:

• Impact of COVID-19 on asset values and equipment availability
• The role of maintenance and fleet management in asset value retention
• Common financial pitfalls in the transport industry
• Strategies for restructuring and refinancing to maintain business viability
• Navigating ATO debt and managing stakeholder relationships effectively

Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice on how to tackle the evolving financial landscape in the transport industry.

What is Small Business Restructuring? What do finance brokers, accountants and other business advisors need to know about it? It’s now over two years ago when small businesses really started implementing Restructuring as an insolvency alternative - what can we learn from its brief history thus far? In this #LunchMoney Episode, Nick speaks with Louisa Sijabat. Louisa is a thought leader in SBR and corporate restructuring, it was great to have the opportunity of putting your questions to her!

Lunch Money is produced by Hermes Capital Partners https://hermescapital.com.au/