As today is the first day of the new financial year we invited BSE’s National Finance Director, Nicki Fraser to reflect on the various aspects BSE has weathered during the past financial year and to share her thoughts of what is ahead for the financial year 22/23.
When asked her thoughts on how the past 12 months unfurled, NF laughed and shared, “Well, it has certainly been an interesting year. I am not going to say that there haven’t been challenges, however, there have been some great moments and growth that BSE Group have experienced over the last 12 months. The last financial year has been a unique reality that we’ve collectively lived through; Covid 19, international instability and war, political changes, inflation along with financial market unpredictability and then of course the industry challenges with resource shortages and an extremely busy consultancy space for BSE. I know I am not alone when I say it has been an unusual past year.”
Although it certainly hasn’t been doom and gloom for the BSE Group. The market has provided opportunity for growth and the prospect for BSE to branch into new sectors, therefore maintaining a strong partnership with our existing client base whilst developing new project partnerships. This growth has introduced new team members who have brought with them a wealth of culture, varied skill sets and experience, growing our team to over 80 wonderful people. We have the majority of the teams working from our offices, however, still offer the flexibility of working from home.
This year, we were delighted to have the opportunity for the senior management team attended the BSE National Strategic Workshop. Over a couple of intensive days of business planning, reflecting on the last 2 years and the significant growth within the organisation, it was decided that as life begins to return to somewhat normality there are areas of growth and development within BSE and some very exciting prospects for business expansion. Nicki has stated, “watch this space, from a financial perspective there is an identified link and integration we are wanting to share with our project partners to connect cost effectiveness and sustainable alternatives”.
A beneficial outcome from the past 12 months has been the way BSE’s flat management structure has served the wider national team. Our CEO, Andrew Fraser continues to update the National BSE team every Friday afternoon with relevant news and industry updates, whist informing the teams with what each office is doing, project opportunities and jobs won. Our National Strategic Partnerships Director, Godfrey Frederick then entertains us with weekly jokes. Occasionally he can convince a willing team member to jump in as guest ‘joke master’. On top of this each state has their own internal BSE community, with a budget to maintain a cohesive environment. Nicki explained, “this budget is there for the teams, they all work extremely hard, so there must be thanks for this. Each office celebrates their down time differently, however Friday afternoons are always a time to enjoy some fellowship with our colleagues over a nice bottle of wine or whiskey, a game of table tennis or jenga and always a few impromptu laughs”.
The year ahead has much uncertainty for people in general. With rising interest rates; the daily cost of living increasing and instability globally. For BSE, we are staying focused on BSE. The strength of our team will continue to forge forward with determination and drive. As a business and financially, we are exploring new areas that will not only benefit the business but also our project partners. As we enter this new FY we do so with awareness; and also excitement for the many opportunities that lie ahead.
