SME STATIC BUSINESS

The Client

A fifteen year old business specialising in the manufacture of top end bespoke cabinetry.

The Challenge

The business had grown successfully and was a highly respected local supplier of specialist products. It made a stable turnover and profits year on year but was unable to increase further in size and did not know why. Additionally, the business owner was working unrealistic hours which was having a profound effect on his personal life.

The Solution

Axios carried out an Operational and Growth Review of the whole business and quickly identified that the business was totally restricted by the time availability of critical staff and in particular, the business manager/owner. It was also easily identified that costing was poor and that most items were being sold at well below the market price.

Implementation of simple planning and project management systems together with identification of key staff strengths and weaknesses soon identified huge improvements in efficiency and released the owner to work on the business rather than in it. Non-core functions were outsourced where efficient to do so and the product range was rationalised to fit the present market place.

The introduction of market pricing (rather than cost plus) improved the profitability hugely. This enabled further reinvestment in the business with one additional market focused member of staff being the key to growth outside the local area.

Ongoing mentoring of the business owner enabled an ongoing plan of continuous improvement and the removal of large quantities of wasted time.

The Results

As a result of our work and without any internal or external cash investment this business has grown rapidly and has a realistic plan to grow by 100% over the next three years. The business owner has a much improved life balance.