E: keith@lidgatebusinesssupport.com
E: yvonne@lidgatebusinesssupport.com
T: 01206 729175 M: 07968 661029
Lidgate
Business Support
Strategy - be certain where you are going
Personal goals
A strategy is worthless if it is not in keeping with your personal goals; we help you to identify what you want out of your work and your business.
Strategic direction
A business without a strategy is drifting - possibly in the right direction but that can change all to quickly.
We cannot understand your business in the way that you do, but our experience of different businesses and our objectivity will help you to establish a suitable strategic direction.
Business Plan
A strategy requires a business plan to give it substance and form; this details the steps which must be taken to get to the destination.
It is a route map, without which the business is drifting, or even worse, taking decisions which are driven by short term events rather than by strategic goals.
Finance - understand and manage your profitability
De-mystifying finance
The mysteries of the finance function need hold no fears for our clients; we help them to understand it and to use it to the best advantage of the company; it should help the management of a business rather than be seen as remote and "a necessary evil".
Management Info
Management accounts should provide financial and non-financial information, both historic and forecast, which is sufficient for managers to make educated decisions about the running of the business.
We can help you to design and arrange for the production of this information with automation wherever possible.
Mentor & recruit
Getting the right person in place requires undestanding of the role and of teh bext recruitment practice; we have considerable experience of managing finance departments and of recruitment at all levels.
Alternatively, your existing member of staff may just need help to achieve what the business needs - it may not be necessary to recruit with an experienced mentor available.
Extra pair of hands
There are moments in the life of any business when it needs additional resource to shore up the finance function:
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personnel crisis,
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major change,
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new systems etc.
That is when you need the help of someone who is used to piling in and getting results.
Preparing for sale
You know your business well - it is surely evident that it is worth a great deal - but can you demonstrate that to a potential buyer, and prove to the satisfaction of someone doing "Due Diligence" that it is as you say?
You need your team in place and committed to the business, you need to fully understand your marketplace, your profitability and be realistic about what the future holds.
Funding - obtain the cash to grow your business
Managing cashflow
Many businesses have significant cash tied up in overdue debtors and large amounts of stock; managing these areas better may be sufficient sufficient for your needs.
The facility review
If you are borrowing from your bank you will have an annual review of the facilities. The anniversary comes round awfully quickly, and many business owners go into that negotiation under-prepared and feeling out of control.
We help you get in control so that you secure the facility which is right for your business at the right price.
Type of funding
There are a number of different types of funding - do you need equity, short term, long term or working capital finance? All these terms are bandied about by the providers without it being clear which is appropriate for your need.
We will help you to establish the most appropriate funding type - or types.
Sources of finance
No matter the type of funding required - overdraft, term loan, asset finance or even equity - there are many sources which range from the conventional - the high street banks - through to the alternative - crowd funding.
We can help you to identify a suitable source and to negotiate for the best result.
Customer Service - to achieve more sales and profit
A helping hand
You cannot have the right people in place to cover all eventualities economically - a new business drive may need additional help, a new product needs launching or short term absence covered.
We have the experience to be able to fit into your team and take responsibility for a project whether from your offices or remotely.
Customer retention
How do you keep your customers?
You form a good relationship with them by remembering and acting on the one true secret of good customer service - you will be judged by what you do, not what you say - and the cheapest new business will often come from your existing client base.
We help you to gain more business by strengthening relationships with existing clients, and recovering old ones by concentrating on the service and communication with the client.
Mentor & recruit
Getting the right person in place requires undestanding of the role; we have considerable experience of managing customer service, inside sales, and recruitment.
Alternatively, your existing member of staff may just need help to achieve what the business needs - it may not be necessary to recruit with an experienced mentor available.