Business Advisory Team with Proven Track Record
Trusted by Leaders in Complex Business Situations
Welcome to ValueStep
When the stakes are high and the next move matters, ValueStep supports organisations in navigating critical decisions with clarity and confidence.
Whether facing pressure on performance, planning the next phase of growth, or preparing for a major transaction, we help your organisation achieve the next ValueStep.
The ValueStep team is a Business Advisory Team with a proven track record across complex turnarounds, strategic programmes, and high-value deals in both private and public sectors.
Our aim is simple: help organisations move forward decisively and realise their full potential. Work with ValueStep to reap the benefits of a Business Advisory Team with a proven track record.
Let ValueStep take your organisation to the next level.
The ValueStep Team
Our Business Advisory Team with a proven track record consists of:
Robert Osborne
Robert Osborne specialises in public service transformation and SME shareholder value growth. His focus is on identifying and securing the “ValueStep”, the critical point where projects succeed, and value is realised.
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Key Expertise
- Public sector transformation and infrastructure programmes
- SME growth and enterprise value creation
- Strategic leadership across complex, high-value environments
- Governance across public and private organisations
Experience Overview
Robert began his career in major construction and support services companies before moving into senior roles across national public infrastructure programmes.
He has held board-level positions as Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Director, Non-Executive Director, and Principal in both publicly listed and privately held companies, as well as public agencies.
His experience spans multiple roles in project finance and construction, including acting as client, advisor, investor, contractor, and subcontractor.
Leadership & Perspective
Robert brings a combination of strategic vision and hands-on leadership that underpins ValueStep’s advisory approach.
He is also Chair of the infrastructure, energy, and futures think tank Acumen7.
James Leng
James Leng is an entrepreneurial business leader with over 35 years’ experience across major UK PFI/PPP, infrastructure, and contracting service programmes. He specialises in leading businesses and projects through complex, high-stakes environments to deliver positive commercial outcomes.
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Key Expertise
- Financial and commercial strategy
- Project and programme management
- Negotiation, transactions, and deal structuring
- Risk management and dispute resolution
- Workforce development and talent leadership
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
Experience Overview
James has operated at Executive Director level, with extensive experience founding, owning, leading, and advising businesses across multiple sectors.
His sector exposure includes construction, performance automotive, manufacturing and engineering, health, education, and national security and justice.
Track Record & Impact
He has consistently delivered successful outcomes for organisations and projects facing complex and critical challenges, combining commercial acumen with hands-on leadership and execution.
Martin Haywood
Martin Haywood is a commercially focused Finance Director with over 30 years’ experience improving business performance, driving turnarounds, and supporting organisational growth. He specialises in building dashboard and scorecard-driven financial systems that underpin clear decision-making and enterprise value improvement.
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FCMA, CGMA | www.execlounge.com
Key Expertise
- Performance management systems and reporting frameworks
- Turnaround and restructuring
- Change management
- Systems and business process design and re-engineering
- Financial leadership for SMEs and owner-managed businesses
Experience Overview
Martin has worked extensively with SME businesses and owners to optimise performance, strengthen core processes, and deliver accurate, relevant, and timely financial insight.
He operates across multiple roles, including Non-Executive Director, Portfolio Finance Director, Project Manager, and specialist intervention lead in complex or high-risk situations.
Track Record & Sector Strength
Since joining ValueStep in 2019, Martin has brought particular strength in the manufacturing and automotive sectors, applying financial discipline and operational insight to deliver measurable outcomes.
His work focuses on maximising both business performance and the potential of the teams behind it.
Peter Robinson
Peter Robinson is a strategic organisational consultant and pioneer in new media with over 35 years’ experience advising business leaders, boards, and government ministers on direction, growth, and transformation. He specialises in aligning strategy, communication, and organisational structure to support high-impact decision-making.
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www.prcomm.co.uk
Key Expertise
- Board composition and governance
- Branding and strategic communications
- New business operations and growth strategy
- Web development and multimedia production
Experience Overview
Peter has founded and led two successful creative agencies, raised venture capital, and acted as a principal in an international joint venture.
He has advised numerous high-profile start-ups and fast-growing businesses through multiple stages of development.
Track Record & Impact
His consultancy work spans global assignments, including advising and writing for leaders at organisations such as Mars, JP Morgan, Skanska, Whitbread, and St. James’s Place.
Since joining ValueStep in 2017, he has also chaired a rapidly expanding training and education business and led the development of a successful multi-million-pound contract bid.
Charlotte Allfrey
Charlotte Allfrey is a results-driven HR professional providing strategic HR advice and practical support to help organisations achieve business goals through effective people management. She specialises in aligning HR strategy with operational performance to deliver measurable organisational outcomes.
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Chartered MCIPD | www.metrohr.co.uk
Key Expertise
- Organisational development
- Performance management and review systems
- Employment contracts and compliance
- Restructuring and redundancy programmes
- Recruitment and workforce planning
- Conflict resolution and HR problem-solving
Experience Overview
Charlotte has worked across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health and social care, private healthcare, charity, and not-for-profit organisations in both private and public sectors.
She combines strategic HR leadership with a strong generalist foundation, supporting businesses through both planned change and complex people challenges.
Track Record & Role
Since working with ValueStep from 2019, Charlotte has positioned HR as a core driver of business value, supporting clients at critical stages of development.
She also contributes to the profession as a Chartered MCIPD and Associate Lecturer in HR Management at Chichester College.
Trusted Partners
Working with other trusted partners, we offer a complete portfolio of additional skills and capabilities to suit the situation.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enable organisations to achieve their next ValueStep by bringing clarity, structure, and decisive action to high-stakes moments. Whether increasing shareholder value or delivering public impact, ValueStep ensures the right decisions are made, and their full value is realised.
How We Work
Hands‑on, not hands‑off: we lead from within, not from the sidelines.
Evidence‑based: decisions grounded in data, insight and experience.
People‑centric: we build capability, not dependency.
Outcome‑driven: clarity, accountability and measurable results.
Values‑led: integrity, transparency and respect underpin every engagement.
Who We Work With
Mid‑sized private companies
Founder‑led businesses
Engineering, manufacturing and industrial firms
Public‑sector organisations undergoing transformation
Investors seeking value improvement or turnaround
Boards requiring independent strategic leadership
Core Values
Risk-Alignment
We share the financial risks and rewards of your project to ensure our success is tied directly to yours.
Strategic Partnership
We act as your long-term partners rather than outside consultants, working alongside you to build lasting value.
Pragmatic Intervention
We provide you with "right-sized" support, delivering exactly what you need to make a difference without over-complicating the process.
Professional Courage
We back our advice to you with our own time and capital, proving we have total confidence in our leadership.
Outcome-Driven Growth
We focus on achieving the specific "ValueSteps" that move your organisation to its next level of success.
Contact Us
Contact us and start achieving the next Value Step, that moment when a step change in shareholder value is created and realised.
