Meet Matthew Brown, Advisor to the Directors

In this series, we introduce the people behind AJC and the experience they bring to the business. In this profile, we are spotlighting Matthew Brown, Advisor to the Directors of A Jolly Consulting.

I’m Matthew Brown, and since 2020 I have been a part-time advisor to the Directors of AJC. It is not the easiest role to define in a single sentence, as I provide support and guidance across governance, strategy, sales and the general running of the business. My role is to bring an experienced external perspective, helping the leadership team make well-informed decisions that support AJC’s continued growth and long-term success.

My Role at AJC

At AJC, I work closely with the Directors to provide advice and challenge across a range of business areas. This includes chairing quarterly governance meetings, helping the Board formulate strategic plans and budgets, and providing guidance on financial matters. I also support Krysta and her team on day-to-day accounting matters and offer legal input where needed.

While much of my work takes place behind the scenes, it is all focused on helping AJC remain well-run, well-governed and well-positioned to support its clients effectively. Strong internal foundations matter, particularly in a consultancy environment where clients rely on clarity, trust and sound judgement. My role is to help ensure those foundations remain in place as the business continues to evolve.

What I enjoy most about advising a business like AJC is the opportunity to continue using the experience I have built over many years to support a growing business that wants to do things in the right way. There is something particularly rewarding about helping a smaller business develop with the right structures, the right mindset and the right balance between ambition and control. For me, it is about helping the business grow sustainably while staying true to the principles that matter.

My Professional Background

I have over 35 years of experience in financial services, spanning a wide range of disciplines and leadership roles. Over the course of my career, I have developed broad expertise across operations, business development, sales, marketing, finance, client service and organisational leadership.

A significant part of my career was spent at International Financial Data Services, now SS&C, where I played a key role in helping the organisation grow its market share and broaden its service offering. In positions including Business Development Director, Chief Administration Officer and Chief Executive Officer, I helped establish a hosted fund management division and supported the company’s expansion into wealth management services, including work for a major UK wealth manager.

I have also held both executive and non-executive leadership positions in entrepreneurial start-ups and more established organisations. That breadth of experience has given me a strong understanding of what businesses need at different stages of development, from strategic direction and operational control to commercial growth and governance oversight.

Supporting the Growth of AJC

What drew me to AJC was the opportunity to support a business with a clear sense of purpose and a practical, values-led approach. The team has built a strong reputation by delivering trusted advice in areas that are increasingly important to organisations, including cyber security, resilience, governance and compliance.

What has impressed me most since becoming involved is that, although AJC is a consultancy, it has never adopted a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, the business has remained focused on providing real, practical and proportionate advice tailored to each client’s needs. That is not always easy to maintain as a business grows, but it is a quality that has clearly helped AJC stand out and build trust with its clients.

My role is to help the business continue developing in a structured and sustainable way. That means supporting the Directors as they think about growth, investment, governance and the wider strategic direction of the company. Good businesses are not built on technical expertise alone. They also need sound decision-making, good financial discipline and the right level of constructive challenge.

Since I started working with AJC, the business has evolved significantly. What began as a one-man consultancy has grown into an established firm with its own premises, a larger team and a broad client base across multiple sectors. What has been especially encouraging is that, despite that growth, AJC has retained the qualities that made it distinctive in the first place: clear thinking, sound judgement and a commitment to giving clients advice they can genuinely use.

A Bit About Me

Outside of work, I have a few interests that keep me busy. Following a family tradition, I learnt to ring church bells in the uniquely English style of change ringing. In the near future, I will be joining other members of my local band in an attempt to ring a full peal of more than 5,000 changes of Plain Bob Major, which takes over three hours, to celebrate the 400th birthday of the oldest bell in our church.

I also enjoy playing the piano and will be stepping a little outside my comfort zone later this year to perform with friends in a local venue. Alongside that, I am a lifelong West Ham fan and a keen golfer, particularly when the game gives me the chance to visit courses in different parts of the world.

Let’s Talk

At AJC, we believe strong businesses are built on more than technical knowledge alone. Governance, strategy and sound leadership all play an important part in creating organisations that are resilient, well-managed and able to grow with confidence.

If your organisation is looking for experienced support across governance, strategy or wider organisational development, we would be pleased to talk. You can get in touch via our contact page to find out more about how AJC can help.