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Survive and then Thrive – UK Business Advisors are ready to help

09/04/2020 By Gordon Carmichael

Other than the cruel personal impact of COVID-19, there is unequal pain and gain for UK businesses. Hospitality businesses are grounded and businesses with sought after services and products are struggling to cope with demand and managing their supply chain.

There is no one magic solution for all!

More than ever, business leaders need to keep a cool head and make the right short term decisions to enable their business to survive or operate differently. Supporting staff as far as possible is a defining characteristic of well-led businesses. The businesses that make the right decisions now and plan effectively for how to be prepared to thrive in the recovery should have a bright future post coronavirus.

You are no doubt being bombarded by emails and other communications offering advice, help and “seven steps to solving everything”. The UK government has announced an unprecedented range and magnitude of support for businesses and employees – you will have found that many of the offerings are work in progress. Make the most of what is on offer from the government to stabilise your cash flow and support your staff.

As premier business advisors to SMEs we have activated our nationwide network of experienced advisors to help businesses survive and then thrive. We can provide initial support, be a sounding board for decisions and share our experience, at no cost, over the phone or by video call.

You are encouraged to visit our support page at https://ukba.co.uk/coronavirus/

When will the recovery start to emerge? Clearly it is too soon to say. However, you should plan on sensible scenarios and refine these as the COVID-19 crisis develops. We really can help with this.

Fortunately, by using technology and digital tools many businesses have been able to have some or nearly all their staff working from home. For tech smart businesses this was a minor change, as they were already using conferencing, mobile technology and collaboration tools. They had tested their systems and contingency plans for mass home working. For others, this was a huge shock and a steep learning curve. Shortages of some IT equipment has not helped. IT support companies have had massive increases in demand while also moving staff to home working.

Forward-looking companies that have had to furlough employees to protect their business and jobs are investing in online training so that staff can upskill while at home.

A whole new lexicon has emerged into common usage, for example, Zoom, VPN, Slack, Webex, Zoho and Teams. Video call etiquette is still developing!

If you are one of the many businesses that need people in a work location or in the field providing key services, then you are dealing with significant challenges not least ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your workforce.

Some things will be different post coronavirus:

Businesses are likely to retain newly found remote working and collaborative practices.
New competitors will emerge as businesses pivot to change their offerings.
Some businesses will, unfortunately, cease to trade, but others will start up and flourish.
Suppliers and customers are likely to reward companies that treated them well. Employees that were fairly treated will be more loyal.
Companies that have acted in a mercenary way are likely to have damaged their future once the dust clears. Their staff, customers and suppliers will remember.

It will surely endure that businesses that take quick informed decisions, plan well and lead strategically will be the stars of tomorrow.

If you need guidance for your business and want to thrive please visit https://ukba.co.uk/contact-urgent-support/ and contact us. There is no charge for the initial conversation. We are ready to help and have an extensive network of experienced advisors across multiple disciplines.

Keep safe and plan well.

Gordon Carmichael

Chair UK Business Advisors

Is failure to update your website harming your business?

26/03/2015 By

So many websites have the following messages:

“From all our team we wish you a Happy Christmas.”

“Come and visit us on stand H331 at ‘Pharmaworld Exhibition’, 17-19th November 2013 in London”

Does your website welcome visitors with these out of date messages? There are many out there that have similar. Not months but YEARS out of date.

So, what does this say about the way you manage your business? Perhaps you do not pay attention to detail, the very detail that differentiates between the ‘acceptable’ and the ‘excellent’.

For many, your website is your shop window. Would you expect to see Easter Eggs in a shop window in October, when the shop next door has haloween products?

The lack of attention is sadly widespread.

So, a simple message, keep all up to date. Make sure you review your website regularly.

Be professional.

And for those reading this, delete the following sentence as applicable.

Happy : Easter / Christmas / Halloween / Birthday

And dont forget to call in to our stand at Wembley, 30th July 1966.

Want an impartial review about how your online presence can affect your business? Call us on 0333 444 8522 or 0787 967 6435.

Do we need to reassess our Export Markets?

06/02/2015 By

Exports have always been a large part of SME activity.

There has been much said about our special relationship with EU countries. However, uncertainty with the Euro means that many are becoming nervous about this business. Together with the potential for an ‘IN / OUT’ referendum on the EU, there could be turbulent times ahead.

Of course Euro giants like Thales, Siemens, Santander, and Mercedes will still want to trade ‘tariff free’ with the UK in the event that a vote made an EU exit inevitable. So, perhaps the relationship that Norway and Switzerland has with Europe would be the model. Who knows?

In reality UK business has been guilty of letting certain special relationships slip when it comes to Exports. Let us take Canada and Australia for example. Both countries share the same language (in the main). They also share the Monarchy, our Royal Family. In the past we did some great business, but we appear to have taken our eye off the ball, and Asian companies have benefitted.

Back in the 1980’s, for every £1 in value we exported to the USA, we exported approximately 25p to Australia and similar for Canada. Today, it is less than 5p in comparison with the USA. Whilst we have clearly nurtured USA relationships, we are guilty of paying scant attention to our closest allies.

Asia has undergone great changes. Manufacturing is not as attractive as it was. So, perhaps now is a good time for Exporters to reassess where they sell to.

If you would like an informal talk about your export markets, aspirations and frustrations, then why not call us?

Call us on 0333 444 8522 or 0787 967 6435.

What can Small Busines do to help UK Balance of Payments?

21/01/2015 By

The UK Balance of Payments is a sorry story.

In short, we buy much more stuff from overseas than we sell overseas, and have done for many years.

Some items, such as raw materials, and highly specific components we have little choice other than to import. But other decisions we do have a choice. For example, deliberating whether to get an Audi or BMW as your next company car? Why not consider a Jaguar?

Simple purchasing decisions can make a difference, and the greater prosperity we create in our own market the better, and the more likely there is stability in terms of taxation.

Clearly International trade is very important. Both Imports and Exports have a vital part to play in our economy.

So, what can the export orientated small business do to help rebalance our imports/exports? If all exporters grew their overseas sales by 20% it would make a great difference. Very easily said, but often difficult to achieve.

Many companies sell their products through distributors. A sensible and potentially lucrative route for many companies.

I have spoken to many business owners who have said : “We operate overseas through distributors, but they dont do much”. I generally counter this with “Well, what is your strategy with your distributors?” The response is usually highly dismissive, in other words, they have no strategy for distributors.

So, where does the fault for lack of Distributor sales fall? Of course each case is different.

Simple Distributor programmes of reporting, educating, and generally communicating success stories can reap great rewards. All of a sudden the 20% growth in overseas sales can look very achievable.

If you feel your overseas distributors can deliver more to your sales turnover, but not sure where to go, give us a call for an informal chat. Let SGBA help bring some strategy and focus to your exports.

Call us on 0333 444 8522 or 0787 967 6435.

Improved Telecommunications Saves Money, Improves Customer Service

17/09/2014 By

Merging fixed line and mobile communications can save money and improve flexible working. However many SMEs (80% according to research carried out by Olive Communications) have failed to link together their fixed and mobile communications. The same research points out that 72% of those that have gone through the process have experienced cost savings, 51% improved business continuity, 39% customer service and 27% have reported and they are able to implement flexible working.

merging fixed line and mobile communications saves money, improves flexible working

In the modern business world, the work anywhere culture is becoming increasingly important. Having access to all the company’s communications and IT systems and support from wherever you are allows business to be done anywhere which improves both flexibility as well as productivity.

SGBA are business transformation specialists and we can help you improve your productivity and help you to grow your business. To find out how we have helped other SMEs transform their business contact us or phone 07941 426807.

Can your business access funding to develop your staff?

28/08/2014 By

If your organisation is looking for high growth you need your people to grow with you, particularly your senior management team:

GrowthAccelerator offers match funding of up to £2,000 for every senior manager involved in the strategic direction of the business, to undertake leadership and management training recommended for your business.

That has to be good news!

Training can take many different forms, as appropriate for the individual – courses, coaching, resources such as books, DVD’s , online training, qualifications etc. To be eligible, it would fall under the following key areas:

Developing an effective personal leadership and management style
Leading and managing high performance
Planning and developing an effective organisation
Creating a joint enterprise culture
Sustaining growth and continuous improvement
Embedding a culture of innovation
New market entry

Talk to your SGBA advisor now to see if you can access these funds to support your business plans:

If your organisation is looking for high growth you need your people to grow with you, particularly your senior management team:

That has to be good news!

Developing an effective personal leadership and management style
Leading and managing high performance
Planning and developing an effective organisation
Creating a joint enterprise culture
Sustaining growth and continuous improvement
Embedding a culture of innovation
New market entry

Talk to your SGBA advisor now to see if you can access these funds to support your business plans:email deb.herbert@sgba.co.uk or call 0333 444 8522

Can your business afford to “wait and see what happens”?……..

29/08/2013 By

So, summer has come, and its almost gone. But the media is suggesting there is ‘new life’ and Green Shoots in our economy.

Talking to many SME’s, in particular specialist companies (those that have a real USP and sell a product / service that is not sold purely on price) the common theme of optimism is evident.

However, recently I met a company where much the opposite was true. This family run business has an interesting product, and could, with a little professional help treble or quadruple their turnover. Their turnover has been static for many years despite bringing out new products. Their profits are minimal, just about providing employment for the family members. However, the owner (Dad as they call him) when challenged with bringing some strategic direction into the business said “I am waiting to see what happens.” The funny thing was that some 10 months earlier, he was “waiting to see what happens”. And, as my memory is better than his, I can tell you that in 2009 he was “waiting to see what happens”! I wonder what his thinking will be in 18 months time?

Clearly he is consistent. He knows how to grow the business and gain new customers and markets, but again, he knew this in 2009 and 10 months ago. And nothing has happened!

There is an old saying coined by Henry Ford, ‘If you continue to do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got’. Wise words.

Companies need to change, become smarter, reinvent their approach. Nothing new here really, but there will be companies in the fast lane, some in the slow lane, and those broken down on the hard shoulder waiting to see what happens.

The real underlying message is that opportunity is created within the business and needs to start with the company culture. Never mind the state of the economy, or the latest Government policy. The power is within the hands of small business.

If your company needs help in creating new ideas, engendering a culture of entrepreneurship into your business, or you need someone impartial to sound your ideas on, then contact the Southern Group Business Advisors. Who knows, we may be able to get you Government assistance to pay for a Growth Programme.

Why not call us : 0333 444 8522

Can your business afford to "wait and see what happens"?……..

29/08/2013 By Mushroom Internet

So, summer has come, and its almost gone. But the media is suggesting there is ‘new life’ and Green Shoots in our economy.

Talking to many SME’s, in particular specialist companies (those that have a real USP and sell a product / service that is not sold purely on price) the common theme of optimism is evident.

Clearly he is consistent. He knows how to grow the business and gain new customers and markets, but again, he knew this in 2009 and 10 months ago. And nothing has happened!

There is an old saying coined by Henry Ford, ‘If you continue to do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got’. Wise words.

Why not call us : 0333 444 8522

Apprentices – are they right for you?

10/04/2013 By

As we move into the academic Summer Term many students will be making Further Education choices – Uni or not? Increased tuition fees and worries about long term debt mean that they are often looking at alternatives, apprenticeships now being a serious option.

If you are replacing staff that are leaving or need to develop additional skills in your workplace, is having an apprentice a possible option? Benefits may include:

can be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs
apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them
apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future
can also be used for existing staff moving into a new role or changed job role and need new skills
development of current staff by using them as a mentor

Employing an apprentice is an option no matter what size your business and if you want more information on how you can make it work for you there are a number of sources of information:

talk to your local college
look at useful websites – www.apprenticeships.org.uk, www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com, www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk

If you need help in identifying skills gap in your business, now or as your business develops, then contact me – Deb Herbert – deb.herbert@sgba.co.uk.

Why use a Business Advisor?

03/04/2013 By Geofrey Steward

The majority of business owner/managers are self confident and may appear to have a broad range of skills that have been developed during the time of owning and managing their business. The idea of using a Business Advisor/Coach is a no-no as it implies that they do not have ability to solve their business problems on their own. However, in the current market the pressures of keeping ones head above water are increasing. Taking on some expert help, on a temporary basis, may be a wise course of action but before committing to that step there are some questions to ask yourself.

Are you dealing with a true Business Advisor?
You will need to satisfy yourself that the person appointed is committed to having a portfolio of businesses with which to work and has experience of working in a number of businesses simultaneously. Someone who has recently come out of a public or corporate environment may be very expert in a particular area but will not have the experience of working in the SME environment. They may well struggle with juggling multiple contracts, part time working and irregular cash flows. Such a person may find it difficult to be sufficiently flexible to work in a number of different environments and structures with which they are unfamiliar. Furthermore they might have difficulty in getting up to speed quickly. Ideally you should look for someone who has successfully owned managed and probably exited from their own business.

Will they fit in?
Make sure that the individual has a good fit with the culture of your business and your management team. Whilst the Business Advisor may not get involved in the day to day politics of the business there must be a fit in terms of outlook, style and working practices. Remember that the Business Advisor is working for you as the business owner and it is essential that a good rapport should exist between the two parties. Managing a business, in the current environment particularly, is stressful and building a solid personal relationship is very important if the inevitable challenges are to be overcome.

What are they going to do?
You together with the Business Advisor will need to define the tasks to be carried out and time spent at the outset of the appointment will pay dividends. However, a good Business Advisor will be able to identify and clearly illustrate other areas within the business where deficiencies have been identified whilst undertaking the primary task. In defining the tasks it must be bourne in mind that the Business Advisor is part-time.

Two way communications is essential
Having good communication channels that enable any issues to be identified as early as possible are essential, but the Business Advisor is not in the office on a full time basis and therefore needs to be able to communicate effectively with the whole of the team. Ineffective communications can have a detrimental effect on completion of the tasks and can lead to apparently minor problems festering and building. The consequential loss of time in dealing with issues is damaging to the relationship and will reduce the added-value in the appointment. Regular update meetings will ensure that everything stays on track.

Amongst the main reasons why a Business Advisor can be a useful addition to management team are:-
• Experience and expertise – Some Business Advisors will have owned and managed SME’s during their business life and will have knowledge of the loneliness of being an Owner/Manager. They will have hands-on experience of industry sectors and be able to address specific skill gaps bringing best practice to bear; furthermore they are can be productive from the start of the appointment.
• Reputation -Important sources of work for Business Advisors are referrals, case studies and client testimonials, consequently the successful completion of any assignment undertaken is of great importance.
• Focus – The Business Advisor is engaged to deliver a piece of work, a service or a solution. The success in attaining the goals and objectives will trigger payment of the fees. The path to a successful outcome will have milestones that are agreed at the outset of the appointment.
• Speed – Most experienced Business Advisors are used to joining new organisations and are therefore able to make a contribution almost immediately.
• Objectivity – Because the Business Advisor is able to focus only on delivering an outcome they are not loaded down with the politics and the career aspirations of an organisations employees. Their previous experience will also enable them to bring a fresh pair of eyes and hence perspective to the business. Results are easily measured against the objectives and milestones set at the commencement of the assignment.

Appointing a Business Advisor needs careful thought and choosing the right person for your organisation both in terms of the job to be done and fitting in to the culture is paramount. Remember that the person appointed must be someone with whom you are comfortable and can trust to be objective and on-call when needed. Together you must define the scope of the work, set the milestones and the communication channels. The benefit to the business will be the provision of needed expertise and experience in an affordable way. Such an appointment will normally add significant value and enable the business to continue to succeed.

The Business Advisor/Coaches in Southern Group Business Advisors Ltd. are prepared to provide a two hour consultation free of charge and without any obligation, so what have you got to lose? Visit www.sgba.co.uk to register your interest. Alternatively contact by e-mail geofrey.steward@sgba.co.uk or telephone 01293 822521.

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