You have to make vital decisions every day. That’s how leaders operate. When the objectives to be met and related decisions are of critical importance, Whittlesey is here to provide Forward Advising™. Our advisors offer expert counsel in a variety of areas, including business, strategic and succession planning, asset protection, estate planning, security, tax advising, and computer network consulting.

The Forward Advising process begins with an in-depth conversation. We actively listen to your short- and long-term objectives so we can provide actionable insights, strategy, and solutions. We also review your financial reports and challenge you to think creatively. Whittlesey advisors know every business is different because we have decades of experience across a range of industries. We welcome the unique challenges and opportunities associated with achieving growth and operational excellence. Whether you’re looking to increase productivity, plan for succession, or protect all that you’ve built, Whittlesey’s Forward Advising process can propel your business in the direction you want to go.

How We Can Help

Strategic and Business Planning
Whether you have a strategic plan or need to create one, we can work with you every step of the way. Leveraging thoughtful analysis and advantageous tax strategies, we can offer insights that provide crucial validation or thought-provoking considerations. We can build on your existing plan or create a strategy from scratch with a goal of defining your competitive edge.

Business Valuation
Understanding the value of your business, and the key drivers affecting that value, enables business leaders to make sound, forward-thinking decisions about the future of a business. Determining the value of a business, or a component of a business is a complex process that requires careful analysis and an understanding of both the business and the industry in which it operates. Our certified business valuation experts can assist you in determining the value of the business, whether for a merger and acquisition, succession planning, or for tax planning.

Outsourced Accounting
As you face unique day-to-day challenges in your office, our team is here to help drive your operations forward with reliable, flexible solutions. Our professionals provide comprehensive support services designed to supplement the office in a variety of key areas.

Succession Planning
Succession planning is complex. Whether you are thinking about retirement, transitioning your business to family or even selling to a third party, there can be many options to consider. We are experts in tax and gifting implications. We have helped many of our clients navigate family dynamics by providing a valuable third-party perspective.

Asset Protection
We can help you preserve and protect your property and wealth by leveraging advantageous strategies, including well-crafted entity structures and estate plans. 

Merger and Acquisition
We assist with the optimization and execution of mergers and acquisitions. When you’re ready to sell your business, we assist in getting your company ready for a transaction, conduct market research, and identify potential investors. We also assist with due diligence, document review, asset allocation, and quality of earnings reports.

Estate Planning
Estate planning is a complex undertaking, but a necessary one to ensure effective and efficient transfer of assets during your lifetime and at death. We help with every step of the process, from estate analysis to tax incentives and much more.

Buy/Sell Agreements
We offer monitoring, updating, and amending of your governance documents based on your current situation and your future objectives. We also advise on exit strategy for LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, as well as what details need to be considered depending on your needs.

Technology Assistance and Audits
We provide both traditional services, such as network setup and troubleshooting to keep your business running, as well as consulting services to maximize operational efficiency. Our technology audits illustrate how to manage and leverage technology best practices for your business.

Cybersecurity
All your personal information, as well as that of your employees and customers, lives in your technology. Protecting that information, whether from human threats or natural disasters, is paramount. Our specialists protect, detect, remediate, conduct employee security awareness training, and help businesses recover from cybersecurity issues.

Human Resource Consulting
Our comprehensive outsourced human resources practice helps businesses and organizations effectively manage their workforce. Our team of experienced professionals understands the challenges of HR management and provides customized solutions to meet your unique needs. From recruitment and talent acquisition to performance management, employee benefits, and compliance, we offer various services designed to optimize your HR processes and support your business goals. Our expertise in HR best practices and compliance ensures that your company remains up to date with ever-changing regulations. Contact us to provide strategic guidance, streamline HR operations, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

Additional business advisory services include: cost-benefit analysis and fraud resilience studies.