TIM BURNE
The operator behind INICIO
Founder, INICIO Partners | Interim CEO / COO
Over 26 years leading technology, manufacturing and services businesses through growth, restructuring and operational pressure, at CEO, COO and board level, in the UK and internationally.
Tim Burne has spent more than 26 years leading technology, manufacturing and services businesses through periods of growth, restructuring and operational pressure. He has operated at CEO, COO and board level across owner-managed and investor-backed businesses in the UK and internationally, combining hands-on operational leadership with experience of fundraising, restructuring, stakeholder management and strategic transactions.
More recently, his work has focused on interim and fractional leadership: helping businesses restore control, make difficult decisions and prepare for their next stage. He is direct, calm under pressure and focused on turning analysis into action. His instinct is to work alongside the existing team, building capability and restoring operating discipline rather than creating a parallel structure around them.
26+ years
Senior operational leadership
CEO / MD / COO
Owner-managed and investor-backed businesses
UK & International
Operational assignments
Technology / Manufacturing / Services
Sector experience
Track record
Technology Manufacturer
PE-backed | International | Flexible electronics
SITUATION
Major investor withdrawal created an immediate funding and restructuring challenge across a complex international group.
INTERVENTION
Led the initial recovery and restructuring, reorganised the international group and restructured intercompany debt, before subsequently taking full executive leadership of the business.
RESULT
Cut manufacturing burn rate 55% in six months; subsequently raised $27m in equity and debt and grew revenue from $3m to $25m.
Technology Services Business
Angel/HNWI-backed | Interim COO
SITUATION
Investor-backed growth business lacked robust financial systems, timely reporting and the operating structure needed to support expansion.
INTERVENTION
Rebuilt financial controls and reporting, implemented ERP, reorganised sales and finance and introduced disciplined operating processes.
RESULT
Achieved break-even within 12 months; delivered 100% year-on-year sales growth; reduced month-end reporting from three months to days.
International Technology Business
International | CEO | Manufacturing
SITUATION
Engineering-led international technology business needed commercial restructuring, stronger margins and a more sustainable operating model.
INTERVENTION
Restructured international operations, moved manufacturing and design to Asian partners, refocused the business around sales and strengthened operational and financial control.
RESULT
Doubled sales while cutting overheads 25%; improved product margins 30%; reduced manufacturing costs 20%.
Turnaround Management Association
Member
Brunel University
BSc (2:1 Hons) Engineering
Corporate Governance Institute
Diploma in Corporate Governance
If you would value an experienced operator's view on a difficult situation, a confidential conversation is a good place to start.
Speak to Tim