Batten down the hatches

The current financial inputs point to the fact that the recovery in the UK is extremely fragile. We will shortly be entering the “silly season” and over the rest of the summer it is most likely that we find ourselves in somewhat of a limbo situation.

Without question, the real effects of the cut-backs and general downturn in many people’s incomes will be felt most keenly in the final quarter of 2011.

The recent hike in utility charges will really bite from September onwards and a further downturn in consumer confidence appears likely. More and more will the mantra “heating versus eating” be heard.

Running any business against this background will provide challenges and there could not be a more pressing time to address the question of operating costs and the rigorous policing of stocks and Debtors.

If appropriate actions are taken now, Companies should find themselves well positioned to ride out the inevitable storms.

If you’d like to discuss how I can assist you with a plan of action then contact me at gordon.blackburn1@btinternet.com

Time to lift a few stones?

Events of the past week have shown just how vital it is that Senior Management set clear defined operational and reporting procedures.

In many companies the Directors simply do not have the understanding of the mechanics or the day to day activities of the business which they purport to run.

For example I have worked in trading environments where totally unrealistic profit target have been passed from Board level to trading departments. No cognisance having been given to the disproportionate risks which need to be taken to achieve these targets.

Some of the most spectacular financial flame outs have followed a period of ostensibly highly successful trading. In their desire to recognise these “profits” no thought were given as to how they were being made. In such times it would be well to take note of the old adage that is something looks to be too good it usually is!

If your company is bucking the trend in these difficult times it may well be that you are implementing a winning formula.

However history tells us that it is sometimes a prudent course of action to look under a few stones – just in case.

A Spectator always sees more of the game

During my various assignments one observation holds true – whilst there are very few bad businesses, there are many that benefit from a fresh input.

 When you are personally involved it is not always easy to change direction or take appropriate remedial action.

This is where an “outsider” can be of assistance – an objective appraisal can very often mean the difference between merely drifting as opposed to decisively moving forward

Is it time to kick start your business?

The pressures on the business sector continue to mount and this is especially true for those running SME’s. The need to achieve operating efficiencies has never been more acute. This is a time when a fresh appraisal of your business could return significant dividends. As an independent business consultant I am confident that I can assist you to ride out these difficult times and build a strong base from which to expand.

 Why not drop me an email at gordon.blackburn1@btinternet.com or alternatively check out my video link which will give an insight into my experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHWrB5BWI

Where's the money gone?

It is a constant source of amazement to me that so many companies be they large or small fail to keep a control of their inventories. Whilst Management consistently push for increased sales performance, the question of housekeeping is often put on the back burner or it would appear totally neglected.

Yesterdays damming indictment of the Ministry of Defence sums up all that it wrong in many organisations, although frankly the scale of the ineptitude beggars belief.

The National Audit Office flagged up a lack of evidence about the existence and value of some £6.3bn of assets - including £752m of military equipment, which includes firearms and £184m of Bowman radios.

Back in 2008-9, auditors had raised concerns about inventory accounts and warehouse systems and checks had been improved, but they had found that the inventory recorded did not match the stock count at 29% of locations. 

This begs the question: how comfortable are you with your Stock and Debtors controls?

 It might be timely to conduct a pre-emptive review of your operating systems now rather than wait for the post mortem results.  

Looking for a Rolls Royce for the price of a Ford?

Whilst I won’t be able to pull off that particular stunt, I am able to give your business  thorough overhaul on a cost effective basis.

I can help you to tighten up your operational procedures and drive sales performance. Maybe after this exercise you could well be in the market for a new luxury car.

Why not get in touch and let’s see what we can put together

Solution to your business needs

Looking to increase Revenue/ Sales? Multi-faceted Business Professional / Rainmaker available for short or long term assignments