Case Studies
Showcasing mentors, clients, celebration event (Keele Hall)
Written Case Studies:
Marks4Training Centre (Social Enterprise)
A training centre committed to raising skills, aspirations and job prospects amongst unemployed and disadvantaged people in Stoke-on- Trent is achieving rapid success – just months after its launch.
“The expertise of the Business Broker’s mentors is a wonderful benefit to businesses; simply, they transfer to
us their expertise in all areas of business development.”
Funding
Grant aid secured from Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
Employment
Four posts created, more are planned. 18 clients completed training courses, six of whom have already found employment. At least 90 places available during 2010.
Regeneration
Raising skill levels and job prospects in Stoke-on-Trent.
Read more, download pdf Case Study Marks4Training click here
WF Property Preservation
Having founded their business as WF Building Solutions in 2005, partners Darren Wild and Michelle Fox operated from home until deciding to move to Shelton Enterprise Centre early in 2009.
That move and their decision to seek help from a business mentor were the catalyst for a hectic three months of re-structuring and growth for the re-named WF Property Preservation.
How did they manage to increase the number of staff employed, obtain a loan from Michelin Development, secure a major contract, lay the foundations for further growth by putting new processes in place?Positive outcomes
Employment
Workforce increased from 2 part-time to 4 full-time plasterer/technicians and 1 part-time administrator (identified through Jet Business programme). Training programme to be introduced.
Funding
£20,000 loan capital secured from Michelin Development Fund.
Sales
Major contract secured from Kier Group.
Organisation
Business re-focused and staff time re-organised to address increased workload and to target new contracts. Foundation laid for further growth in sales and workforce.
Read more, download pdf Case Study WF Property click here
The Smart Timber Frame Company Limited
Entrepreneur Colin Oakley, whose ingenious ideas are at the heart of the business, says that Business Broker David
Wellings and mentor Sean Canavan have played a key part in the story so far, firstly by attracting the enterprise to Stoke on Trent, and secondly by acting as the catalyst for its remarkable growth.
Positive outcomes
Employment
Workforce increased from four to 18. Over the next year expected to increase to as many as 300.
Introductions
Mentor contacts have achieved valuable links quickly, leading to rapid progress in potential markets.
Innovation
Mentor input has led to further
product development.
Read more, download pdf Case Study Smart Timber click here
Platinum Healthcare Solutions Ltd
The growing pains of a start-up business are only too familiar to Lee Carrington-Smith who, having launched Platinum Healthcare Solutions, turned to Let's Do Mentoring for help. Thanks to input from two mentors, first Bob Moore and now Mark Lewis. Lee is focusing on his aim of delivering vital health and safety training to firms of all types.
Positive outcomes
Employment
Support to make successful transition into full-time self employment
Marketing
Re-focusing activities on most promising products and potential clients using most cost-effective methods
Read more, download pdf Case Study Paltinum Healthcare click here
Flat Vision Products Ltd
Having formed Flat Vision Products Ltd in February 2000 as a specialist knowledge-based supplier of LCD flatscreen display solutions, entrepreneur Martin Bose decided to seek the support of a business mentor in early 2005. Although his business was successful and profitable, Martin wanted the support of an experienced individual to help him face the challenges of growth in a competitive market. It was to be start of a rewarding and close relationship with mentor David Dry which has played an integral part in the firm's ongoing success and expansion.
Positive outcomes
Employment
Support in the recruitment and selection of staff, including use of psychometric profiling. Staff
increased from 3 to 7, with 4 more in coming year.
Marketing
Business plan, marketing plan and pricing policy reviewed. Target market sectors selected for increased focus.
Organisation
Premises reviewed prior to office relocation in February 2009.
Finance
Continuing growth in turnover matched by increase in profit, confirming the business as a stable and cash rich enterprise.
Read more, download pdf Case Study Flat Vision click here
CK Leafleting Ltd
CK Leafleting Limited was established at the start of 2005 after Philip Isaacs, who had been involved in door-to-door distribution for a national company, recognised there was a gap in the market for a reliable, efficient direct mail delivery company to serve the needs of the local business community. From the outset Philip, who had a background in sales and management, intended that his company would set itself apart from competitors in the leaflet distribution industry by offering a high standard of customer service, employing its own locally-based direct workforce and implementing policies in areas such as employment law and health and safety.
Positive outcomes
Employment
Workforce increased to 19 at present - business is outgrowing its current base and looking for new premises
Sales
Turnover continues to grow by 25% a year
Organisation
Business structures have been strengthened and new initiatives begun, including use of customer feedback
Benefits gained from input of new ideas from outside the business
Read more, download pdf Case Study CK Leafleting click here
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