Industrial fabrics distributer 30% increase in revenues in 12 months

This 30+ year-old family distribution business was a substantial operation, employing around 70 people and generating a revenue of $12 million.

A significant change in economic conditions led to a significant decline in business, and, unfortunately, the industry struggled to recover, and the company experienced a 5% annual decrease in market share and customers.

Working on a 10-year business plan with an exit strategy for the two business owners, we implemented various changes to achieve growth, including re-engaging the sales team by introducing a sales manager and KPIs.

We recruited an operations manager, to enhance efficiency, addressing the absence of one in the existing structure. The broader operational and organisational chart underwent a revamp, too, incorporating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to reinvigorate employee motivation. Workforce optimisation resulted in a reduction of approximately 20% of staff.

Finally, recognizing excessive costs and a pattern of business discounting that ate into profit margins, we implemented strategic expense reduction measures.

Through an overall business overhaul—focusing on instilling greater accountability, margin improvement, profitability, and appointing suitable individuals to key roles within the organisational infrastructure to drive growth and improve operations and output—we saw a notable 30% increase in revenue and profits within the first 12 - 18 months.