Brian Chester BSc, FCMA, FCMI, Client Finance Director -
brian.chester@fdsolutions.uk.com

After graduating with a degree in physics from Durham University, Brian joined the Philips Electronics graduate accountant training scheme in 1973. He qualified with CIMA as an associate in 1978 and a fellow in 1986. He spent 14 years with Philips and PolyGram in the UK, Netherlands and Germany in a variety of head office, commercial, manufacturing and defence operations.

In 1987 Brian joined Bourne Publicity Limited, then the largest independent promotional products company in the UK. Besides being FD he was responsible for IT, HR, Purchasing, Corporate accounts and Sales Administration. In 1999 Bourne Publicity was sold to Bemrose Corporation Plc and was eventually integrated into 4imprint plc.

In 2000 Brian became FD of Fusion Radio Holdings Ltd, a start-up company which acquired or won licences for seven local radio operations with VC backing.

In 2003 Brian became FD of the cross media company Milestone Group Plc when it listed on AIM and simultaneously acquired the radio assets of Fusion along with two local newspaper groups and a local TV company.

Brian has also held several honorary positions within CIMA at Branch President, Area Chairman, and Executive Council level.

Brian has particular expertise in the media, marketing services, electronics and defence sectors as well as experience of doing business in the Netherlands and Germany. He has substantial experience of company turnaround and refocusing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and AIM flotations.

On joining FD Solutions in 2008, Brian immediately became involved in helping a property company renegotiate its banking arrangements, switching factors, adjusting its portfolio and improving its operating expenses and LTV ratios, and worked with an energy company to set up its corporate structure.