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Services from ABR
• Strategic
Review From time to time, every business should review where it stands and where it is going. It is only then that the management can start to plan how it will achieve its goals. Analysing the position of a business and how it sits in a complex and dynamic market place requires the objectivity of an experienced observer - it is the first step in planning for the future. Back
to top The strategic review should result in the preparation of a Business Plan. Very often, such plans are only produced to support an application for the introduction of funds, but ABR believes that a well researched plan, having the input and complete involvement of the Management team, so giving ownership of the plan, is essential for a company wishing to grow in a controlled and sustained manner. Back
to top Translating “the strategy” into “action” is where most businesses struggle. Agreeing strategic objectives, communicating them throughout the business and measuring progress, are essential steps for a successful strategy execution. ABR provides facilitation and support to Boards of Directors and senior management teams to help them through this process, enabling them to create and implement a ‘Balanced Scorecard’ or effective performance measurement system. A member of the ABR team is a leading UK authority on this process. Back
to top Benchmarking has two key benefits; firstly, it allows a check of the competitive position of a business; secondly, it enables the business to learn from others quickly and cheaply. ABR provides both these services Performance benchmarking allows a check of the competitive position of a business. It will allow comparison of turnover, operating margins, stock levels, efficiency etc against similar companies in the industry, highlighting areas of underperformance and providing focus for improvement activities. One of ABR’s directors is a specialist in performance benchmarking. Business Process Benchmarking is a technique that enables companies to learn from others by comparing business process performance. Through process mapping and performance measurement breakthrough improvements in performance can be made. Talk to ABR about their Business Process Benchmarking service. Back
to top A Marketing Plan is needed to ensure the steady flow of appropriate orders for a business. The company may define ‘appropriate’ orders in a number of ways, for example by volume, value, gross margin, etc. The Business Plan will be based on a forecast of sales and profit, and it is essential that steps be taken to ensure these goals are met. All aspects of the marketing function, from initial market research to the writing and production of web sites and printed material, can be undertaken by ABR, all as a part of a co-ordinated strategy. Back
to top It may be necessary to introduce new money to a business to facilitate its growth. ABR can advise on the most suitable options that reflect the wishes of the owners. The merits of the alternatives between different sorts of investors’ loans and other forms of finance will be explained, and the necessary proposals to secure the funds will be produced. We stay with the process, attending key meetings to ensure that the best possible terms are secured and unnecessary concessions are not given. Back
to top Sudden and unexpected events can mean that a key member of staff is unable to work - perhaps a sudden resignation, or extended illness. It could be that a project within the business, or the handling of a special contract, requires skills that are not available. Interim management is intended to introduce the required skills whilst alternative arrangements are made, or to introduce specific help in response to a short term need. ABR’s range of skills has enabled it to undertake many interim assignments, including acting as Managing Director/General Manager and in specific roles requiring specialist knowledge, such as corporate pensions management and administration. Back
to top Managing and growing a business is challenging and exciting, but sometimes it can be lonely. It is hard to know where to seek impartial advice. The task requires skills and knowledge that only come with experience. And even then, it is always good to have a trusted mentor off whom to bounce ideas and problems. A business mentor brings a depth of experience. Most problems encountered by a business for the first time have generally been seen before. A mentor becomes familiar with the business and its market place, as well as the people within the company, and so is able to provide independent and objective advice and help with decision-making. The mentor discusses the matters fully with the principal, giving the additional benefit of enhancing the knowledge and experience within the business. ABR has been providing a Business Mentoring service since inception. There is a wealth of experience available to companies wise enough to use it. Back
to top There are many ways to grow a business other than the conventional, organic route. Seeking strategic partners is a well-tested alternative. Partners can provide a specialist process, perhaps based on a joint development, or can be the means of entry to a new market, either geographic or sector defined. It is essential that discrete research be conducted before any approaches are made and the identity of the principal becomes known. Potential candidates must be thoroughly vetted before much time is spent on negotiations. In the final stages, securing the right terms within a carefully structured agreement will be vital to the success of the venture. Experience counts, and ABR can work confidentially, protecting identities and plans from others in the market, leaving the management team free to concentrate on the business. Back
to top After organic growth, acquisition is the second most popular way of growing a business. But many bad decisions on buying a company have resulted in the failure of the principal. If this route is to be pursued, prudent businesses will seek specialist advice in identifying appropriate targets, exploring their skills, strengths and weaknesses; considering the feasibility and most suitable way of blending them into the business; and finally negotiating terms that reflect these considerations. Similarly, if the owners of a business decide to sell their company, good advice can help increase the sale price and reduce the tax to be paid on the proceeds. ABR can be there with you, whichever part of the M&A process is being considered. |