Have you got that niggling business issue that you simply can’t resolve, have no means of dealing with on your own, is draining your productive time or it is an exciting opportunity that you don’t have the confidence, resources and skills to tackle?

We call these collectively the ‘Burning Issues’ and our experience is that no business can unleash its full potential until they are identified and dealt with.

YBT’s first involvement with a business owner is more than often getting these issues dealt with to allow business owners to focus their energy on growing & developing the business.

‘Burning Issues’ encompass a wide spectrum of the vagaries of business ownership. Here are just 3 examples of solutions we have facilitated for our clients.

Burning Issue 1 – Lack of growth planning leading to stress and loss of business

Problem

Company had lucrative advance contracts and high possibility of successfully tendering for more. Equipment was not up to the task and at the end of its economic life, could not afford replacements and even if they could premises were unsuitable. Funding was stretched, with considerable debt still owing on current plant. Owners stressed and considering sale at any price.

Solution

• Negotiated with major finance company on a ‘what if’ scenario.
• Produced a budget & cashflow, factoring in major capital investment, relocation and additional sales as a result.
• Both finance company and bank reviewed cashflow, agreed to new funding, including total debt restructure. This resulted in considerable interest saving.
• Loans secured over plant, Family Trust formed and owners personal assets placed in Trust.
• New premises located and lease negotiated.
• Key staff located and company organisation restructured.
• Owners attended ‘Wally’ workshop and developed strategies to work ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the business
• 2 monthly Board Meetings with YBT established to maintain momentum and plan company growth.

Burning Issue 2 – Different expectations affecting profitability

Background

Husband & wife joint shareholders in small manufacturing business. Initial approach to YBT was that both felt while sales were steady & product well established, profits were well below expectation. Husband’s expertise was in production, wife’s was in administration.

In analysing the business, YBT found that both had different ideas in marketing & pricing the product; each was compromising for the sake of keeping the peace.

Solution

• Both attended Profit Improvement Workshop run by YBT. This put both on the same wavelength with regards to assessing Gross Profit, pricing strategies and marketing.
• Instituted bi monthly strategic planning meetings with YBT to facilitate proper business decision making within an established framework

Burning Issue 3 – Poor compliance management leading to business failure

Problem

Company’s IRD compliance was in a mess. Cashflow insufficient to deal with arrears and penalties; an otherwise moderately profitable business in danger of failing.

Solution

• Negotiated plan with IRD to bring compliance up to date and freeze penalties. Resulted in substantial penalties being remitted.
• Arranged re-financing with bank to cover increased overdraft to deal with arrears and replace current funding. Resulted in significant decrease in interest charges.
• Set procedures & policies in place to address compliance issues in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner.

Contact Carl Spruyt today to for a confidential, no obligation discussion on what is REALLY BUGGING YOU – we have the experience to deal with it.