Category

Growth Planning

A successful franchising idea is one that can be delivered as a cookie cutter model

Looking for high growth within your domestic market? Franchising provides a low-investment way ahead, says Ernst &Young's Dan Murphy. But remember, a successful franchising idea is one that can be delivered as a cookie cutter model - one that is easily packaged and replicated. Potential franchisees need to know what they are buying and quickly learn how to make it work.

Growth Planning

Growth Planning

Financing growth and acquiring debt

Debt finance is relatively cheap and readily available to fund growth. But a recent surge in debt trading could put your equity at risk from acquisitive hedge funds if you fail to meet the targets and covenants agreed with your bankers.

Growth Planning

Business expansion challenges – To buy or not to buy

Simon Rogan is in the enviable position of having founded and grown his company, Sirocom, without ever having to seek external financing. However, relying on its own resources is a limiting factor for growth, so the group is facing the dilemma of whether or not to seek external financing to expand more rapidly.

Growth Planning

The Golden Rules of company acquisitions

Many company acquisitions fail to deliver their anticipated benefits owing to poor post-deal implementation, lack of planning or shoddy due diligence. Follow the golden rules and your chances of a positive outcome should be greatly increased.

Growth Planning

Why are so many overseas companies relocating to Scotland?

Scotland has moved beyond its traditional mining and engineering strengths to become a 21st-century haven for high-tech firms in cutting-edge sectors. So, what has attracted so many companies from other countries to expand or relocate there?

Growth Planning

China: the waking giant

China offers vast potential for UK companies considering expansion overseas – a massive consumer market, enormous manufacturing capability and economic growth forecast at over nine per cent for a decade ahead. And although expert guidance is still advisable, the country has shrugged off most of the bureaucratic, legal and cultural obstacles that previously barred the way.

Growth Planning

China: Know your market

It is often said that you can't do business in China 'by remote'. China is a market where it is absolutely vital to have people on the ground, representing your interests. Business is always done face to face, because in the Chinese culture trust is the foundation of all business relationships and you can only trust someone if you get to know them personally.

Growth Planning

Advice from the champions of company growth

This year's Growth Company Awards gave industry accolades and national recognition to the cream of the crop in the UK's enterprise market. GrowthBusiness uncovers the secret to their winning ways – the pearls of wisdom they offer entrepreneurs.

Growth Planning

China: Know your market

It is often said that you can't do business in China 'by remote'. China is a market where it is absolutely vital to have people on the ground, representing your interests. Business is always done face to face, because in the Chinese culture trust is the foundation of all business relationships and you can only trust someone if you get to know them personally.

Growth Planning

Advice from the champions of company growth

This year's Growth Company Awards gave industry accolades and national recognition to the cream of the crop in the UK's enterprise market. GrowthBusiness uncovers the secret to their winning ways – the pearls of wisdom they offer entrepreneurs.

Growth Planning

When acquisitions don’t deliver – Going for broke

Acquisitions that fail to meet expectations and deliver value can easily topple previously stable businesses. So what typically turns a potential success story into another sorry statistic? GrowthBusiness finds out.

Growth Planning

Barriers to expansion

One might think that the confidence, even arrogance, of the British in the pervasive nature of our mother tongue would successfully see us through the maze of overseas expansion. In fact, in the minds of many of the UK’s exporters there are no barriers. However, because of Britain’s long-standing unwillingness to communicate in foreign languages we may be offending some clients and possibly ignoring others.

Growth Planning

How to win public sector contracts

Winning a contract to supply central or local government can be a great way to grow your business and enhance your reputation. But be warned: it's a lot easier said than done.

Growth Planning

Second Stage Growth Companies – A Case Study

While the start-up phase of a company’s life can be make or break, the next step in the evolution of a growing business can be even tougher.