Case Studies - updated July 2010
We provide case studies relevant to a clients sector and project. This way we keep confidential the nature of the projects we have undertaken for our clients.
Please let us know the sector and nature of the project and we will provide you with the information you require.
A few of the assignments we have undertaken during the past few months
Martin Luck Group – One of the largest independent office stationers
Profile: The Board of Directors asked Prompt Interim to assist the senior management of the company after encountering difficult trading and working capital restrictions. The trading problem resulted from the acquisition of Brewers (Print and Stationery business in Helston – Cornwall) and Benham(Stationery business in Newbury) three years ago, combined with the implementation of a new “ enterprise” computer system. The acquisitions had been funded through debt resulting in the Group being heavily geared.
Prompt Interim put in cash flow management systems and negotiated with key suppliers enabling the business to successfully trade whilst a longer-term solution was established
Prompt Interim worked closely the Directors, Bank, PWC and key suppliers to implement a two-stage plan.
Stage One: resulted in the successful sale of the Newbury operation in early February to Office2Office Plc.
Stage Two: the remaining Group was sold to Ross part of the SET Group in mid April. The sale to SET creates the largest independent office stationers in the UK. The strategy maximized business value and protected the employed staff.
Mr Luck said: "It's great news for everybody; everyone has their jobs."
Please click HERE for press article.
Specialist business providing building resources to the major insurance companies in the UK
Profile: After rapid growth over the past 12 months the business needed robust financial forecasting tools to assist with working capital requirements. The Prompt Interim team is working with the Directors to ensure the type of projects undertaken and customer mix is managed to minimise working capital demand whilst growing profitability.
UK Food Producer
Profile: After a period of trading losses the Directors asked Prompt Interim to work closely with the business to give the bank comfort that the business would deliver the agreed strategy going forward. Prompt Interim work closely with the management team on a weekly basis and are assisting with re banking.
International Shoe Designer and Retailer: Oliver Sweeney
Profile: Oliver Sweeney International shoe designer and retailer suffered difficult trading due to the down turn in high street sales. The core economics of the business were made worst by the euro exchange rate as the shoes are produced in Italy. Prompt Interim worked with the Board to develop a strategy enabling the business to be restructured and sold to Amery Capital. See www.oliversweeney.com
Supplier of specialist Material to Construction Sector
Profile: The business delivers specialist material to the construction sector using fleet of specialist vehicles. Due to the weakening activity within the construction sector the business needed to urgently restructure its asset finance and overheads. Prompt Interim prepared bank papers and worked with the Directors to develop a survival plan.
Specialist Health Retailer
Profile: Specialist group of retail outlets supply services and products to NHS patients and the private sector. After initial refinancing and strategy development, Prompt Interim has worked with the Senior Management team to re brand the group, together with an integrated marketing program including radio advertising.
Engineering
Profile: After initial financial restructuring Prompt Interim is working with the Senior Management Team to produce new productivity bonus systems. Establishing a marketing program.
A few of the assignments we have undertaken during June, May, April, March, February & January 2009.
Fashion Designer and Retailer
Profile: Due to the weaken exchange rate and declining high street foot fall, Prompt Interim was asked to assess the ongoing performance. This included looking at reducing the cash cycle, through supply chain changes. Structural changes in financing and store by store viability.
Specialist Health Retailer
Profile: Specialist group of retail outlets supply services and products to NHS patients and the private sector. Due to working capital pressure the bank requested that Prompt Interim work with the management to review its operation to establish both profitability and funds flow. Initial work undertaken has established sector, product and outlet profitability. The project is ongoing.
Engineering
Profile: After initial financial restructuring Prompt Interim is helping the senior management team to focus the business on the government sector, due to economic down turn in traditional markets.
A few of the assignments we have undertaken during December and November 2008.
Property Developer
Profile: Carry out in depth feasibility of rental stream compared to discount selling for large scale residential and commercial property development The review also evaluated deferred ownership payment schemes, to speed up repayment of senior bank debt.
Hotel & Leisure
Profile: Struggling hotel / Inn asked Prompt Interim to review options to improve both cash flow and profitability in these difficult trading times. The Management team has taken onboard many of the suggestions and has successfully re negotiated bank funding.
Retail
Profile: Retail business selling quality appliances to domestic home sector, asked Prompt Interim to look at how the business could be structured to improve sales and cash flow. Initial proposal included leveraging off a leading brand to develop awareness in Devon’s refurbishment house market, combined with revised supplier terms.
A few of the assignments we have undertaken during October 2008.
Engineering
Profile: Engineering Business needed to urgently refinance due to changes in sales and customer profile. Prompt Interim carried out sales analytical data, included projected cash flow, P & L and Balance sheet. Worked with the management team to produce a business plan, including a structured approach to organizational and operational changes. The existing bank agreed to increase their facility and a new investor was found to enable the business to continue to trade out of their difficulties.
Online Food Retailer
Profile: We worked with management team ( high profile TV celebrity chef) to create a business strategy, including all aspects of the business economics. Helped team develop on and off line marketing and sales strategy. Business as been successfully launched in Devon and South West London.
Commercial Building Contracting
Profile: Set up supply agreements with key suppliers, to create a cash neutral supply chain. Strategy to enable business to develop and grow in sector undergoing very difficult trading.
