As the sole UK distributor of the infrared Speedheater System, IR Pro Systems have introduced an extremely effective product into the UK market. The Speedheater removes paint and varnish from various surfaces using infrared technology, and is one of the only safe methods by which lead-based paint can be removed due to the fact that the temperature does not rise above the critical point when lead fumes become an issue.

The challenge

Having met Andy through my own experience of the infrared Speedheater System, Andy and I began to chat about his business. I discovered that Andy was currently looking to grow and develop the business through increased sales, having started the business in 2006.

The solution

I met with Andy to explore the ways in which he might go about developing IR Pro Systems.  Together we explored the markets he was currently targeting, along with other potential markets that the infrared Speedheater System would be appropriate for. We then discussed his vision for the business and clarified the goals he would like to achieve. By conducting an analysis of IR Pro Systems, we were also able to identify areas that had the potential to be developed, which would then facilitate increased sales.

Subsequent to our meeting, I produced a report for Andy detailing the findings of our meeting, providing further insight as appropriate, and creating a road map outling the strategy by which Andy might be able to achieve his goals.

Services provided: Business Vision & Business Analysis

Having completed work for companies such as Marks and Spencer, Hitachi, Massey Ferguson and Asics, Smallfry continue to build on the successful foundation established over 30 years ago.

The challenge

Smallfry approached me due to the fact that, although they had a Google AdWords campaign set up and running, Steve felt that they could be making better use of it and enlisted my services to do help them do this.

The solution

By expanding Smallfry’s exisiting AdWords campaign to better mirror their full range of services, we have ensured that this form of marketing has become targeted and specific, reaching a wider range of customers through a more exhaustive set of search terms. This has also served to increase the cost-effectiveness of the campaign, as well as qualifying prospective customers more effectively.

Since then…

I continue to manage Smallfry’s AdWords campaign for them on an ongoing basis to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Once the campaign had been running several months, Matt Stocker Ltd also advised on potential areas of development for Smallfry’s website and produced a report detailing the market intelligence that Google Analytics and their AdWords results provided about their potential customers and the ways that they were using their website. This has provided Smallfry with insights that will allow them to develop their website more effectively.

Services provided: Business Analysis & Practical Support

Over the years, Catalyst have helped build teams within American Express, Barclays, Cadbury Schweppes, Chanel and Honda, to name but a few.

The challenge

At the beginning of this year, Catalyst were looking to broaden their use of the marketing mix and continue to reach potential customers in a cost effective way. I was introduced to John to help them explore the potential of using Google AdWords to do this.

The solution

My first project for Catalyst was the creation of a Google AdWords campaign. Teambuilding and many of the associated search keywords are an incredibly competitive and at times expensive market, so we had to be creative.

By thinking about the different market segments that Catalyst could target, along with the types of situations that teambuilding might be appropriate for, we have been able to create a cost-effective AdWords campaign that fits their budget, whilst still serving as an effective marketing tool.

Since then…

I continue to manage Catalyst’s AdWords campaign for them on an ongoing basis to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

I have also provided support and advice as and when required, most recently concerning the development of their website and the acquisition of domain names.

Services provided: Practical Support

The challenge

Although Xorand are a successful business with many happy customers, due to the technical nature of their services, potential customers often have little prior knowledge or experience about the existence of such services. This can obviously prove challenging when trying to increase sales.

Having met Ian through one of my previous positions of employment, he felt happy for me to work with him to explore how he might grow and develop his business.

The solution

Together, Ian and I explored his vision for the business, leading to clarification of the business proposition. Having done this, we then considered different ways of positioning Xorand that may give potential customers a better understanding of the services they offer and the benefits they can bring to a business.

Services provided: Business Vision & Business Analysis

John plays regularly in various venues within the West Midlands and is popular within the acoustic music scene. He has also worked as a session singer for London Community Gospel Choir and dB Studios, Lincoln, with Dan Bowater.

The challenge

As a talented singer/songwriter, John obviously loves to create songs that others enjoy listening to. However, he faces the same challenge that many artists face – how do I record my music and make myself known? John approached me because he was looking to record an album and create a financially sustainable career for himself as a musician.

The solution

Together, John and I have been working to create a vision for what John would like to achieve as a musician. Having envisioned this future, we are now working to create a road map for how he can achieve this.

I continue to work with John in a mentoring and advisory capacity to help him achieve the goals he has set for himself and to provide the specialist business knowledge he needs at this time.

Services provided: Business Vision, Business Analysis & Road Mapping

By allowing consumers to search online, compare reviews, prices and availability for local garages, and then book directly with the garage of their choice, Service Booker have taken the hassle and uncertainty out of trying to find a garage to service your car.

The challenge

As a new business, Service Booker faces many of the challenges common to start-up businesses. Dan approached Matt Stocker Ltd in the early days of launching Service Booker with a request for strategy and marketing support to ensure that the launch of Service Booker went smoothly and successfully.

The solution

Since February of this year, I have worked with both Dan and Chris to clarify and further develop their business strategy for Service Booker and to ensure that their online application meets the needs of their consumers. I also created a short-term marketing plan for Service Booker, clearly laid out in a calendar format, to ensure that they had a practical plan of action utilising a range of tools across the marketing mix.

At present, I continue to work with Dan and Chris on a flexible basis, providing advice and support as and when they feel they need it.

Services provided: Business Analysis & Road Mapping

The challenge

Having developed an effective back-end software system, Growing Insight wanted to further develop this system to target specialist areas. When I met Carsten at a Warwick Business School networking event, he felt that my services would enable Growing Insight to work out the best way to do this.

The solution

Together with Carsten and his business partner, Tony Dalton, we explored the specialist areas they were considering and realised that the two products they were developing were distinct from each other and each would require a different approach.

Through a workshop style meeting, we were together able to outline the type of approach needed for each and to consider the route by which these products could be introduced into the market. We also introduced a longer term perspective, considering the need to continue to develop these products and to develop an appropriate marketing plan for each.

As a follow-up to the meeting, I provided a report for Growing Insight, furthering the ideas we had begun and ensuring that Carsten and Tony had a complete working document with which to take their product development forwards.

Services provided: Business Analysis & Road Mapping

The challenge

Although Warwick Music is a mature, stable and successful business, Steve felt that it had further potential and approached me for support in growing and developing the business further.

The solution

Having worked with Steve to analyse the current reality within the business, we decided that the most profitable way to grow the business would be to increase sales through Warwick Music’s website. Subsequently, I went away and produced a marketing strategy document for Steve, including a one year marketing plan outlining actions across the marketing mix, designed to target sales through the website.

Since then, I have worked with Steve on a flexible basis to provide support in implementing the marketing as required.

Services provided: Business Analysis, Road Mapping & Practical Support

The business was set up by Jan in 2002 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.  Jan’s beautiful textiles are incredibly popular and are stocked by many of the leading stores such as Harrods, Selfridges & Co, and Liberty, John Lewis, Fenwicks, Fortnum and Mason, and the British Museum.

What began as a personal passion to create items that would bring joy to others has become a growing and successful Collection, popular with both trade stockists and consumers alike.

The challenge

Obviously, a business that is growing at such speed, and especially a creative business, focused on delivering quality products created using specialist craft skills, faces certain challenges. Having met both Jan and John through my previous employment at Advantage Creative Fund, they felt confident in using my services to meet some of those challenges.

The solution

Since December 2008, I have provided practical support and business analysis to Jan Constantine to ensure that the business’ operations and processes are equipped to support the high levels of growth.

By working collaboratively with Jan Constantine, and in particular, their General Manager, John Eccleston, I am able to ensure that they receive the specialist marketing and operations support they need at this time, without needing to either employ extra staff or seek the assistance of multiple specialists, thereby saving them both time and money.

Services provided: Business Analysis & Practical Support

Since starting the business, Capricorn has completed work for companies such as The Drillhall, Advice UK and Kazakh Gold.

The challenge

As an early stage business, Capricorn continues to develop, as do Dan and Chris as its Directors. Many businesses at this stage face the challenge of continuing to drive the business forwards, having successfully overcome the initial challenge of getting the business up and running.

Having met both Dan and Chris through my previous employment at Advantage Creative Fund, they felt that my services would enable them to meet some of those challenges.

The solution

I have provided business mentoring for both Dan and Chris, and have worked with them to drive their business forward and help them release the potential we all know it has.

By taking a flexible approach and working collaboratively with them, I have been able to provide a creative environment within which Dan and Chris can explore the challenges most pertinent to the moment.

Together, we have clarified their overall company strategy and ensured that their focus is in the right place for the future. This has in turn led to increased confidence within themselves as Directors and has given them the confidence to move forwards with new ideas.

Services provided: Business Vision & Business Analysis

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