Stories That Open Doors

At Hot Stories Business Networking, we believe that behind every business is a story worth sharing. These stories are not just about numbers, turnover, or strategy — they are about people who dedicate their time and expertise to helping companies thrive.

When Andrew Rickard spoke at our Cambridge event, he did not talk in abstract terms. He described exactly how he and his associates help businesses scale, predict the future, and prepare for growth or exit. His focus was on practical solutions, technology-driven insights, and the importance of financial clarity.

His story highlighted how businesses in the £1M–£10M turnover range can benefit from virtual finance, artificial intelligence, and the right guidance.

Who is Andrew Rickard?

Andrew Rickard works with Anti Pollock & Associates, a virtual finance company dedicated to supporting businesses that want to grow, scale, or exit with confidence.

Instead of providing surface-level advice, Andrew and his team combine financial expertise with cutting-edge AI-driven software. Their approach gives companies a clear picture of where they are, where they are headed, and how adjustments can transform future outcomes.

Andrew’s role focuses on functional consultancy — helping businesses realise what they can achieve and supporting them during periods of change, such as system migrations, finance restructures, or expansion.

Using AI to Predict the Future

One of the most powerful tools Andrew’s company uses is AI-based financial forecasting software.

Here’s how it works:

1. Analysis of the last three years of accounts
   The software takes real data and establishes a baseline.

   
   

2. Prediction of the next five years
   Using AI, it creates a model of what the future looks like if nothing changes.

   
   

3. Adaptation of scenarios
   With adjustments to reflect changes in strategy, investment, or operations, the model recalculates.

   
   

4. Clear growth forecasts
   Businesses see not only where they are headed but also how different decisions can impact the next five years.

For companies looking to expand, sell, or prepare for exit, these insights are invaluable. Instead of guessing, they are able to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

The Types of Businesses Supported

Andrew explained that most of the companies they work with fall within the £1M to £10M turnover range. These are established businesses with ambition, but often without the large internal finance departments that major corporations have.

For these companies, the support of a virtual finance team means they can access the expertise of a CFO or financial consultancy without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Beyond Forecasting: Functional Consultancy

Andrew’s expertise is not just financial. His background in functional consultancy means he helps businesses during times of transition.

For example, he described working with a client moving from an old ERP system to NetSuite. His role was to step in, functionally assess the system, and ensure that nothing was missed. By doing this, he helped the business grow with confidence and avoid the costly mistakes that can happen during large system changes.

This ability to step into a business, understand its processes, and guide the transition makes Andrew’s work especially valuable.

Planning for the Future: Inheritance Tax and Beyond

In addition to growth and forecasting, Andrew and his associates also look at inheritance tax planning for larger companies. For business owners with significant assets, this is an essential part of long-term planning.

By addressing inheritance tax early, companies can prevent unnecessary financial strain on the next generation and ensure that business value is preserved.

This holistic approach - from day-to-day finance to legacy planning - is what sets Anti Pollock & Associates apart.

Partnerships That Add Value

Andrew explained that their business model does not work in isolation. They collaborate with other associates to add further value:

• Insurance companies – ensuring businesses are protected.

• Sales and marketing partners – helping companies grow revenue.

• Outsourcing solutions – including AP and AR (accounts payable and accounts receivable) managed offshore, which reduces costs and increases efficiency.

These partnerships allow Andrew’s team to provide more than just financial advice. They deliver a full-service growth strategy.

Acting as Your CFO

For many businesses in the £1M–£10M turnover range, hiring a full-time CFO is too expensive. That is where Andrew’s team steps in.

They can act as an outsourced CFO, providing high-level strategic guidance without the overhead. Whether it is forecasting, tax planning, or financial oversight, companies gain access to the insights they need to grow without unnecessary cost.

Andrew at Hot Stories

At our Hot Stories networking event in Cambridge, Andrew shared these insights with clarity and confidence. He explained how technology like AI can transform financial planning and how functional consultancy makes real growth possible.

His story connected with the audience because it was practical and solution-driven. Every business owner in the room could see how his approach could apply to their own company.

And that is what makes Hot Stories powerful. It is not about theory or generic advice. It is about real professionals, like Andrew Rickard, explaining how they create results.

Reputation and Visibility: Why We Share These Stories

At Gemini Web Media, we have spent over 16 years studying business success and reputation. We know that visibility and credibility are the key differences between businesses that thrive and those that struggle.

Andrew’s story is an example of reputation in action. By sharing his expertise openly, he builds trust. By demonstrating how AI and consultancy can deliver results, he shows credibility. And by presenting at Hot Stories, his visibility extends beyond the event - through video, blogs, and social sharing.

That is why we do this work. Every story shared strengthens a business’s reputation and connects them with their ideal audience.

Join the Hot Stories Experience

Andrew’s presentation was just one of many highlights at our networking events. Want to experience it for yourself?

Join us at:
Business Networking "Hot Stories" at The Red Lion Cambridge
https://geminiweb.media/Business-Networking-Hot-Stories-at-The-Red-Lion-Cambridge

Business Networking "Hot Stories" at The Officers’ Mess Duxford
https://geminiweb.media/Business-Networking-Hot-Stories-at-The-Officers-Mess-Duxford

Go Further with the Collective Advantage Network

If you cannot attend in person, join us online every Wednesday from 14:00–15:00 UK time for the Collective Advantage Network.

This is a space for real talk and real results. No pitches, no fluff - just businesses supporting each other, solving challenges, and growing stronger together.

Join us here:
Collective Advantage Network
https://geminiweb.media/Collective-Advantage-Network

And if you are ready for even more support, visibility, and opportunities, check out our memberships:
Gemini Web Media Membership Plans
https://geminiweb.media/Membership-Plans

Andrew Rickard’s story shows the power of financial clarity, technology, and consultancy. By combining AI forecasting, hands-on support, and strategic partnerships, he and his team at Anti Pollock & Associates help businesses achieve their true potential.

At Hot Stories, we are proud to spotlight Andrew and give his expertise the visibility it deserves.

Video filmed by Oksana Hrytsaienko
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-hrytsaienko/

Location: The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge

Main Sponsor: Blue Line Operations Ltd
https://bluelineoperations.co.uk/

Produced by Gemini Web Media
https://geminiweb.media/