The FD Consultant, founded by London-based finance director Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, has been announced as a finalist in four categories across two business awards.
The firm has been shortlisted for Best Enterprise and Best Innovation at the inaugural Best SME Awards 2026, as well as Best SME Business and Excellence in Customer Experience at the Kingston Borough Business Awards.
The Best SME Awards were launched this year to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. Created by the founders of the long-running Best Businesswomen Awards, the programme celebrates enterprise, innovation and leadership across the SME sector.
The FD Consultant provides fractional finance director and CFO support to start-ups and SMEs across the UK, working closely with founders who need senior financial expertise without appointing a full-time board-level hire.
For Romesh, the shortlist reflects the foundations the firm has been built on.
“Our values are simple,” he said. “People, planet and profit. We want to build strong businesses, but we want to do it responsibly.”
Over the past six years, The FD Consultant has grown into a community of experienced finance directors who learn from one another and share best practice. That network blends corporate experience with hands-on SME knowledge, helping clients raise funding, acquire businesses, integrate new ventures and introduce stronger financial systems and processes.
“We work alongside founders,” Romesh said. “It’s not just about numbers. It’s about building trust, putting the right structures in place and achieving meaningful results together.”
Innovation within the firm has centred on combining deep client relationships with thought leadership and education. Alongside client work, Romesh co-hosts the Strive & Thrive podcast, delivers webinars and talks, writes articles, and serves as a judge for the Best Businesswomen Awards. The wider aim is to educate and support SME business owners beyond day-to-day financial reporting.
“We see part of our role as supporting the wider SME community,” he said. “Running a business can feel isolating. If we can share experience and create a space for learning, that adds value.”
Social impact also forms part of the company’s approach. Environmental initiatives supported by the firm have helped protect more than 3,000 acres of rainforest, and Romesh works with a charity that promotes entrepreneurship among underprivileged young people.
“Business should create opportunity,” he said. “If we can support SMEs, protect the planet and encourage the next generation at the same time, that matters.”
The Kingston Borough Business Awards recognise businesses making a strong impact within the local business community. Winners will be announced at a gala evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Kingston, on 23 April 2026.
Winners of the Best SME Awards will be announced at a gala evening at Daventry Court Hotel on 24 April 2026.
To find out more about The FD Consultant and its work with SMEs across the UK, visit www.thefdconsultant.com