At the cutting edge - getting serious about growth
Our Sussex based client is one of the leading suppliers of laser and water-jet cut products in the South East. Formed in the 1980's, the business was acquired through a management buy-out in 1999.
Eager to exploit the growth potential, the owner turned to Azure Partners in 2005 for help with the strategic planning of the growth of his business and for professional help with marketing and other key business disciplines.
What we did
We found the business to be on a sound footing. A skilled workforce creating quality products for a diverse client base had produced a profitable company with a strong balance sheet. The owner had experience, vision and commitment. Growth potential was considerable.
Working closely with senior management we identified the areas that were holding profitability and growth back - and turned them into opportunities. For example, we reviewed the company's pricing policy and helped re-negotiate supplier agreements to expand margins. Slow growth forecasts were replaced by the evolution and execution of a new growth strategy built around improved marketing and increased production capacity. We continue to work with the owner to keep growth on track and monitor competitive threats and opportunities for strategic alliances.
Achievements to date - How we helped
Our work is ongoing. To date this client has seen turnover almost double and net profitability reach 10% of turnover - both figures continue to rise.
Unsurprisingly the owner is delighted with progress to date:
"Although we had achieved reasonable results since the MBO, I wanted to increase turnover and profitability by increasing our production capacity in a planned and efficient manner. I asked Azure Partners to assist us. They took me through their strategic planning process, evaluating the opportunities available to my business and assessing the risks facing it. That was in 2005. Since then Azure Partners has provided me with practical and flexible assistance as I required it. If it were not for the assistance provided by Azure Partners I would have to appoint another director at a much greater cost to the business"
Managing Director and Owner
Call 0207 100 1233 or contact mike.robson@azurepartners.co.uk