Part 1: Fine Tuning Business Operations, Systems & Delivery

Part 1: Operations, Systems & Delivery

Part 1: Operations, Systems & Delivery

Following review of a business's 'operational fitness', and once a solid strategy and robust planning have been formulated as a blueprint for business success, implementation becomes key to delivering on the desired goals and objectives.

To properly cover off everything that goes into developing a business's operational fitness, we've split this topic into four instalments that we'll run over the next few months.

In this first instalment, we'll look at the framework John from PlanA Consulting applies to assess clients' business condition before developing 12-month strategies and 90-day sprints, implementation of this planning, and ultimately the results that they deliver.

We'll start with a case study of one of PlanA's clients: Mike Teddy from MPT Concrete / Cupolex.

MPT Concrete Contractor / Cupolex – Building Foundations

MPT Concrete Contractor / Cupolex – Building Foundations

Mike Teddy operates two separate but aligned businesses. One is MPT Concrete, a concreting contractor. The other is Cupolex, a manufacturer-supplier of building foundation materials for the construction sector, providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional foundations.

 

Assessment – MPT Concrete / Cupolex

Via a thorough financial review and business assessment, John 'extracted' essential IP from Mike to identify key areas to address in order to reach his business goals. These goals revolved around building better business structure while having John at PlanA on-call as a supporting business advisor on an ongoing basis.

During assessment it was revealed that Mike wanted to reduce waste and downtime to increase productivity and overall business efficiency. And, additional to improving operations and the bottom-line, this initial discussion also highlighted the need for a succession plan for when the time comes for him to retire.

Quote #1

"Before I started working with John my business plan and everything that went with it was in my head. John worked with me to get it all down on paper. Then we went about identifying what was important to focus on and set goals for the short term, and developed a 3-5 year strategy. It brought clarity and a vision for the future."

Mike Teddy – Owner / Operator – MPT Concrete & Cupolex

Implementation / 12-Month Strategy – MPT Concrete / Cupolex

Implementation / 12-Month Strategy – MPT Concrete / Cupolex

Resulting from the assessment phase, the actions required for Mike to implement his 12-month strategy required attention to the following areas of business.

 

Planning

  • Understand key business drivers.
  • Focus on the initial '90-day sprint' activity (see below).
  • PlanA to provide support and accountability for owner throughout.
  • Carry out regular reviews (quarterly) and establish a reporting process.

 

Sales & Marketing

  • Set specific sales targets and help develop a sales plan.

 

Operations

  • Work with PlanA to ensure the business stays 'fit for purpose'.
  • Identify HSE requirements and engage with third-party provider.
  • Focus on efficiencies and productivity.
  • Make a decision on upcoming lease requirements.
  • Conduct a technology review.

 

Finance & Admin

  • Decide on an annual turnover target.
  • Set sights on key financial numbers and drivers.
  • Set GP targets to assist with pricing and methodology aimed at increasing turnover and profit.
  • Calculate margins required and improve pricing structure.

 

People

  • Engage with HR third-party provider.
  • Improve IEAs (Individual employment agreements).
  • Accurately assess base salaries, remuneration and additional sales incentives.

 

Quote #2

"During the initial assessment and planning phase as well as plenty of emails and phone-calls, John and I were also meeting weekly. He helped me streamline my entire operation and he was also great as a sounding board for new ideas and really got me thinking about working on my business rather than in it 24-7-365."

Mike Teddy – Owner / Operator – MPT Concrete & Cupolex

Implementation / 90-Day Sprint – MPT Concrete / Cupolex

Implementation / 90-Day Sprint – MPT Concrete / Cupolex

Resulting from the assessment phase and as part of their 12-month strategy, the actions required for Mike to implement the 90-day sprint required focus on:

 

Operations

  • Plan out Christmas workloads.
  • Back-cost recent work carried out.
  • Focus on efficiencies and productivity.

 

Finance & Admin

  • Carry out cash flow forecasting for the Christmas period.

 

People

  • Recruit and onboard new salesperson.
  • Assess and determine if other new staff required or go with third-party providers for specialised services.
  • Write, negotiate and sign individual employment agreements with staff.

 

Quote #3

"One of the great outcomes of working with John has been the realisation I didn't need to be, and shouldn't be, doing everything myself. I started contracting out IT, admin, health and safety, and HR. The end result has been a 250-500% increase in turnover for my two businesses, I know where we're going with solid business roadmaps for the next 3-5 years, not to mention I can now take more holidays!"

Mike Teddy – Owner / Operator – MPT Concrete & Cupolex

Coming Soon! Part 2: Fine Tuning Business Operations, Systems & Delivery – Boyce Podiatry

Coming Soon!

Part 2: Fine Tuning Business Operations, Systems & Delivery – Boyce Podiatry

In a few weeks we'll release part two, the second instalment in this series. We'll look at another quite different PlanA Consulting client and the work that was done to assess their operational fitness before developing 12-month strategies and 90-day sprints, implementation of this planning, and ultimately the results to deliver business success!

Call-to-Action

To speak to John about how your business can reach its true potential make contact here

 

For more about Cupolex visit

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