Oliver Codrington

Strategic Business Adviser, Investor & Growth Strategist

Introduction:

Oliver Codrington revitalises business growth and funding landscapes by combining razor-sharp legal precision with seasoned financial acumen and remarkable entrepreneurial instinct. His journey from barrister to business builder has equipped him with a rare understanding of both technical frameworks and frontline challenges essential for enterprise success. With over 15 years of leading ventures across legal services, finance, health, and technology, he champions SMEs as the true engines of economic growth. Guided by his philosophy of ‘optimising for luck’ and commitment to Black Box Thinking, he helps organisations create resilient systems that learn from challenges rather than being threatened by them.  

Expertise & Impact:

A formidable strategic advisor with commercial instincts honed in the boardroom trenches, Oliver delivers exceptional value through his masterful command of corporate governance, financial structuring, and operational transformation. His legal background operates as a “subtly present superpower”, quietly reinforcing his business acumen while never overshadowing his approachable style. In the boardroom, his refreshingly pragmatic, roll-up-the-sleeves approach energises leadership teams, cutting through complexity to drive sustainable growth.

Having weathered both triumphs and setbacks across multiple ventures – which he discusses with disarming honesty, he’s developed an intuitive grasp of risk and change that goes far beyond theoretical understanding. This rich tapestry of experience has shaped him into a grounded, down-to-earth leader who expertly navigates organisations through stormy challenges and calm waters alike, always keeping a focus on meaningful, purpose-driven outcomes. 

Speaking Style:

Although Oliver is eminently qualified, skilled and extremely experienced as a strategic business advisor, he delivers insights through battle-tested business examples and hard-won wisdom from 15+ years in the entrepreneurial trenches. With remarkable warmth and adaptability, he tailors his communication style to meet the specific needs of each audience, whether addressing established industry leaders or next-generation entrepreneurs.

His presentations combine courtroom precision with boardroom reality, transforming complex financial and legal concepts into relatable, actionable roadmaps and strategies. Drawing from both triumphs and setbacks across multiple ventures, his approachable and down-to-earth delivery creates an immediate connection, making even the most technical subjects accessible through in-the-trenches illustrations that resonate with his listeners’ own business challenges. 

Signature Topics:

  • SME Growth Strategies: Fueling Sustainable Business Expansion 
  • The Funding Landscape: Navigating Options Beyond Traditional Banking 
  • Corporate Governance & Risk Management: Building Resilient Organisations 
  • M&A & Business Transformation: Strategic Approaches to Change 
  • Black Box Thinking: Creating Cultures That Learn from Failure 
  • Leadership Through Transition: Moving from Professional to Entrepreneur 

Additional Expertise:

  • Strategic Growth & Turnaround Management 
  • Financial Acumen & M&A Structuring 
  • Stakeholder & Board Engagement 
  • Operational Efficiency & Tech Integration 
  • Corporate Structure & Business Planning 
  • Pre-finance Positioning 

Perfect for:

  • Entrepreneurship Conferences 
  • Business Growth Summits 
  • Funding & Investment Forums 
  • Corporate Governance Events 
  • Leadership Development Programmes 
  • Professional Services Firms 
  • SME Support Networks 

Career Highlights:

  • Founder of BalanceVA, a virtual assistance company for the healthcare industry 
  • Held executive and non-executive roles in regulated and growth-focused companies 
  • Transitioned from Head of Legal & Regulatory at British Horseracing Authority to entrepreneurial leader 
  • Reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, raising £5,000 for Alzheimer’s Society 
  • Member of the LawInSport Advisory Board 
  • Regularly serves as startup advisor and mentor 

Key Message:

“Economies are created and fuelled by the overwhelmingly under-represented, underpaid and over-worked, small business owners who are on a mission to make a dent in the universe, driven by passion, determination, and the appropriate amount of blind faith. My purpose is to ensure these vital entrepreneurs have access to the funding, expertise and strategic support they need, not just to survive, but to thrive and create lasting impact. When we optimise the business landscape for SME success, we’re not just building companies; we’re building a more resilient, innovative and inclusive economy for everyone.” 

Impact Story:

“Oliver’s calmness under pressure and ability to deliver a fully formed plan in seconds makes him an indispensable member of any leadership team. I have had the pleasure of working with Oliver in several companies and he is always hugely engaged, considerate and able to grasp the detail quickly. His commercial and operations knowledge is second to none, with his legal background clearly a hidden (but subtly present) superpower. He not only brings a rare blend of business acumen, but he genuinely cares and will always go the extra distance to help. His network is unrivalled, as his ability to create an opportunity from situations most experienced business people would glance over. I wholeheartedly endorse Oliver for any business needing a rare and unique set of skills to navigate some of the most challenging and complex set of circumstances.” 
– Tom Pover, Experienced Founder & Managing Director, Tura Advisory