A large financial services group.
Problem: Lack of adequate skills in the corporate acquisitions department.
Solution: Training and coaching assignments for managers and staff; followed
by design of a top management information system with key performance
indicators of potential take-over targets.
Outcome and Benefits: Improved performance of the acquisitions department
and its function in the strategic development of the group.
Delivery methods: Training, coaching and design project.
A large manufacturer and distributer in the food and drinks sector
Problem: Company had the need to increase market share by organic growth
or acquisitions, but was uncertain about:
1. the relative profitability of its product lines in comparison with
competitors
2. other relative strengths and weaknesses of competitors.
Solution: A project was undertaken to analyse the profitability of the company's
own product lines, and to analyse and compare competitors' strengths and weaknesses.
Outcomes and Benefits: Analysis of product lines' profitabilty and the strengths
and weaknesses of competitors enabled construction of detailed strategic, marketing
plans within a broad business strategy, including opportunities for product lines
development and competitor take-overs.
Delivery method: Consultancy project.
A moderate sized, services company (20 employees)
Problem: The company had embarked on a merger but ran into major operating
losses, breakdown of its finance and accounting functions, cash flow crises, loss
of management information and virtual insolvency.
Solution: A part-time appointment as finance director/manager resulted in
re-development of systems and procedures; restructuring, downsizing and
re-focussing.
Outcome and Benefits: Company survived and focussed on its successful
business activities with options for funding.
Delivery methods: Part-time interim management and board level appointment.
A business start-up
Problem: A good, new business opportunity requiring careful planning to ensure
success and to secure adequate working capital and relatively low level of fixed
asset investment.
Solution: Advisory and consulting role, reviewing business plan.
Outcomes and Benefits: General review of plans, changes to pricing strategy
and reconstruction of financial planning statements, resulting in adequate funding
and coherent business strategies.
Delivery Method: Advisory and consultancy role.
A small charity (5 employees)
Problem: Book-keeping and payroll services were in place but no regular
qualified financial overview. Service levels were constantly increasing but funding
them was a continuing major problem.
Solution: Board level and part-time appointment to address problems arising
and develop the means to expand.
Outcomes and Benefits: The outcomes of the appointment were: business
affairs were properly analysed and presented on a regular basis, a successful
business plan was developed, external reporting was improved and funding was
obtained.
Delivery methods: Board and part-time appointments.
View a list of business sectors served by Michael Stead and Michael Stead & Associates.
View a list of well known clients.
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