We first met our coach Stuart Johnson when he was introduced to us to the Government Growth Accelerator program in October 2014. We had previously worked with a consultant, which wasn’t a success, but decided to have another go as funding was available and we weren’t making progress on our own.
Initially we signed up for 3 months in order to put a three year plan together for the business, and also to find out whether we could work together and achieve our goals. During this time we were able to clearly define our Vision and Mission for Penmann, and also work towards an option to exit in 5/6 years’ time.
Investment in capital budgets in the Food and Drink industry for new equipment had been scarce from 2012 to 2014 but because of Stuart’s help, knowledge, and enthusiasm, we decided to continue working with him as our coach to make sure we delivered our agreed plan. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions that we have ever made.
Initially progress was slow as we set about getting regular financial information, surveying our customer base, and carrying out in depth analysis on why customers bought from us. We developed a new website aimed at our core target markets and put a new sales process in place to develop new and existing business. We also found attending the quarterly planning days essential to enable us to focus on our key priorities.
I am pleased to say that at the end of our last financial year in September, our turnover had increased by 33%, profits by 161%, and our average order value was up by 24%. This is the best result in the company’s history since it was started by our father in 1975.
We have ambitious plans for this year and lots more to do, and with the help of Stuart and ActionCOACH we are confident that we will have a great future.
