Many companies are focussing on short term issues, like cash flow, but have no clear idea how their business is going to develop in a longer time frame. Cash may be king right now, but without a focus on the future, local businesses could end up going around in circles, never getting to where they want to be... successful!

Strategising is much more than just visioning, forecasting and planning. In the new, rapidly changing economy, all issues of strategy have been redefined as issues of implementation. Today, strategising is concerned with the match between the internal capabilities of the company and its external market forces.

Will Abbott explains “Over the past few years we’ve seen a lot of local business owners struggling with business on a day-to-day level and not having the time or space to think of the long term and develop an overview of where the company is going.

I ask directors and owners to try this simple exercise: take a sheet of paper and at the bottom, write a brief account of where the business is now. Then at the top, write where you want the business to be in 5 or 10 years time. Next, in-between the two, write what you need to do and when you need to do it in order to get from the bottom of the page to the top. Many people struggle to see where their business will be in 5 years, let alone work out how to get there - which is where we come in. We’re able to help them see through this ‘short term’ fog and ensure they are making the right decisions now, to deliver the future they want. We work with them in an advisory capacity, highlighting opportunities, identifying the customers they want to work with, understanding their problems, and developing the solutions they need. Once these key areas are identified we also help them to implement the actions required.”

A good business strategy defines the direction and scope of a company over the long-term, and will advance the company’s resources and meet market needs.

To find out more contact Will Abbott at Randall & Payne, Gloucester on 01452 723377