Restructuring to secure your business future Background Business structures are an important way to provide for business growth, managing tax, asset protection and succession planning. Unfortunately, many business owners’ structures are not optimised for their needs. The owners of a rural supplies business fell victim to their previous adviser’s short-sightedness. In particular, their business structure […]
A little risk analysis may avert disaster in the transport, postal and warehousing industry Background A large interstate road transport business had borrowed significantly and was using spreadsheets for financial forecasting and actual-versus-budgeted performance assessments. Given the industry’s nature and level of gearing, the bank closely monitored the business’ financial performance and held a number […]
Dealership grows from the core Background The retail industry includes traditional sales outlets for consumers and business as well as online retailers and commission-based selling. A machinery dealership we worked with had spent several years developing a strong customer value proposition based on exceptional after-sales care, including a willingness to address product failure (even when […]
Recreating a property business to focus on growth and saleability Background For business owners starting their innovation journey, establishing traction through a small initial project can have a big impact. We worked with a property business that had experienced considerable growth. However, the owner was planning to retire and wanted to lower risk, drive revenue, […]
Inventor needs commercialisation capabilities to extract value Background A small business owner and serial innovator has been responsible for many technology-based inventions, including the development of: Automated train control and fail-safe systems Communication switching hardware used in TV broadcasting and submarines Advanced level graphics and network cards for the personal computer industry Radio frequency modems […]
Failure to innovate destroys businesses and industries Background A food manufacturing and marketing business was on the brink of collapse, threatening the livelihoods of those who depended on it. One central manufacturing and marketing business held industry power, but it had become complacent and failed to invest in the future. Failing to find new and […]
A surprise bankruptcy notice Background An IT professional had used the same accountant throughout his 12 years in business. Without prior notice, the ATO served him with a Bankruptcy Notice. His accountant had forwarded no previous correspondence leading to the court action. It was a total, and somewhat nasty, surprise. After investigation and several difficult […]
Succession planning and inter-generational business transfers Background In any industry, succession planning is a vital aspect of transitioning wealth from one generation to the next. A chiropractor with decades of owning and operating a successful practice behind him wanted to hand his practice over to one of his children. He sought to pass on the […]
Developing and implementing business strategy Background A successful finance brokering business had been through several recent changes and wanted to regroup and re-define its purpose, vision and business strategy. Though quite successful, it had aspirations for significant growth and wanted to maximise its opportunity capture. How we helped We spent considerable time workshopping with the […]
Assessing bankability for education and training industry clients Background A school tutoring business wanted to purchase a complimentary business that would provide significant long-term strategic value. The client had to access finance to help fund the purchase and secure the opportunity. However, like many business owners, they didn’t know where they stood with their bank, […]
Unscrupulous operators increase risk of non-payment Background An experienced concrete cutting and coring business subcontracted on a sizeable local water authority construction project. The head contractor’s business model included persuading many local contractors to enter onerous and inequitable subcontracts. It preyed on smaller businesses’ misplaced trust and legal naivety, forcing settlements that underpaid and overworked […]
Team Building Background A recreational focused, corporate team building business was struggling to create adequate demand for their services. The business had an attractive offering, but no clear idea or strategy about how to market the business effectively. The owners were very good at interacting with customers and delivering a unique team building experience, but […]
