Redirection & Profit Growth
Food Manufacturer – Ipswich

Issue:
PLC subsidiary with £10m turnover in decline required development and implementation of strategies to create profitable growth and the return required by PLC parent.

Method:
Information was available but analysis and clear strategies were required to redirect this business. Investigations identified areas for improvement. Projects were set up involving teams from different areas of the business to make it happen.

The business was refocused on growing market sectors and key product groups. Products were carefully positioned against competitors resulting in 20% growth. The sales force was incentivized to support this strategy.

KPIs were developed to closely monitor performance and progress. In particular efforts were made to improve customer satisfaction resulting in 60% improvement.

Reducing working capital was also key, projects on stock and debtors released £400k+ to finance other areas of the business.

Result:
The business was sold to its main competitor due in a large part as a result of the successful growth delivered.

Sales Growth & Financial Systems
High Tech Electronic Manufacturer – East Anglia

Issue:
Business turning £1m seeking growth in new market sector required development of commercial strategies and financial systems.

Method:
Early progress saw implementation of detailed budgeting, monthly management accounts and cash flow control which gave the business vital information at a time of rapid growth. These systems also underpinned the acquisition of venture capital totaling £2.5m and delivered the close control and accurate reporting required by these partners.

Other projects included product range review which delivered a new structured range which through enhanced design reduced unit manufacturing cost. This together with improved purchasing delivered 30% product cost saving.

Result:
Over time the business and marketing plans developed delivered 400% sales growth making the business a significant player in this new market sector.

Business Growth & Brand Creation
Dairy Products – New Zealand

Issue:
Corporate subsidiary with turnover of £12m was number three supplier in the New Zealand home market but had ambitions to challenge for top spot.

Method:
Developed mission, business strategies and implemented appraisal system that together focused all in the business in a common direction.

Launched innovative packaging supported by TV advertising and created national brand presence.

Expanded distribution network through franchising and acquisitions supported by handheld automated ordering and remote inventory system expanding the business by 50% over 18 months.

Result:
The business was grown successfully and the parent company acquired the number two player and now challenges the top player in the New Zealand market.

Financial Planning & Managing Investor Funds
Mobile Roaming Services – Isle Of Man

Issue:
£3m turnover business with 40 distributors worldwide required profitability review, creation of financial controls and management of proposed inward investment.

Method:
Conducted business review, margin analysis and developed channel strategy. Recommended business restructuring and earliest platform migration.

Prepared detailed business plans. Managed inward investment funds and implementation of accounting system.

Result:
Investment process supported subject to continued funding and business platform migration.

Outsourcing & Sales Growth
Educational Gifts - Suffolk

Issue:
A small family business targets sales growth from new product ranges and improvement in outsourced manufacturing.

Method:
Brainstorming sessions with the owners resulted in the development of two new product ranges with a third under way.

Simplified original outsourcing arrangements saved the owners significant cost and management time. Implemented outsourcing of new product range.

Implemented accounting system and improved product costing.

Focused on key channels which successfully targeted retail multiples and extended overseas distributors delivering over 30% growth.

Result:
The business continues profitable sales growth and is building towards a comprehensive range of products for its targeted market sector.