ABOUT US
Built around a simple idea
Alternative Business Solutions exists because we kept seeing the same thing: good businesses, capable owners, and not quite enough support around them to get where they wanted to go.
Business owners don't need more theory. They need practical support, clear thinking, and someone alongside them who understands what's really going on.
OUR BACKGROUND
Between us, we bring real-world leadership and hands-on financial management
BUSINESS COACHING
Steve Wilkinson
Steve has spent over 40 years in senior leadership roles across a range of industries, including CEO and General Manager positions, working with businesses of varying sizes and complexity.
Over the past 11 years, he has worked directly with business owners within a structured international business coaching environment, helping them get clear on what they want from their business, build practical plans, and stay accountable to what matters.
His focus is always the same.
Keep things simple, practical, and aligned to real outcomes.
Clients often tell me they appreciate my straightforward approach. I don't believe in unnecessary jargon or management fads. I believe in honest conversations, practical thinking and commercial common sense, without all the bullshit that sometimes gets in the way.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Carol Wilkinson
Carol runs her own contract finance management business and works closely with a range of small to medium-sized businesses.
Her role is hands-on and flexible, depending on what the business actually needs. That can include:
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Taking full responsibility for the finance function
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Supporting existing staff
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Working alongside the business owner where time or capability is stretched
In many owner-operated businesses, the financial side often sits with one partner, usually without much support beyond the accountant.
Carol is particularly strong in this space.
She works alongside owners in a way that is practical and supportive, helping them understand what the numbers are really saying and giving them confidence in how to manage the financial side of the business day to day.
She also works closely with external accountants, helping ensure that what is produced at year end is accurate, understood, and useful.
Alongside her business work, Carol previously served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade, reflecting her strong sense of responsibility and community involvement.
HOW WE WORK
Not consultants who
come and go
We work alongside business owners on a monthly basis, as part of your wider support team. We're in it with you, not just passing through.
Our role is to:
Help you think clearly and see the bigger picture
Challenge where needed, without the politics
Keep things moving with structure and accountability
Make sure the numbers actually drive better decisions
WHY WE DO THIS
We've seen the same patterns over and over
Good businesses that drift, not because the owner isn't capable, but because they're trying to do it alone.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Straight conversations
Practical advice, not theory
A clear plan that actually gets used
No jargon, no over-complication
Local approach
We’re based in North Canterbury and work with business owners across the wider region.
We value relationships, trust, and being available when needed.
Most of our work starts with a conversation.
Happy to meet for a coffee
LET'S CHAT
If you’d like to explore whether this could work for you, feel free to get in touch.
Happy to meet for a coffee and talk it through.
Steve Carol
021 334 203 021 300 181