Business Advice in the UK

Business Advice in the UK

Are you in need of business advice in the UK? We always begin our business advice with a discussion based on the direction our client wishes to go in.

This is a critical process when giving business advice and one where a number of areas are evaluated including:

• Business Advice in the growth expectations of the business
• Business Advice in the systems to support that growth
• Business Advice in the people and skills to implement growth
• Business Advice in the infrastructure/ building and logistics requirements to facilitate growth

Following this review we identify a clear action plan to move the business forward, including any training needs. If necessary, we work with our clients to put together a succession plan or a plan to prepare the business for sale.

This process is an important facilitation role, that clients appreciate as they are prompted to look at things in different ways and invariably derive radical solutions to support growth.

If you are a small business and are looking for small business advice then please read more about small business advice here

If you are starting up a new business and need business advice then please contact us by filling in the enquiry form on the contact us page.

Business Advice in the UK

Are you in need of business advice in the UK? We always begin our business advice with a discussion based on the direction our client wishes to go in.

This is a critical process when giving business advice and one where a number of areas are evaluated including:

• Business Advice in the growth expectations of the business
• Business Advice in the systems to support that growth
• Business Advice in the people and skills to implement growth
• Business Advice in the infrastructure/ building and logistics requirements to facilitate growth

Following this review we identify a clear action plan to move the business forward, including any training needs. If necessary, we work with our clients to put together a succession plan or a plan to prepare the business for sale.

This process is an important facilitation role, that clients appreciate as they are prompted to look at things in different ways and invariably derive radical solutions to support growth.

If you are a small business and are looking for small business advice then please read more about small business advice here

If you are starting up a new business and need business advice then please contact us by filling in the enquiry form on the contact us page.

A selection of Business Advice Case Studies are listed below:

A selection of Business Advice Case Studies are listed below:

Vision and Strategy - Smiths Medical

Business Advice Brief

To help facilitate an understanding of strategy to senior members of the Registration team and to support an implementation plan for the global roll out of the strategy.

Business Profile

Smiths Medical is a £600m business, part of the Smiths Group and provides medical devices for use in the healthcare sector around the world. The Registration team is an integral part of the business where the practice of 'no registration, no sale' has huge implications to turnover and legal compliance if the registration process fails or is not in place.

Business Advice Report

Having taken senior management through the tenants of what is strategy and why it is important, a facilitation role by [W]sq solutions enabled the group to develop a clear focus on linking financial benefits of the business with effective registration and how to gain visibility and prominence withn the business.

A key part of facilitating the strategy was to help the team foster greater crossfunctional relationships to support strategic changes. This took place with greater cooperation demonstrated with the Marketing and the Customer Services team.

The benefits of the Business Advice were several:

• Clear Registration strategy now in place
• Transfer of skills to senior staff on creating and implementing a business strategy
• Communication relationships engaged at Board level and throughout the business
• Roll out of strategy within the Registration team which meant changes and productivity gains in processes and working practices
• Forward strategic planning meant the ability to justify headcount based on volume throughput and turnover benefit to the business
• The strategy and approach of the registration team has been rolled out to other parts of the global business

Vision and Strategy - Smiths Medical

Business Advice Brief

To help facilitate an understanding of strategy to senior members of the Registration team and to support an implementation plan for the global roll out of the strategy.

Business Profile

Smiths Medical is a £600m business, part of the Smiths Group and provides medical devices for use in the healthcare sector around the world. The Registration team is an integral part of the business where the practice of 'no registration, no sale' has huge implications to turnover and legal compliance if the registration process fails or is not in place.

Business Advice Report

Having taken senior management through the tenants of what is strategy and why it is important, a facilitation role by [W]sq solutions enabled the group to develop a clear focus on linking financial benefits of the business with effective registration and how to gain visibility and prominence withn the business.

A key part of facilitating the strategy was to help the team foster greater crossfunctional relationships to support strategic changes. This took place with greater cooperation demonstrated with the Marketing and the Customer Services team.

The benefits of the Business Advice were several:

• Clear Registration strategy now in place
• Transfer of skills to senior staff on creating and implementing a business strategy
• Communication relationships engaged at Board level and throughout the business
• Roll out of strategy within the Registration team which meant changes and productivity gains in processes and working practices
• Forward strategic planning meant the ability to justify headcount based on volume throughput and turnover benefit to the business
• The strategy and approach of the registration team has been rolled out to other parts of the global business

Merger and Acquisitions - Creators Europe

Business Advice Brief

To help move and integrate a high-profile customer cell from the Northern manufacturing operations to the South - within 3 months and without disruption to business.

Business Profile

Creators Europe is a £3.5m Extrusion business providing plastic products to the automotive and health care markets. Over 120 employees were operating out of two factory sites before the decision was made to close down the plant in Ripley.

Business Advice Report

Having identified outstanding orders, machinery moves were planned to coincide with stock build or regular orders. New training, workflow and personnel plans were recommended and improvements to order-critical Health & Safety standards initiated. We then presented to customers to ensure they were kept informed.

To give the company streamline options, we performed a cost-based analysis of products and identified critical margins plus products which had poor margins (first time company had done this).

With all records and contacts documented and presented on a logic form within the IT server network directory, plus open dialogue with management and staff secured throughout the project, hand-over was smooth and on time.

Merger and Acquisitions - Creators Europe

Business Advice Brief

To help move and integrate a high-profile customer cell from the Northern manufacturing operations to the South - within 3 months and without disruption to business.

Business Profile

Creators Europe is a £3.5m Extrusion business providing plastic products to the automotive and health care markets. Over 120 employees were operating out of two factory sites before the decision was made to close down the plant in Ripley.

Business Advice Report

Having identified outstanding orders, machinery moves were planned to coincide with stock build or regular orders. New training, workflow and personnel plans were recommended and improvements to order-critical Health & Safety standards initiated. We then presented to customers to ensure they were kept informed.

To give the company streamline options, we performed a cost-based analysis of products and identified critical margins plus products which had poor margins (first time company had done this).

With all records and contacts documented and presented on a logic form within the IT server network directory, plus open dialogue with management and staff secured throughout the project, hand-over was smooth and on time.

Sales & Marketing strategy and implementation

Business Advice Brief

Although looking to exploit the UK Health care market, TRxF didn't know how. [W]sq Solutions was invited to evaluate the UK industry, identify whether there was a need for the product and establish trials and collaborations within the industry.

Business Profile

TRxF of Florida, USA was launched with a multi-million dollar investment in 1998. It became a leader in biotechnological innovations for drug dosing, patient monitoring, pharmaceutical advancement and health care education.

Business Advice Solution

The first stage was to identify key decision makers within the Health Care market and make contact with individuals at senior level within the NHS.

We then identified and quantified the marketplace for the product and outlined a sales strategy for generating revenue.

Having gained commitment for regional trials of the software, we've also stimulated interest and fostered potential agreements with several pharmaceutical companies. We then supported the company through their first European sale with a top three pharmaceutical company.

Sales & Marketing strategy and implementation

Business Advice Brief

Although looking to exploit the UK Health care market, TRxF didn't know how. [W]sq Solutions was invited to evaluate the UK industry, identify whether there was a need for the product and establish trials and collaborations within the industry.

Business Profile

TRxF of Florida, USA was launched with a multi-million dollar investment in 1998. It became a leader in biotechnological innovations for drug dosing, patient monitoring, pharmaceutical advancement and health care education.

Business Advice Solution

The first stage was to identify key decision makers within the Health Care market and make contact with individuals at senior level within the NHS.

We then identified and quantified the marketplace for the product and outlined a sales strategy for generating revenue.

Having gained commitment for regional trials of the software, we've also stimulated interest and fostered potential agreements with several pharmaceutical companies. We then supported the company through their first European sale with a top three pharmaceutical company.

Project management and implementation

Business Advice Brief

To understand the profit levers in a loss making recycling operation and to recommend solutions to turn the manufacturing plant into profit.

Brett Waste Management

Business Profile

Brett Waste Management is a medium size business providing recycling services to county councils within Kent. Brett Waste Management are part of the highly successful privately owned Brett group.

Business Advice Solution

Through a series of visits and analysis of the manufacturing process a number of key areas were identified that made a huge difference to production efficiency and hence profitability. A number of recommendations were implemented during the analysis phase.

12 months later as part of the follow up process, 90% of the recommendations were implemented which moved the operation to full profit and provided a solid commercial base for the valuation and successful sale of the company.

Project management and implementation

Business Advice Brief

To understand the profit levers in a loss making recycling operation and to recommend solutions to turn the manufacturing plant into profit.

Brett Waste Management

Business Profile

Brett Waste Management is a medium size business providing recycling services to county councils within Kent. Brett Waste Management are part of the highly successful privately owned Brett group.

Business Advice Solution

Through a series of visits and analysis of the manufacturing process a number of key areas were identified that made a huge difference to production efficiency and hence profitability. A number of recommendations were implemented during the analysis phase.

12 months later as part of the follow up process, 90% of the recommendations were implemented which moved the operation to full profit and provided a solid commercial base for the valuation and successful sale of the company.

Executive Mentoring and Support

Business Advice Brief

To provide focus to the business through strategic marketing, as well as instigating management processes which steady cashflow and increase operational performance.

Business Profile

East London architects with extensive international experience looking to grow from a small start.

Business Report

By taking the company back to first principles by identifying weaknesses and strengths, we helped the business focus on projects which increaed cashflow and profitability.

And by helping them to understand the cost base of the business, we helped them to cost their projects more accurately.

Mentoring and supporting the team with major visits and government authorities was also identified as a key ingredient for growth.

The outcome of the time has been a dramatic increase in cashflow and a 200% increase in sales.  As a result of growth the business has moved twice to new offices and is ideally positioned in the area to take up the opportunities that are being developed around the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Executive Mentoring and Support

Business Advice Brief

To provide focus to the business through strategic marketing, as well as instigating management processes which steady cashflow and increase operational performance.

Business Profile

East London architects with extensive international experience looking to grow from a small start.

Business Report

By taking the company back to first principles by identifying weaknesses and strengths, we helped the business focus on projects which increaed cashflow and profitability.

And by helping them to understand the cost base of the business, we helped them to cost their projects more accurately.

Mentoring and supporting the team with major visits and government authorities was also identified as a key ingredient for growth.

The outcome of the time has been a dramatic increase in cashflow and a 200% increase in sales.  As a result of growth the business has moved twice to new offices and is ideally positioned in the area to take up the opportunities that are being developed around the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Accelerating Innovation and time of products to market

Business Advice Brief

To create a step change in the innovation culture throughout the business leading to 'right first time' product development and a greater impact of new products to turnover and profitability.

Business Profile

This market leading building products manufacture supplied products via distributors.  The current culture of the company was one of 'over the wall development' (in other words we make it,you sell it) with the result of no ownership once the product failed in the market place.  Team working was non-existent and project management was a by-word.  Products were late and invariably did not produce the profit margins expected.

Business Advice Solution

The Board was sold on the importance of innovation as a driver to the business and the impact that a clear innovation strategy would have on margins and profitability.

From this base a number of cross functional teams were created to ensure that all aspects of the business had a say in the development of a new product.  This core team developed the innovation process by critiquing the existing process and creating achievable solutions to speed the process up.   Suppliers were brought in at an earlier phase of the design process to aid the development of the new product.  Concepts were prototyped and discussed with key clients before the tooling was procured.

Benefits to the business

The benefits to the business were numerous:

• Time to market for products was reduced by 40% from 14 months to an average of 8 months.
• New service initiatives were introduced (innovation culture fostered new ideas).
• Customer loyalty and satisfaction increased through their involvement in the product definition and design phases.
• Ideas culture was enhanced through the creation of a central database which collected ideas from all over the company and provided a means for 'sifting' ideas against the business strategic objectives.
• A rewards and recognition policy was put into place to cater for those ideas that had the biggest impact on the customers activities or the profitability of the company.
• IBM benchmark rated the company in the World Class bracket for Innovation.
• Project management skills greatly improved throughout the company reducing cost overuns and bringing products to the market place on time.

Accelerating Innovation and time of products to market

Business Advice Brief

To create a step change in the innovation culture throughout the business leading to 'right first time' product development and a greater impact of new products to turnover and profitability.

Business Profile

This market leading building products manufacture supplied products via distributors.  The current culture of the company was one of 'over the wall development' (in other words we make it,you sell it) with the result of no ownership once the product failed in the market place.  Team working was non-existent and project management was a by-word.  Products were late and invariably did not produce the profit margins expected.

Business Advice Solution

The Board was sold on the importance of innovation as a driver to the business and the impact that a clear innovation strategy would have on margins and profitability.

From this base a number of cross functional teams were created to ensure that all aspects of the business had a say in the development of a new product.  This core team developed the innovation process by critiquing the existing process and creating achievable solutions to speed the process up.   Suppliers were brought in at an earlier phase of the design process to aid the development of the new product.  Concepts were prototyped and discussed with key clients before the tooling was procured.

Benefits to the business

The benefits to the business were numerous:

• Time to market for products was reduced by 40% from 14 months to an average of 8 months.
• New service initiatives were introduced (innovation culture fostered new ideas).
• Customer loyalty and satisfaction increased through their involvement in the product definition and design phases.
• Ideas culture was enhanced through the creation of a central database which collected ideas from all over the company and provided a means for 'sifting' ideas against the business strategic objectives.
• A rewards and recognition policy was put into place to cater for those ideas that had the biggest impact on the customers activities or the profitability of the company.
• IBM benchmark rated the company in the World Class bracket for Innovation.
• Project management skills greatly improved throughout the company reducing cost overuns and bringing products to the market place on time.

Turnaround and Growth

Business Advice Brief

To help turn around a business that was going to miss its end of year figures and to put in place a new MD to take the business forward.

Business Profile

This venture capitalist backed business had moved the MD to a CEO role leaving the existing Executive team to move the business forward.  Following a series of poor results it was decided to take on an Interim-MD to stabilise the business and provide the foundation for moving the business forward until a new permanent MD was found.

Business Advice Report

Having taken a few days to review the business with the senior management team a clear short term vision and strategy was created which was agreed with the Board.  The end of the first week was used to communicate to the staff the focus of the business over the next quarter.  A series of email communiqué on a regular basis helped staff to identify with the progress that was undertaking within the business.  Reviews with key customers, suppliers and contractors ensured that the strategic focus was disseminated throughout the business. 

The benefits of the work were several:

• An important product launch that was aimed for completion by the end of the year was brought forward through better project management and focus.
• The 'safe strategy' was implemented ensuring that resources were deployed on activities that the company could complete and invoice.
• Better communication relationships were developed at Board level and throughout the business.
• Year end business objectives were turned around and achieved.
• A major drive on reviewing and implementing all the processes in the business provided the foundation to move the business from a 'small' business to a 'medium' size business.
• A major focus on sales provided the basis for the largest customer contract within the business.
• Business was focussed on striking revenue and profit.  This was underlined by cementing processes to create 'right first time' software implementations.
• The new MD recruitment was completed and a process developed and executed with the CEO ensured a smooth handover before exit.

Turnaround and Growth

Business Advice Brief

To help turn around a business that was going to miss its end of year figures and to put in place a new MD to take the business forward.

Business Profile

This venture capitalist backed business had moved the MD to a CEO role leaving the existing Executive team to move the business forward.  Following a series of poor results it was decided to take on an Interim-MD to stabilise the business and provide the foundation for moving the business forward until a new permanent MD was found.

Business Advice Report

Having taken a few days to review the business with the senior management team a clear short term vision and strategy was created which was agreed with the Board.  The end of the first week was used to communicate to the staff the focus of the business over the next quarter.  A series of email communiqué on a regular basis helped staff to identify with the progress that was undertaking within the business.  Reviews with key customers, suppliers and contractors ensured that the strategic focus was disseminated throughout the business. 

The benefits of the work were several:

• An important product launch that was aimed for completion by the end of the year was brought forward through better project management and focus.
• The 'safe strategy' was implemented ensuring that resources were deployed on activities that the company could complete and invoice.
• Better communication relationships were developed at Board level and throughout the business.
• Year end business objectives were turned around and achieved.
• A major drive on reviewing and implementing all the processes in the business provided the foundation to move the business from a 'small' business to a 'medium' size business.
• A major focus on sales provided the basis for the largest customer contract within the business.
• Business was focussed on striking revenue and profit.  This was underlined by cementing processes to create 'right first time' software implementations.
• The new MD recruitment was completed and a process developed and executed with the CEO ensured a smooth handover before exit.