Online and on track - taking internet success to new places
This online advertising agency connects UK-based owners of French properties with British holidaymakers seeking short term lets in France. The business had reached a crossroad. It needed a new vision, new objectives and a plan to take the business forward. The owners also wanted more control over their workload without compromising business growth. For strategic know-how, practical advice and ongoing support, they turned to Azure Partners.
Taking a new direction
Several issues requiring attention emerged early on. Firstly, the business was over-reliant on its owners who, as well as being tied into an underperforming joint venture, had no strategic plan for developing the business. Secondly, the financial systems were not sufficiently developed to enable management to control the business, as opposed to reporting on events in the past. Thirdly, complex VAT issues had not been addressed.
Our work began with our strategic planning process, including a review of the risks and opportunities facing the business. Through this process, together with the owners, we developed the goals and priorities for the business and created a strategic plan to achieve them. Top amongst the priorities was to negotiate an exit from the joint venture, resolve the VAT issues and complete a comprehensive review of competitors.
More forward-looking, however, was the input of marketing assistance to drive the new marketing and sales plan. Regular board meetings were held to review business development and operational activities.
The journey continues
With these and other measures in place - including an extensive upgrade to its website - the firm is now the market leader in its sector, offering thousands of holiday lets ranging from cottages to chateaux. There is also a section for properties offered for sale.
In the words of the firms Managing Director:
"Azure Partners made us stand back and analyse our performance and potential. This helped us define where we wanted to be in five years and how we could get there. Azure Partners have continued to provide us with support as we confront the challenges typically faced by a small but ambitious business growing our revenue whilst sustaining our margins".
Managing Director and Shareholder
Call 0207 100 1233 or contact david.mellor@azurepartners.co.uk