SME GROWING PAINS

The Client

A four year old business which imports specialist products from China and sold B2B and B2C

The Challenge

The business had grown to 12 members of staff and was profitable but had suddenly started to implode. Staff had started to leave, three tribunals were ongoing, sales had stagnated and the owner/manager had reached the point of considering closing the business.

Each order was treated as a “one off” and ordered from the Chinese supplier and a high proportion of new products were failing in service.

The owner suggested that if defined processes were put in place the business would be OK.

The Solution

Axios carried out an Operational Review of the whole business and very quickly identified a programme of improvement. It was very clear that the business was lacking in leadership, direction and control, it was also very clear that is was still operating as a start-up business without processes and systems suitable for such a business.

With the business owner we agreed and supported the implementation of a one year plan where systems and procedures were improved or put in place, regular communication methods were adopted, regular planning was introduced and the staff capabilities were improved through selection and training.

We mentored the owner on staff and business management (he had never done so before). With our support he also recruited high quality key staff members to enable him to delegate for the first time.

The Results

As a result of our work, this business, which was on the brink of failure, stabilised, improved profitability and then commenced growth at a predicted rate of 20% per year.