About
Operator, not adviser-only
Director, Finance & Strategy, SAAR Holdings Ltd, Glasgow.
I'm Harish Manderna, based in Glasgow. As Director, Finance & Strategy at SAAR Holdings Ltd, I build the models, diligence packs, lender packs and CRM behind live acquisitions.
I combine maritime operational experience with legal and financial training. I identify and evaluate acquisition targets, conduct commercial due diligence, structure leasing-to-ownership options and build the models behind each decision, then negotiate the commercial terms and manage the local advisers.
My foundation was built at sea: nearly three years as a navigation officer on chemical tankers, VLGCs and bulk carriers, which now gives me a practical edge in contract negotiation, liability assessment and commercial risk. An earlier role as a financial advisor at Tata AIA Life Insurance sharpened my client-centric, analytical approach.
Experience
- Director, Finance & StrategySAAR Holdings Ltd, Glasgow. M&A advisory and deal sourcing, financial due diligence, financial models and business planning, strategic partnerships, and commercial risk assessment (contract analysis, liability assessment, regulatory compliance).
- HSEQ Assistant (past)Finsbury Food Group, Glasgow. Compliance oversight, standard operating procedures and floor audits in a high-capacity food manufacturing facility.
- Navigation OfficerExecutive Ship Management, worldwide. Officer of the Watch on chemical tankers, VLGCs and bulk carriers; SOLAS, MARPOL and ISPS compliance; Port State Control and vetting preparation; Bills of Lading and charter-party instructions; liaison with charterers, surveyors and port authorities.
Education and research
- LLM International Maritime Law, DistinctionUniversity of Strathclyde, 2026. Study areas: Admiralty Law (Courts & Jurisdiction; Contracts & Transactions), International Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, WTO Law, Oceans Governance, Blue Economy, IP & Commerce.
- Selected research (LLM)"Warranty Without Remedy: Star Polaris and the Consequential Loss Problem in Maritime Shipbuilding Contracts" (reaction paper). Arbitration Law (assignment). "From COLREGs to Code: Can the Standard of 'Good Seamanship' Under Rule 2 Apply to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships?" (enhanced research proposal).
- Maritime qualificationsSecond Mates Competency Course (Foreign Going), Applied Research International; Diploma in Nautical Science, Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies; ECDIS, ARPA and GMDSS courses.
- CertificatesNegotiation Professional Certificate, American Negotiation Institute (2025); Certificate Course on International Maritime Law, Gujarat Maritime University (2023); AI for Business Professionals, HP (2026).
- LanguagesEnglish, Hindi and Spanish.
FAQ
Common questions
Are you a solicitor or accountant?
No. Commercial and financial consulting; I work alongside your solicitor and accountant.
What size deals?
Businesses up to £10m revenue and deals up to about £5m, sweet spot £2m to £5m; larger deals case by case.
Where do you work?
Remote services across the whole UK. In-person meetings, viewings and representation in Scotland only.
Why is the first call paid?
You get focused deal advice from the first minute, not a sales pitch. The fee is credited against your engagement if you sign within 30 days.
How do fees work?
Fixed fees in GBP agreed in writing before work starts, staged by milestone; concierge deals add a success fee payable on completion only.
Do you give legal or financial advice?
No regulated legal or financial advice. I work alongside SRA and Law Society of Scotland regulated solicitors and FCA-authorised lenders and brokers, whom you instruct directly. NDA as standard.
Talk through your deal
A focused, pre-booked video call on the deal, the deadline and the gaps. The fee is credited if you engage within 30 days.