Meet the team: Melanie Stephens

Finance Director, Property Box Finance

Melanie Stephens is finance director at Property Box Finance. She keeps a close eye on the numbers behind the business, making sure the team has the information, systems and structure needed to make decisions.

Q: What does your role at Property Box Finance involve day to day?

Day to day it’s about completing finance reports, updating cashflows, reviewing performance and looking at how our processes and systems can be improved. I enjoy the mix of planning, detail and problem-solving.

Q: What are you responsible for behind the scenes that people might not see?

Behind the scenes I make sure the team has accurate, relevant information and that we have strong systems in place. I also look after planning, reporting, controls and cashflow - all of which help keep the business running smoothly and on track.

Q: What are the biggest priorities for you when it comes to running the finance side of the business?

Strong cashflow management, reliable reporting and robust systems. That’s what allows the team to make clear, confident decisions.

Q: What are the biggest financial pressures businesses are dealing with at the moment?

High interest rates, rising labour costs and increasing oil and gas prices are all adding pressure. When you combine that with global uncertainty and softer consumer demand, it becomes harder for businesses to protect margins and plan ahead.

Q: What makes a business run smoothly from your point of view?

Clear communication, good planning and budgeting, strong systems and a team that feels supported. When those things are in place, everything tends to work better.

Q: What have you learnt over time about what makes a business resilient?

Healthy cashflow. It gives you the flexibility to make planned decisions rather than reactive ones, which brings stability over time.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about being part of Property Box?

Working closely in a small, specialist team. You can collaborate, share ideas and see the direct impact of your work, which is really rewarding.

Q: What’s your favourite part of the job?

Creating clarity in the numbers. Turning data into something clear and useful that helps the team make decisions.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?

You don’t have to be an expert in everything. What matters is asking the right questions and being willing to learn as you go.

Q: What’s a habit that helps you stay sharp in a busy role?

Planning each day. Taking a few minutes to map out priorities helps me stay focused and on top of things.

Q: When things get busy or uncertain, what helps you keep a clear head?

A short walk. Even ten minutes helps clear my head and makes it easier to prioritise and break things down into manageable tasks.

Q: What’s the best way to reset after a busy week?

A run in the woods, preferably in the sunshine.

Q: Quick one - what’s your ideal Sunday when you’ve got no plans?

A walk, then a Sunday roast catching up with friends and family.