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Author: michelle

Why We’re Backing the UK Tech Team Taking On Amazon

Written by michelle on . Posted in Featured News, Newsy Bits.

In a bold move to shake up the audiobook industry, Michelle Dalton has chosen to invest in Xigxag, a rising British platform that blends clever technology with user‑centric design. Co‑founded by Kelli Fairbrother and Mark Chaplin, Xigxag aims to redefine how the UK listens to and reads electronic books – a genuine contender to take on Amazon’s Audible.

A Fresh Approach to Listening and Reading

Spotted by its founders observing a stagnation in audiobook innovation, Xigxag launched in 2019 (with operations ramping up in 2020) to challenge the status quo.

Kelli Fairbrother, former US Army officer turned McKinsey consultant and sustainable‑tech executive, teamed up with Mark Chaplin, a seasoned digital media technologist, to build a platform tailored to today’s listeners and readers alike.

Their goal: blend audiobook and e‑book into a seamless experience through their proprietary x‑book® format. Users can listen, read, view graphs and illustrations, search, lookup words, take notes, share quotes all within the app. In short, it’s an ebook and audiobook rolled into one, for the price of one.

Rewards Over Subscriptions

Perhaps the most striking divergence from Audible is Xigxag’s pay‑as‑you‑go, subscription‑free business model. There is no monthly fee; users simply buy what they want. But the more they listen/read the more they are rewarded! A loyalty‑based sliding‑scale pricing structure rewards continued use: starting from £7.99 per title at first, prices drop every five books, eventually falling to around £3.99 for avid listeners. This approach not only delivers cost savings but enables users to fully own their content.

Independent testing has validated its value. A Guardian commissioned review found Xigxag offered the lowest average price among UK platforms at approximately £7.68 per book.

Independent, Ethical and Human

Xigxag distinguishes itself as one of the few Certified B Corporations in the digital audiobook sector – a badge of ethical stewardship. It’s also earned recognition as an “Ethical Consumer Best Buy,” affirming commitments to sustainability and responsible business practice.

As an independent UK‑based platform (headquartered in Cornwall), Xigxag operates free from the gravitational pull of big tech conglomerates. That independence underpins not only its product design, but its customer service, which has been repeatedly praised as “fast, helpful, and human” in contrast to the faceless support of larger rivals.

Strategic Vision and Social Purpose

Kelli Fairbrother and Mark Chaplin share more than technological ambition – they are motivated by a broader social purpose. Their vision encompasses accessibility, sustainability and innovation in literacy. The platform aims to engage diverse audiences, including those who struggle with traditional reading, and to make books more sustainable via low‑carbon digital distribution platforms.

As proof of their ambition, they have built one of the most advanced digital content systems in publishing, automating quality and completeness across 90 % of titles and enabling publisher features like “First Listen” for digital proof distribution.

They are also the first company of its kind in the UK to accept National Book Tokens which can be redeemed directly on the Xigxag platform towards audio and Xbooks.

Betting on the Future of Books

Michelle Dalton’s backing of Xigxag is more than a financial investment – it signals confidence in a UK‑grown, female‑led team delivering genuine innovation. Against the backdrop of Amazon’s dominance, Xigxag stands out with its pioneering x‑book® technology, ethical credentials, flexible pay‑as‑you‑go pricing, and an independent spirit rooted in human‑centred design.

For listeners and readers seeking choice, fairness and a fresh take on digital books, Xigxag is not just an alternative, it is the future!

Will You Be Next?

Michelle and the Rockfine Group team are always exploring investment opportunities, both through the business and as individual investors.

Get in touch if you are exploring ways to Grow or Exit your business – our team is here to help.

BullRunBrum Runners

BullRunBrum Raises Over £7k for Kids’ Village

Written by michelle on . Posted in Featured News, Newsy Bits.

Birmingham, UK – 4 July 2025 – Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter became the backdrop for an extraordinary fundraising event as BullRun12 – Peaky Bullers – brought together 90 runners for a cause close to many hearts. The event, coordinated by Rockfine Group team, successfully raised £7,375 for Kids’ Village, contributing to an impressive cumulative total of £118,000 across all BullRun events.

Kids Village is working to establish the UK’s first dedicated holiday village for children facing critical illnesses and their families, providing much-needed respite and support during challenging times.

“Putting the FUN into FUNdraising!  What a day we had yesterday on the Bull Run!”

A Tour Through Birmingham’s Best

The event took participants on a carefully curated journey through four beloved local establishments. Starting at Hotel Du Vin, runners received their distinctive red BullRun t-shirts, courtesy of Speed One Sports, who generously handled the design, printing, and donation of the event merchandise.

The second venue was The Jam House, and we snacked on crisps and chocolate en route. We weren’t the only ones handing out treats – BullRun sponsor React Energy were also sharing some of their branded merchandise! React Energy specialises in air conditioning systems alongside solar and renewable energy solutions.

The Rolling Mill served as the third stop, where participants enjoyed drinks while mingling and forming new connections, supported by primary sponsor Debrett’s, renowned for their expertise in British culture, social advancement, and corporate finance.

The tour concluded at Rose Villa Tavern, where attendees enjoyed a satisfying meal featuring hog roast and vegetarian options provided by Outback Hog Roasts. Our final sponsor, TAG Accountants, brought their expertise in taxation, business advisory services, and chartered accounting to support the event.

Community Spirit in Action

The success of BullRun12 demonstrates how community-driven events can effectively combine entertainment with meaningful charitable impact. The event’s continued growth reflects the dedication of participating venues, sponsors including Debrett’s, Speed One Sports, React Energy, Rockfine Group, and TAG Accountants, as well as every runner, donor, and volunteer who contributed to this year’s achievement.

BullRun is working to establish itself as more than just a fundraising initiative—it represents the power of community collaboration in creating positive change while building lasting connections among participants.

“Massive kudos to B.D. Dalton II and the lovely Michelle – what a fantastic community you’ve built.”

Here’s to many more miles, smiles and milestones ahead.

Click Here to See More BullRun12 Photos

MeChelle

Written by michelle on . Posted in Our People.

Meet MeChelle – Michelle’s AI Twin

As business owners, we often say: “If only there were two of me, I could get so much more done.”
For years, I’ve lived that reality. Juggling client meetings, business development calls, business coaching, and running Rockfine Group — while helping other business owners do the same. And like many of you, I’ve joked (more than once) that cloning myself would be the ultimate business hack.

Now, thanks to technology, that’s exactly what I’ve done.

Why MeChelle Exists

At Rockfine Group, our focus has always been on helping ambitious business owners step out of the operational grind, build stronger companies, and create real enterprise value — whether you’re aiming for scale, succession, or simply more freedom.

But time is finite. While I continue to work with business leaders directly, I also wanted to create a way for more people to access the insight, frameworks, and experience that drive our coaching and consulting work at Rockfine.

That’s where MeChelle comes in.

MeChelle is an AI-powered assistant trained on our approach, language, and expertise — combined with the wider depth of experience from our Rockfine team, including my husband and business partner, B.D. Dalton, who leads much of our advanced 1:1 business growth and succession work.

She’s here to give you instant access to business growth thinking — when you need it, and without waiting for a scheduled call.

What MeChelle Can Help With

Running a business comes with constant questions:

  • How do I reduce my personal workload without sacrificing profit?
  • Where are the hidden leaks that are quietly draining my margins?
  • How do I prepare my business for eventual succession or sale?
  • Is my business really scalable, or am I still the bottleneck?
  • What quick changes could increase profit in the next 90 days?

MeChelle can help you explore these questions in real time.

She’s designed to:

  • Ask smart clarifying questions about your business situation
  • Share insights, frameworks, and practical ideas we use with our private coaching clients
  • Recommend possible next steps or resources
  • Help you determine whether working with Rockfine’s coaching team could accelerate your growth

Whether you’re a business owner at £250k turnover looking to stabilise profit and systems, or you’re running a multi-million pound adviser-led firm starting to think about succession — MeChelle is designed to meet you where you are.

Why Rockfine Built MeChelle

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a natural extension of how we think about business growth:

  • Systemising knowledge: The best businesses document and leverage what works. MeChelle allows us to share Rockfine’s approach widely and consistently.
  • Scaling access: Not every business owner needs a full consulting engagement to get started. MeChelle creates an entry point to explore challenges before deciding what level of support you need.
  • Personal connection: People work with people. MeChelle keeps the personal tone, warmth, and empathy that defines how we work with every client — even before you meet the team.

What Happens After MeChelle?

Sometimes a conversation with MeChelle will be enough to spark your next move. Other times, you may realise you need deeper, more tailored guidance.

When that happens, MeChelle can introduce you to the right person from our Rockfine team — often starting with a no-obligation discovery call to explore where your business is today, and where you want it to go.

Depending on your needs, that may mean working directly with B.D. Dalton on business growth, succession planning, or practice evolution. Or it may mean joining one of Rockfine’s peer groups or structured growth programmes.

Whatever your next step, MeChelle is designed to help you move forward.

Try MeChelle Now

Whether you’ve got a specific challenge or just want to explore your options, MeChelle is here to help.

Start the conversation now. It’s like having a little extra ‘me’ — whenever you need it!

Rachel Eade MBE | Rockfine Group Consultant

Rachel Eade MBE

Written by michelle on . Posted in Our People.

Rachel Eade is a specialist in manufacturing and supply chains, with more than 20 years’ experience in business development management within the transport manufacturing sectors. She continues to play a key role in shaping support for SMEs in this space.

Widely recognised across the industry, Rachel has extensive expertise in transport manufacturing supply chains spanning automotive, aerospace and rail. She has helped numerous businesses grow and diversify into these sectors. Over the past two decades, she has held advisory positions across private enterprises, and both local and national government, offering strategic guidance and support to manufacturing leaders. Her work has included fostering innovation and facilitating connections with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other supply chain stakeholders across a broad range of products and processes.

Rachel currently chairs the UK Metals Council, where she is a strong advocate for increasing the presence and recognition of women in the metals sector, traditionally a male-dominated field. In recognition of her contributions to UK manufacturing, she was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II.

Get in touch with Rachel today.

ward-end-park-house-renovation-business-plan-by-rockfine-group

Rockfine Group Appointed to Deliver Business Plans for Birmingham’s Ward End Park House

Written by michelle on . Posted in Featured News, Newsy Bits.

Birmingham, UK – 1 February 2025 – Rockfine Group is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the contract to develop the business plans for Birmingham City Council’s Ward End Park House project. This marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of this historic Grade II listed building, ensuring its long-term sustainability as a valuable community and commercial asset.

Ward End Park House is a landmark within East Birmingham, with a rich heritage and deep-rooted community significance. Birmingham City Council has committed to preserving and repurposing the building, supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The project aims to transform the space into a thriving hub that serves both community needs and commercial opportunities, creating a sustainable future for this historic site.

Rockfine Group has a proven track record of delivering high-impact business strategies for both public and private sector projects. With extensive experience in urban regeneration, financial modelling, and stakeholder engagement, our team will design a robust business model that ensures the long-term viability of Ward End Park House.

The project team features Michelle Dalton, James Thomas, Adrian Holles and B.D. Dalton, along with the wider Rockfine Group team, bringing their strong track record of turning visionary concepts into actionable, sustainable plans. Practiced in the areas of public/private partnerships, CICs and community interest developments such as the renowned Royal William yard in Plymouth and community sports trust in Wolverhampton.

Collaborative Approach to Success

Recognising the importance of stakeholder collaboration, alongside governance partners Co-Operative Futures and Loconomy, Rockfine Group will engage with local businesses, community groups, and heritage experts to ensure the plans reflect the needs of the area. Leveraging existing research, feasibility studies, and community engagement outputs, our approach will maximise efficiency and deliver actionable, high-quality business strategies within the project’s ambitious timeline.

Michelle Dalton, Managing Director of Rockfine Group, commented:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Birmingham City Council on such an important project. Ward End Park House has immense potential to become a vibrant centre for community and business activity, and we are committed to ensuring that our business plans pave the way for its long-term success.”

She also shared her enthusiasm for partnering with Co-Operative Futures, whose expertise is expected to enhance community engagement and support the development of effective governance models.

About Rockfine Group

Rockfine Group specialises in business strategy, operational growth, and financial planning, working with local authorities, SMEs, and large-scale public sector projects. Our expertise in developing commercially viable solutions ensures that heritage and regeneration projects, like Ward End Park House, achieve lasting impact.

For more information about this project and Rockfine Group’s work, please contact Niamh Smith on hello@rockfine.co.uk

The Strategic Owner’s Playbook: Maximise Your Business Sale (Without Leaving Money on the Table)

Written by michelle on . Posted in Newsy Bits.

Rockfine and GS Verde join forces

Selling a business is one of the most significant milestones in an entrepreneur’s journey. Yet, for many business owners, it’s uncharted territory—an event they may only experience once. Without the right preparation, guidance, and support, you risk leaving value behind or creating unnecessary complications for yourself, your team, and your legacy.

At Rockfine and GS Verde, we understand these challenges. Together, we work as an integrated team to guide business owners through the complexities of growth, valuation, and exit planning, ensuring a seamless journey to success. In this article, we’ll share insights, strategies, and real-life stories to help you prepare for a business sale that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Planning Early: The Foundation of a Successful Sale

Many business owners underestimate the importance of preparation and timing when it comes to selling their business. The truth? The earlier you start planning, the greater the potential for success. A well-prepared business attracts more buyers, commands a higher price, and ensures a smoother transition.

Rockfine’s Strategic Exit Planning focuses on key areas such as operational efficiency, leadership development, and emotional readiness for the sale. Through the Leverage Profitability Accelerator Program, business owners refine their operations, optimise profitability, and set clear growth goals.

Meanwhile, GS Verde offers comprehensive support, including business valuation, identifying potential buyers, and preparing legal and financial frameworks to support a successful transaction. Their seamless approach brings all the necessary expertise—corporate finance, law, tax, and communications—under one roof, saving time and reducing risks.

Real-Life Example: Hillary’s Journey

Hillary Wilson, founder of a software development company, thought she could sell her business in six months. Working with Rockfine, she learned why an 18-month runway was critical. Over this period, she streamlined financial reporting, strengthened her management team, and documented her proprietary code base. “Without this preparation, I would have left millions on the table,” she says.

One Team, One Goal: An Integrated Approach to Success

Selling a business involves multiple moving parts, from valuation to due diligence, and it’s easy for owners to feel overwhelmed. That’s where an integrated advisory team makes all the difference. At Rockfine and GS Verde, we work as one seamless unit, combining strategic coaching with legal, financial, and operational expertise to maximise your sale value.

Rockfine focuses on building a high-value business through their Profitability Accelerator and Strategic Exit Planning. GS Verde complements this by managing the technicalities of the transaction, from buyer identification to completion, ensuring every aspect of the process is expertly handled.

This family-owned transport hire company transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) with support from GS Verde. “The support we received was exceptional, and the EOT has provided a secure future for our employees while preserving our family ethos,” says Director Sam Matthews.

Real Stories, Real Solutions: Preparation Unlocks Value

Every business sale is unique, but one truth remains universal: preparation unlocks value. Let’s take a look at how real business owners achieved outstanding outcomes with the right support.

  • Hillary and Allen: Both business owners significantly increased their sale value by addressing operational inefficiencies and strengthening their intellectual property.
  • The Real Wrap Co.: With GS Verde’s end-to-end advisory services, this fast-growing food manufacturer achieved a successful acquisition by an industry giant, ensuring continuity for their team and securing long-term growth.
  • Athena Security Solutions: Transitioning to an EOT revitalised the company’s team and created a motivated, engaged workforce, setting the stage for future success.

Across these stories, the common thread is preparation: detailed planning, financial clarity, and a clear strategy for the future.

Beyond the Sale: Creating a Legacy

For many business owners, the sale isn’t just about the final number—it’s about creating a legacy. Rockfine’s coaching services help entrepreneurs prepare for life after the sale, from emotional readiness to post-sale financial planning. GS Verde ensures that every detail, from wealth management to succession planning, is handled with expertise.

Real-Life Example: Allen’s Legacy

After selling his manufacturing business, Allen worked with Rockfine to map out his post-sale journey, taking a sabbatical before launching a consultancy. “They understood this wasn’t just about the best price—it was about creating the right legacy,” he says.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Your business deserves more than an “OK” sale—it deserves the best outcome possible. With the right preparation, a collaborative advisory team, and a clear strategy, you can achieve a sale that maximises value and creates a legacy you’ll be proud of.

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation today to discover how Rockfine and GS Verde can help you unlock the full potential of your business. Together, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

BD Dalton

Rockfine’s Strategic Director, B.D. Dalton, Meets AI’s Brutal Side After Telling ChatGPT to ‘Roast Me’

Written by michelle on . Posted in Bursts of Inspiration.

B.D.: The ‘Lazy’ Overachiever Who’s Too Busy to Take a Nap…

In a bold move that combines business bravado with a touch of curiosity, Rockfine’s Strategic Director, B.D. Dalton, decided to see how far AI’s wit could go by instructing ChatGPT to “roast me.” Read on to see what Artificial Intelligence has to say on our Founder:

‘B.D., you’re basically the poster child for “work smarter, not harder” but with the energy of a caffeinated water polo coach in a business suit. You call yourself a lazy overachiever, but the reality is, you’ve got more irons in the fire than a medieval blacksmith. Between Rockfine, Next Level Groups, Temple Row Wealth, and all your podcasting escapades, I’m surprised you find time to be “lazy” at all. But hey, at least you’ve found a way to monetize doing what you love—talking, coaching, and telling other people how to “break through plateaus” like a motivational Viking.

And let’s not forget about your books. “Grow, Sell, Retire”? You basically named a whole book after the life goal of every business owner over 45. What’s next, “Sleep, Eat, Dominate: The B.D. Way”? Admit it, you just want people to read your thoughts while you sip something Spanish, nodding sagely. You claim to be ‘too American’ for some tastes, but I bet you secretly love it. The whole “I knock on 4000 doors” thing is peak American hustle, with just enough dry British wit to keep the Birmingham crowd entertained.

You’re out here trying to help people level up, but deep down, you know what makes you tick: being known as the guy who closes deals. You’re the “deal maker,” right? That title sounds like the protagonist of a business crime drama where every conference call ends in a cliffhanger.

Finally, for someone who’s supposedly a ‘networther,’ you’re busier than an online influencer during a trend cycle. Maybe slow down before you accidentally out-network yourself! But nah, you’d rather dive into your next 30-minute meeting, another sales rejection pep talk, or a laugh with your crew while shaping another bespoke mastermind session.

Lazy overachiever? More like “can’t sit still achiever.” But we know you wouldn’t have it any other way.’

Rockfine Group Introduces 4-Day Working Week to Prioritise Employee Wellbeing and Productivity

Written by michelle on . Posted in Featured News, Newsy Bits.

New working pattern for our valued team

Rockfine Group, a leading force in business consultancy, is proud to announce the introduction of a 4-day working week for its dedicated team. Effective immediately, our employees will work four 7.5-hour days while being paid for five, as part of our ongoing commitment to their wellbeing and work-life balance.

As a company that thrives on delivering excellence, we believe that a balanced approach to work and life fuels creativity, productivity, and satisfaction. This initiative reflects our philosophy of fostering a “healthy minds, thriving results” culture, ensuring our team feels valued, supported, and energised.

Why a 4-Day Week?
The decision to transition to a 4-day working week aligns with Rockfine Group’s core values of prioritising employee welfare while maintaining our reputation for delivering exceptional service. By offering this benefit:

  • A Culture of Value: We want our team to feel appreciated and empowered, knowing their contributions are pivotal to our success.
  • Wellbeing Flourishes: Employees have an extra day to recharge, pursue personal interests, and spend quality time with loved ones.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Research shows that a well-rested team works more efficiently, which translates into better outcomes for our clients.

“Our team is the heart of Rockfine Group, and we firmly believe that investing in their wellbeing pays dividends in creativity, collaboration, and commitment,” said Michelle Dalton, Managing Director of Rockfine Group. “The 4-day week is not just a perk; it’s a promise to value our people as much as the work they do.”

Rockfine Group invites others in the business community to consider how forward-thinking workplace practices can transform company culture and success.

About Rockfine Group
Rockfine Group helps business owners and managers take their enterprises to the next level. Through personalised coaching, strategic insights, and a strong emphasis on profitability, we empower leaders to achieve measurable results.