Gibson Strategic Solutions provides commercial and strategic advice to business owners, directors, shareholders and investors facing important decisions.
We work across business improvement, investment, acquisitions, disposals, restructuring and distressed situations.
Our approach combines commercial judgment, legal understanding and practical experience of running businesses.
We don't simply identify problems or recommend solutions. We help clients make decisions and, where required, remain involved in putting those decisions into practice.
Whether the objective is growth, recovery, a transaction or an orderly exit, our focus is on achieving the right commercial outcome.
Meet Simon Gibson
Commercial lawyer. Business adviser. Experienced operator.
Simon Gibson is a commercial lawyer and business adviser with more than 25 years' experience spanning legal practice, business ownership, senior leadership and commercial advisory work.
He qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and has subsequently worked as a law firm owner, chief executive, senior executive and independent adviser.
His experience includes advising on, leading and implementing complex commercial projects across legal services and other sectors.
In particular, his work has involved:
- Business strategy and transformation: Improving business performance, developing growth strategies, restructuring operations and implementing organisational change.
- Mergers, acquisitions and disposals: Supporting business owners, management teams and investors through acquisitions, exits, integration and complex transactions.
- Investor-backed businesses: Working with shareholders, investors and leadership teams on commercial performance, strategic decisions and the protection of value.
- Distressed and challenging situations: Helping businesses and their stakeholders understand difficult financial and commercial circumstances, evaluate their options and pursue practical solutions.
- Leadership and execution: Taking direct responsibility for implementing change, managing stakeholders and delivering commercial objectives.
This combination of professional advisory experience and direct operational responsibility provides a perspective that extends beyond any single discipline.
Simon understands the difference between recommending a course of action and being responsible for delivering it.
Not simply an adviser. A commercial partner.
Many business decisions involve overlapping financial, operational, legal and personal considerations.
An accountant may see the financial position. A lawyer may identify the legal implications. A consultant may recommend changes to strategy or operations.
All are important perspectives. But business owners and investors also need someone who can bring those considerations together and help determine what should actually happen next.
That is where GSS operates.
We combine an understanding of legal and commercial risk with practical business experience and a willingness to become involved in implementation.
Our approach is built around four principles:
Independent judgment
We provide a clear assessment of the situation, including difficult conclusions where necessary.
Commercial realism
Recommendations must reflect the financial, operational and practical circumstances of the business.
Personal involvement
Clients work directly with an experienced adviser rather than being passed through multiple layers of a consulting team.
Execution
Where appropriate, we remain involved through negotiations, transactions, operational changes and implementation.
Our objective is not to produce more advice. It is to help clients achieve better outcomes.
Understanding the business from more than one side.
Over the course of his career, Simon has experienced complex commercial decisions from several perspectives.
As a lawyer, understanding the importance of legal obligations, commercial agreements, risk and professional judgment.
As a business owner and leader, taking responsibility for people, performance, financial results and the consequences of decisions.
As an adviser to investors and shareholders, evaluating opportunities, protecting value and addressing difficult commercial situations.
As an executive and consultant, working directly with management teams to implement change, improve performance and complete transactions.
These perspectives shape the way GSS approaches each engagement.
We consider not only what is technically possible, but what is commercially sensible, achievable and in the client's interests.
Clear thinking. Decisive action.
Every engagement begins with understanding the circumstances and the outcome the client wants to achieve.
1. Establish the position
Understand the business, its financial and commercial circumstances, the relevant stakeholders and the decisions that need to be made.
2. Identify the options
Evaluate realistic alternatives, including the risks, benefits, costs and consequences of each.
3. Agree the direction
Develop a practical course of action with clear priorities, responsibilities and objectives.
4. Deliver
Support implementation, negotiations, transactions and coordination with other professional advisers as required.
We work flexibly, from focused strategic assignments to more substantial involvement over an extended period.
Where specialist legal, insolvency, tax or other regulated expertise is required, we work alongside appropriately qualified and authorised professionals.
Experience when the stakes are high.
GSS works with:
- Business owners and directors seeking growth, improvement, investment or an exit.
- Shareholders and management teams navigating significant changes or competing interests.
- Investors and acquirers evaluating opportunities, transactions and challenging investments.
- Businesses facing financial, operational or strategic difficulties.
- Professional advisers whose clients need additional commercial leadership or transaction support.
Our work is particularly relevant when a decision is commercially significant, time-sensitive or difficult to resolve through conventional advice alone.
The next decision could change the direction of your business.
You may already know what you want to achieve. You may be uncertain about the options. Or you may simply recognise that something needs to change.
Whatever your starting point, a conversation can help establish the next step.