Business Advisory Case Study
With Craig Wood – FA-Tech Australia
About FA-Tech Australia
FA-Tech Australia, originally established as Fusion Applications, provides specialised software and business application services focusing on Oracle Software, Informatica, and Snowflake. For 18 years, they have delivered these solutions to state government and commercial clients throughout Western Australia, evolving from a small contracting operation into an established market-leading company.
Craig Wood is the owner of FA-Tech Australia, focusing on sales, strategic direction, and overall business management after transitioning from a more hands-on technical role in the company’s earlier days.
Business Evolution
FA-Tech began as a contractor-led business experiencing rapid growth in Perth’s robust Oracle software market. Their early success came from assembling a team of contractors to deliver large projects for government clients, generating significant revenue during these formative years.
However, the company faced a pivotal moment when they were audited by the State Revenue Office and received an unexpected payroll tax assessment. This financial challenge threatened the business’s stability and prompted them to seek more sophisticated financial guidance.
Working with Brentnalls WA
The partnership with Brentnalls WA began during this critical period for FA-Tech. The Brentnalls WA team helped them to navigate their cash flow challenges, as they faced an unexpected payroll tax bill and immediately restructured the company’s financial systems, transitioning from cash to accrual accounting and implementing more efficient reporting mechanisms.
“Brentnalls were absolutely brilliant at the time. We thought the walls were falling in, they got us through it and managed a lot of that difficult conversation,” explains Craig. “They gave us advice on how we could structure the business and found some tax we could put back into the business. They gave us the advice that we obviously hadn’t had prior.”
As FA-Tech stabilised and grew, the relationship evolved to include business advisory services. Brentnalls implemented the Quarterly Business Review process, enhancing operational efficiency and providing advice to help the business scale and grow. This included participation in the Business Growth Network, which offered valuable networking opportunities for the business owners. When the founding partners later decided to pursue separate paths, Brentnalls provided strategic guidance to ensure a smooth separation that maintained the company’s operational stability and protected each partner’s interests.
FA-Tech has continued to partner with Brentnalls WA throughout the business journey. In recent years, Brentnalls has continued to provide proactive financial guidance, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities for the business.
Results
With Brentnalls’ strategic guidance over the years, FA-Tech Australia successfully transformed from a contract-based operation to a more stable business with permanent employees. The company has achieved long-term growth while establishing itself as a trusted service provider in the software and business application space.
The strategic partnership has enabled Craig to focus confidently on business growth and client relationships, knowing that the financial management and compliance aspects are being expertly handled.
Now, looking to the future, Brentnalls WA is providing strategic guidance and expert advice as Craig contemplates an eventual business exit. As he reflects, “Now we’re looking to the future, how Brentnalls can strategically help me get to a point when we look to sell the business. It’s been a full journey from start to finish.“
This enduring partnership demonstrates how the right financial and business advisory support can help navigate challenges and the ups and downs of business, drive growth, and plan strategically for long-term success.
