Sales | SGBA - Transforming businesses

Ensuring UK economic growth can survive the next global downturn….

30/11/2015 By

Employment in the UK at a record high. The UK economy seen as a shining star. Confidence in Germany, one of our main competitors under question.

So, what could go wrong? Quite a lot really.

International commentators are warning of another credit squeeze and business downturn. China has become a business mainstay for many Western nations, and a hiccup here can bring major repercussions.

It is time the Western World reduced its dependence on China.

What can small companies do to ensure the UK rides out future world market and trade downturns?

Well it is up to UK companies to get as big a slice of the International pie as we can, in short, export more. And it needs to be done NOW, not tomorrow!

I magine the effect on employment, the economy, and the stability of UK companies big and small if just 50% of them could increase exports by just 10%.

So, how do we go about this? For those already exporting, perhaps strategies for export are well defined. Selling more through existing channels, and selling through new channels, or into new markets is key. Stating the obvious!

For those who have no export experience, it can be a daunting hurdle. Where, how, who with….. all questions that come to mind.

So why not chat through your growth plans with an experienced and unbiassed advisor? Someone who can view your challenges with no prejudices, and maybe ask the difficult questions upfront before you commit to a sector.

Call the Southern Group Business Advisors for a free assessment of your plans.

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Does your website welcome visitors with these out of date messages?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 Not months but YEARS out of date.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.

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