‘Forging stronger businesses for what’s next’
Independent strategic, financial and corporate advisory for business owners and leadership teams navigating growth, change, transactions and exit.
Our Services
Corporate Advisory & Transactions
Business sale preparation
Information Memorandums
Due diligence
Capital raising
Financier presentations
Performance & Transformation
Financial analysis
Business improvement
Restructuring
Fractional CFO
Leadership & People
Board and management advisory
Team building and restructuring
Executive and specialist recruitment
Strategy & Growth
Strategic planning
Five-year plans
Growth strategies
Business cases
Acquisitions
Forgemaster Advisory was established to provide business owners with something that is often difficult to find - experienced, independent and practical commercial advice without the cost, complexity or bureaucracy of a large consulting firm.
Bringing advisory and hands-on solutions to business owners and leadership teams looking to strengthen, grow or transition their businesses.
We work with owners and management teams to bring clarity to complex business challenges and turn strategy into practical action.
Drawing on significant experience across finance, strategy, business performance and corporate decision-making, Forgemaster Advisory provides an experienced and independent perspective across the critical stages of a business journey - from planning and growth through to acquisitions, capital raising, restructuring and exit.
About Us
Our Founder
Experience forged in the real world
David Watts is the founder of Forgemaster Advisory and a senior finance and commercial executive with more than 30 years’ experience across financial management, strategy, corporate transactions and business leadership.
His introduction to business, however, was far removed from the boardroom.
David began his career as a young cost controller in the coalfields of Northern England during a period of significant industry rationalisation and pit closures. It was a challenging environment and an early education in the realities of business.
Cost, productivity, efficiency and economic viability were not simply numbers on a spreadsheet — they had very real consequences for businesses, employees and communities.
That experience was character building and shaped a commercial philosophy that has remained with him throughout his career: understand the economics, focus on what matters, and never lose sight of the people affected by business decisions.
David Watts ACMA, CGMA, CPA (Aust)
From the coalfields to the boardroom
Over the following three decades, David progressed through senior financial, commercial and leadership roles, including extensive experience as a CFO.
A qualified CPA, CIMA & CGMA member, he has worked alongside business owners, boards and management teams through growth, acquisitions, divestments, financing, restructuring, strategic change and business transformation.
His approach combines the financial discipline of an accountant and CFO with the practical perspective of someone who has spent his career inside businesses, dealing with real-world challenges, competing priorities and decisions that often need to be made without perfect information.
Why Forgemaster?
Forgemaster Advisory was established to make that experience directly available to business owners and leadership teams.
David believes the best advice is practical, independent and commercially grounded. It means understanding the business behind the numbers, asking the difficult questions when necessary and helping turn decisions into action.
The name Forgemaster reflects that philosophy.
Strong businesses are rarely created overnight. They are forged through experience, discipline, difficult decisions, adaptation and continual improvement.
Pragmatic advice. Independent thinking. Commercial experience.
— CEO of a large family business
What Our Clients are Saying
‘The impact goes well beyond the numbers, stronger foundations, higher standards, and a finance team ready to lead from within is a legacy to be proud of'.
‘The supportive leadership, positive energy, and commitment to the team made a lasting difference’.
— former client
‘Developed and embedded our strategy so that every executive, manager and team member understood their respective role in its achievement’.
— former client
Let's Work Together
Facing a business challenge or considering your next move?
Let’s have a confidential discussion about where you are, where you want to get to, and how Forgemaster may be able to help.
