FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH
Foundations for Growth is Firebird’s specialist three-month review process, carefully curated for businesses wanting in-depth analyses of how they are performing and how they can improve – including targeted identification of risks and opportunities; low-hanging fruit and quick wins. The programme also helps determine who the right Non-Executive Director is for your business: this person will then support you, help develop a strategic or exit plan, provide independent advice, and offer a critical challenge.
We start a working relationship with every business we take on by conducting a meticulous review of every aspect of the company. Over the course of the review we benchmark the performance of the business, identifying risks and opportunities. Each member of the Firebird Team has a unique skillset and area of expertise, and we use this specialist knowledge to maximize opportunities, bringing in external experts wherever this will be beneficial.
The twelve elements covered by Foundations are as follows:
MONTH ONE
VALUES, VISION & MISSION
We start by looking at the heart of your business: who are you? What do you believe in? How do you behave? Does your behaviour match your belief system?
FINANCE & M.I.
We consider all aspects of your finance function, including banking, credit control, fx, PCIDSS and more. We also review your Management Information, making key recommendations on what you are – or aren't – producing.
STRUCTURE & SYSTEMS
We review your staffing structure and benchmark its costs, identifying gaps and efficiency improvements. We look at your technology, how you use it, and consider whether it is fit for purpose or could be used better.
REGULATORY
Our expert reviews your position with the CAA, ABTA, IATA and other regulatory bodies. We look at any bonding facilities you have in place or require, and your insurance position, before making recommendations.
MONTH TWO
PRODUCT
How does your product fit into the competitive landscape? How differentiated are you? Does your product meet your market’s needs? How big is your market?
ECOMMERCE
We review all aspects of your online presence, capabilities and performance.
BRAND
It’s time to examine what your brand says to your customers. Does it match your values?
MARKETING
We consider all other aspects of your marketing performance, including benchmarking your ROI.
MONTH THREE
SALES
The customer journey, sales process, sales performance and conversion rates are all reviewed in this stage of the programme.
DATA DIAGNOSTIC
Our expert will conduct a deep dive into your data and your data capabilities.
OPERATIONS & COMMERCIAL
We consider how well you are delivering your customer experience, how you are measuring this and looking for improvement. We also scrutinise commercial considerations, such as costing, pricing, yield management and contracting.
CULTURE
Do you have a high-performance culture? How do you maintain or create one? Is your team motivated and rewarded?
NEXT STEPS
At the end of the three-month process, a NED will be appointed to your business.
Together you will then commence next steps, involving:
The creation of a strategic review and plan
Ongoing involvement with the NED
And/or exit planning
GET IN TOUCH
For an initial consultation to discuss plans for your company, contact Firebird today.
Email: ian@firebirdpartnership.com
stewart@firebirdpartnership.com
Phone: 07736 226118