Business Advice & Support
Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to have all the luck while others struggle? Have you noticed some businesses grow into larger businesses and some don’t grow at all, or fall by the wayside? It is often the case that a business will grow without the owner really knowing why.
However, there comes a point in every business where the owner has to carry out some sort of strategic planning and business development strategy. Here at Holden Associates we understand the importance of planning not only for the business but also the business owners.
Same, But Different
Every business has the following areas in common:
- finance
- management
- staff
- sales
- purchasing
- delivery
- marketing
- brand
- legal
- debt collection
The above are not arranged in any particular order, but every business has them in common.
Let’s look at some of them in a bit more detail.
Purchasing, do you use the same suppliers’ year in, year out?
Most businesses do, but have you considered alternative suppliers? Your purchasing should be in a constant state of assessment and re-evaluation.
Prices change, products and services get superseded and improved upon and every industry has innovation going on, the question is, are your suppliers the best fit for you or just the ones you have always used?
Be Prepared
Finance, this is the life blood of your business, and the key to you achieving your personal goals, without money nothing happens.
Have you prepared your cashflow forecast and projections for the coming 12, 18 or 24 months? Why not, how do you know where you and your business are going but more importantly how will you get there?
If you have a cashflow forecast and projections are they stuck in a draw? They should be constantly monitored and updated against actual performance otherwise why bother preparing them.
Staff, to manage your staff in this day and age you need to have good HR support.
Are all your staff being paid at least the national minimum wage or for those over 25 the national living wage?
Do all your staff have a contract of employment, what about a staff handbook?
Do you want the best staff? In which case to stand out from the other employers do you offer:
- life insurance
- health insurance
- a private pension
- ability to buy extra days holiday
- a range of benefits to improve the employee experience
The Right Advice
It’s a competitive market for the best staff and to not only attract the best but keep them you have to offer more, its not just about the biggest salary, employees (or team members as we prefer to call them) are critical to the success of your business and helping you achieve your personal goals so remember to treat them as the important resource they are.
As can be seen from this page running a business is hard work, but if you partner with the right advisers it can be made easier and a business improvement plan can be created.
If you want to know more about how Holden Associates can support you and your business please call us today.
Call Us: 01704 320560
Our Services
Good Advice Makes All The Difference
Our Core Values
It is hard to convey who we are on a website, after all you haven’t met us, you don’t know us, so, we all sat down and between us came up with what we consider to be our core values, the values that underpin our business and our approach, it goes without saying we are professionally qualified and technically capable, so what are our core values.
Trusted
Our advisors and their skills aren’t just tried and tested; they’re trusted too. We’re technically competent, experienced and completely confidential when working with our clients.
Welcoming
We’re not about the corporate feel. We’re a warm, friendly, approachable team who pride ourselves on communicating in layman’s terms – no silly bamboozle, just simple business.
Analytical
Our analytical skills are second to none; we certainly don’t take things at face value and in our industry, a keen eye for analysis can be the difference between standard assistance and excellent services.
Relatable
Contrary to popular belief, accountants are humans too! We’re wholly empathetic and can relate to a variety of life and business experiences to provide an excellent, trusted service.
Approachable
Our door is always open. There’s no question too complicated, and no job too big or small. We want our customers to feel totally comfortable when seeking help and guidance, and they do.
