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Planning
Article
My technology failed because I didn’t think big enough
When Formula Botanica realised early on that its technology wasn’t keeping pace with growth it put in place a plan that would provide peace of mind.
Invest in new technology
Sales & Growth
Article
We used customer feedback to prioritise our marketing spend
With so many marketing channels available, it’s hard to know where to invest. Bury-based security firm Expert Security let customer feedback guide them.
Set a customer feedback strategy
People & Team
Article
We created a bespoke training programme to invest in employee development
When expensive external training proved too generic for staff needs, Tommies Childcare developed its own programme.
Define the skills needed
Digital Readiness
Article
We used collaborative tools to make remote working a success
When SmarterQueue scaled up, the company invested in collaborative tools to build a remote workforce.
Establish processes for remote working
Sales & Growth
Article
We had to hire local talent to expand successfully
When Vuealta started global growth planning the amount of information available was overwhelming. It's solution was to invest in local support and talent.
Prepare for expansion
Planning
Article
To take on a British giant we focused on solving customer problems
Hometree realised early on that it would need a key point of differentiation to tackle competitor British Gas – truly addressing customer problems.
Create a distinct offering
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Bringing in an external specialist gave us cutting-edge product development
CoreRFID discovered that finding a partner with complementary high-tech expertise created a huge opportunity to expand.
Build partnerships with other experts
Sales & Growth
Article
Staggering hires helped us do marketing properly
Forecasting firm Futrli found it hard to coordinate marketing with no dedicated team and little budget. Those without the right skills were plugging gaps.
Set a marketing strategy
People & Team
Article
To retain skilled staff, we made the most of low season
As a seasonal business Baboo Gelato had to retain skilled staff from summer to summer, but keep staff costs lower during the quiet colder months.
Shape your team to meet fluctuating demand
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Engaging our customer service team has kept staff turnover low
Faced with a tough market and limited hiring options, Joseph Turner opted for a system of total transparency with staff.
Encourage staff to share opinions
Sales & Growth
Article
A blow to supermarket sales made us reevaluate our growth strategy
Relying too heavily on one revenue stream can be fatal for a business. Pieminister changed direction when its supermarket sales took a hit.
Diversify your income stream
Sales & Growth
Article
Tracking international demand persuaded us to export
When homewares brand Radical Tea Towel noticed sales increasing in America, the business took a leap and moved into the export market.
Find proof of customer demand
Planning
Article
We improved our efficiency to stick to our growth targets
When you grow your business, how do you keep up with customer expectations around speed of service? Anchor Vans developed a visual T-cards system for staff.
Improve internal systems
People & Team
Article
Allowing staff to innovate took the business in new directions
When you get stuck in a rut, how do you re-energise your business? Online gift company Prezzybox found that innovation started with its staff.
Encourage staff innovation
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Sharing our vision with staff gave us the momentum to move forward
When you’re tasked with juggling history and modernity, small steps can make a big difference. Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses is leading the way.
Check staff understand your vision
People & Team
Article
Giving junior staff a voice helped us win in a competitive market
Softwire fell into the trap of assuming the culture of open communication wouldn’t change as it grew, but junior staff stopped approaching the senior team.
Listen to employees
Sales & Growth
Article
We beat a failing market by talking our customers’ language
Starting a business when your competitors are failing can be daunting, but Forbes Burton beat the odds by adopting a customer-first approach.
Shape your language to fit customers
Digital Readiness
Article
We found a digital solution to reduce our drivers’ fuel wastage
Reducing fuel wastage across a large fleet of drivers comes down to changing driver behaviour. First Mile turned to technology to help.
Digitise your internal systems
People & Team
Article
We beat the competition by tackling our industry’s diversity problem
When it came to hiring a team demonstrating diversity Claromentis found it difficult to attract women for certain roles, giving it a restricted perspective.
Determine what talent is needed
People & Team
Article
Our mental health training reduced employee turnover
In an industry that often involves long hours and workplace stress, LSI Architects wanted to buck the trend with its approach to mental health training.
Prioritise employee wellbeing
Sales & Growth
Article
Moving beyond paid acquisition broadened our marketing reach
For BusinessComparison, it didn’t pay to put all its efforts into one type of marketing activity. Broadening the strategy led to greater reach.
Expand your marketing reach
Digital Readiness
Article
Digital apathy stopped our business moving forward
HR firm Jaluch found it challenging to increase digital skills into the business. Digital apathy meant efforts were efforts were greeted with groans.
Build digital skills
Planning
Article
Non-revenue targets enabled us to scale our values
A lot of businesses see customer satisfaction ratings plummet as they expand. ImpraGas was determined not to let that happen. Read how they used target-setting to get there.
Create non-revenue targets
Sales & Growth
Article
Building business relationships helped us conquer the education market
When it came to identifying growth channels, Show My Homework turned to building business relationships as a way of knowing when and where to sell.
Build external relationships