Alan Davidson FCA
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT & AUTHOR
Alan Davidson FCA
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants | Director at OutRise | Helping ambitious SME owners achieve their business vision
Connect on LinkedInView ICAEW Profile
About Alan
Alan Davidson is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA) with over 30 years of experience advising ambitious SME owners. He is the author of "Achieve your Business Vision" and has helped hundreds of business leaders move from financial confusion to strategic clarity.
As a Director of OutRise, Alan focuses on practical, no-nonsense strategies that help leaders achieve their company's vision through proactive financial intelligence and strategic planning. His approach combines deep technical expertise with real-world business experience to deliver actionable insights that drive growth.
Professional Credentials
Fellow of ICAEW (FCA)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Fellow designation awarded for distinguished service and expertise.
Published Author
"Achieve your Business Vision" - A practical guide for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking strategic clarity.
30+ Years
Hands-on experience advising hundreds of SME owners on strategic financial planning and exit preparation.
Read More From Alan Below
Articles by Alan Davidson
Problems
IHT Update : The SME Squeeze
As of today, 1 April 2026, the landscape of succession planning for UK business owners has fundamentally changed. The most significant reforms to Inheritance
Alan Davidson · April 2026
Comparisons
Impact of Dividend Tax on Remuneration Planning for SME Owners 2026/27
Welcome to the new tax year. As of today, 1st April 2026, a series of fiscal changes are now in effect, and for SME owners and company directors, few are as
Alan Davidson · April 2026
Problems
UK Employment Law Changes 2026: Your Essential SME Compliance Checklist
As of today, 31st March 2026, the clock is ticking down on the last day before a significant wave of employment legislation hits the UK. For SME owners and
Alan Davidson · March 2026
Compliance and Regulations
Small businesses ‘dismayed’ at HMRC plan to tighten tax rules
Recent reports, including a notable piece in City A.M., have highlighted a growing sense of dismay among small business owners regarding HMRC's plans to
Alan Davidson · March 2026
Cost & Value
The Ultimate UK SME Tax & Compliance Checklist for 2026: Don't Miss These Key Changes
With the 2026/27 tax year just days away, now is the critical moment for SME owners, finance directors, and sole traders to get their houses in order. This
Alan Davidson · March 2026
Financial Guidance
9 Critical Business Mistakes: The UK Owner's Guide to Sustainable Growth
Home > Technical Library > Financial Guidance > 9 Critical Business Mistakes
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Business development
Mastering Your Exit: Why You Must Plan the Sale Years in Advance
What lifts an exit multiple in the 24 months before a sale: clean financials, de-risked earnings and provable recurring revenue — and what buyers discount.
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Financial Guidance
A Practical Guide to Improving Business Cash Flow
Nine levers that move cash in a UK business, ordered by how fast they work — from payment terms and invoicing rhythm to stock, tax timing and pricing.
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Cost & Value
How Much is My Business Worth? A No-Nonsense Guide to SME Valuation
The three methods UK buyers actually use to value a business, what moves the multiple, and why the number from a free online tool is usually wrong.
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Cost & Value
The Real Cost of a Business Valuation: Are Free Calculators Costing You?
COST & VALUE
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Problems
Valuing a Business with No Profit: The Problems to Avoid and Opportunities
How buyers value a business that makes no profit, which metrics they use instead of EBITDA, and what raises your number.
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Best in Class
A Leader's Guide to Firing Your Accountant: When and How to Switch
Home > Business Insights > Best in Class > Firing Your Accountant
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Cost & Value
How Much Does an Accountant Really Cost? A Transparent Price & Value Guide
Real UK accountancy fees in 2026 by business size and service level, what sits behind a £150/month quote versus £800, and where the value actually is.
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Problems
5 Critical Questions Your Accountant Should Be Asking You (But Probably Isn't)
When you evaluate your accountant, the "questions your accountant should ask" you are far more important than the reports they file. Yet, the relationship
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Problems
The True Cost of a Slow Accountant
Home > Business Insights > Problems > Cost of a Slow Accountant
Alan Davidson · November 2025
Problems
Is Your Accountant Suffering from 'Santa Claus Syndrome'?
PROBLEMS
Alan Davidson · November 2025