At Quantum4, we offer strategic design partnerships to some of the world’s leading brands and retailers. Whether it is a brand refresh, new product launch or managing a complex tender programme, we work to deliver the best value for your company. From invention, design and prototype all the way through installation of the display equipment, our specialist team enables us to create a global reach. Yet, this wouldn’t be possible without our local team.
We have created our ‘A Day in the Life’ series to provide an insight on how our team provides global results.
Today, we take a look into a day in the life of our Financial Director, Scott Dickson.
1. What does a typical day at Q4 entail?
A ‘typical’ day would characteristically involve me travelling into the Q4 HQ. Over the last few months however, my new normal has me taking the short walk up the stairs and into my home office! Day-to-day, I take responsibility for all things finance, including reporting on the financial performance of the business, budgeting, short-term and long-term forecasting, oversight of debtors and creditors, payroll, cashflow management and forecasting.
We’re a local company with a global network, so daily communication with other departments and managers is crucial to ensure we have financial stability and transparency. As the world of finance and retail are both ever-changing and fast-paced, my job is constantly evolving to ensure Quantum 4 maintains its unique dynamic and momentum.
2. Tell us a bit more about why you enjoy working at Q4?
I’ve been at Quantum 4 for over three years and from the beginning it was immediately clear what a great business it is. Quantum 4 is a company comprised of technical experts with the tenacity to do right by their clients- creating a culture you can’t not enjoy! Our continual expansion and increasing client base means I am constantly adapting financial models to sync with our customers, enabling an smooth and efficient process.
3. What are the key challenges you’ve been faced with in the past 6 months?
Inevitably, the key challenges we’ve faced this year have occurred as a result of COVID-19. When it comes to forecasting and stability, certainty is an accountant’s best friend; when this was wiped away by the pandemic, I found myself hanging onto every word uttered by the chancellor!
As a business, we’ve risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19.We’re a dynamic, energetic company and my key priority was to make sure we incorporate the latest information into our crisis financial planning to ensure we maintain our momentum. Rigorous financial planning has been my priority throughout the crisis and will continue to be throughout the remainder of 2020.
4. How has your role been impacted by COVID-19?
In true Quantum 4 fashion, we quickly adapted to home working, never losing momentum, our ability to generate ideas or our capability to solve our client’s technical and design challenges. Whilst our adaptability as a business has allowed us to continue to serve our clients unaffected. From a financial perspective, it has created a whole new way of thinking in terms of adapting internal business process to accommodate the new ‘norm’. This has allowed us to embrace new technology, further improve our environmental credentials and enhance efficiency across the business.
5. Looking in 2020, what do you anticipate for Q4?
I believe Quantum 4 will end this year stronger than ever. Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked harder, stronger and together to ensure we can continue to provide the same standard of service to our clients. Precipitating through the confines COVID-19 has caused, we’re all eager to accelerate into the third quarter of the year and continue to push through the boundaries of retail with our global network of partners.
6. What one headline about the retail industry would you like to see this year?
“Post-pandemic retail recovery fuelled by renewed environmental perspective”.
