SUPPORTING DECISION MAKING IS OUR BUSINESS
// BUSINESS REVIEW ANALYSIS
Business Highlighter System
This should be the starting point for all Entrepreneurs, Investors, Owners and Chief Executives to allow them to check their feelings about the business and its prospects.
It also allows us as Independent Analysts to contribute our observations about key trends and results from past trading, and present positioning. The system we use considers both financial and non-financial information. The financial information is from the Audited Accounts and the non-financial is from the Owner/ Chief Executive and the market place. The information is scored for illustration and clarity, and a three year pro-forma projection is completed to incorporate any desired improvements. There is then ample scope for a strategy review, scenario planning and/or confirmation that the business is going in the right direction and is in good health.
Investors and banks can have confidence to invest when management's perception of the business, their Action Plan, and the figures together give a clear view of the business and it's prospects.
Executive and Manager Training
This service follows on from the Business Review Analysis in that it can be used to train Board Members, and Executives in Board Responsibilities and a clear understanding of where the business has been, its strengths and weaknesses and where it appears to be going. The result can be beneficial to the governance and success of the business.
Business Strategy and Implementation
The subject covers many aspects of setting up and running a business. We can explore with you your ideas for your business, ending up with a decision on the way forward, along with an implementation plan and possible scenarios.
If the review indicates that change is required, then we are well aware that this can be traumatic for the business and must be handled with great care and skill. We believe that we can contribute to make change happen.
// BUSINESS PLANS & FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
We can assist you to prepare submissions for presentation to your Bank or Financier which will include your Mission, Strategy, Plan, Scenarios and Financials. This is especially useful for start-ups and growing SME’s where the Owner or Chief Executive will want to devote his or her time and energy to the day-to-day business. We can also provide executive training in the basics of running a business and the information needed to ensure good financial and non-financial management.
Succession Planning and Exit Routes
This is a particularly important and often neglected aspect of being in business. Even if the business is a start-up or a small business, it is important to start planning at an early stage. We would fully involve your Accountant and Legal Adviser.
Grant Applications
We have experience in dealing with Scottish Enterprise and related bodies to submit applications for grant and financial aid for qualifying businesses. Our latest success was a Scottish Executive grant award of £500,000.
Expansion, Mergers/ Acquisitions, Sales and Management Buy-ins/Buy-outs
If expansion/diversification of the existing business or by Merger / Acquisition is identified as being possible and desirable for the company we can, with the full information from an analysis of the company and its objectives, conduct an in-depth Diligence and advise on the suitability of these courses of action. Subsequent implementation, synergies, profitability, integration and financing are key considerations.
If a sale or a part sale of the company is necessary, say to allow an exit route or as part of a strategic plan, or Management Buyout/in then we can advise on this.
Your Accountant and Legal Adviser would also be fully involved.
// INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
You may have identified part of your business, where you feel that improvements could be made in efficiency and profitability. We would analyse and identify the areas and recommend a course of action.
Business Distress
It may be that as an Investor, Banker, Owner or Chief Executive you find yourself with a potential or actual distress situation in a company, department or subsidiary. This can happen for many reasons. Using our decision support techniques, we can provide scenarios for consideration on the way forward.
It has to be said that business leaders are often quite late in seeking independent input, making a turnaround all the more difficult. Regular independent reviews are an important aid to strong and progressive management.