Wouldn’t it be great if we had a crystal ball to see into the future and avoid all the bad things that might happen? Well, this post doesn’t quite do that but what about if we had a neat way of at least thinking about the potential bad things that might happen,...
SME
Case Study – Operational Effectiveness Assessment – Managing Risk
The Client Medium sized FMCG manufacturer Constraints Regulated industryLong supply lead timesHigh raw material costsHigh potential impact from consumer complaints The Problem The client’s product uses raw materials supplied from multiple countries and the assembled...
Procurement Case Study – Restructuring a Vital Supply Base
The Client National Materials Testing OrganisationExtensive & Varied Customer BaseVast Array of Specialist Services Provided The Problem The nature of the client’s business meant that they required a wide range of highly educated and specialised personnel. Roles...
Just what does Operations mean?
I’ve spoken to enough people to realise that defining operations is a bit like agreeing on the best formation and players for the England football team – there are as many opinions as people you ask. Part of the challenge is that ‘operations’ is both a function (the...
How SMEs can use Cloud Computing to punch above their weight in business
Having a well thought through business strategy is key to keeping ahead of your competition. Adopting cloud computing as part your strategy, can be an important factor in striving for excellence. Cloud computing can enable SME businesses to compete with larger...
Brexit – What now for SMEs?
The electorate has decided that the UK should leave the EU. How best can SMEs respond to the coming changes? Whether you are pleased with the outcome or dismayed is irrelevant. The decision has been made. What you need to focus on is how best to manage and grow...
Are you making the most of the upsurge in Leasing?
Leasing is powering ahead in the funding marketplace. In 2013 43% of SMEs used leasing as a method of funding new plant and machinery, office equipment and cars, this increased to 51% in 2014. The survey of 3,000 SMEs from Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain,...
Achieve a good price when you sell your business
Its a sad fact that only 8% of small businesses are sold for a decent price. This is not good news if you are relying on selling your business for your pension, or indeed for any other purpose. However, many more businesses would be saleable for fair value if the...
Four steps to make sure your clients pay on time
We all understand that not collecting payments on time has as a severe impact on your cash flow, but let's not forget also that you are effectively giving your clients, your debtors, interest-free credit, and this also has an impact on your cash flow and your profit....