Case Studies

A small manufacturing company came to us with issues involving poor company culture, and succession – the owner was keen to step back from the business. With a turnover of $2.5 million in sales with a 15% Earnings Before Interest and Tax, from a financial standpoint, the company was doing well. But staff morale was low, and the owner saw no possibility where he would be able to reduce his involvement in the business.

After a thorough review it was clear that the opportunity for succession was not possible at the time and there were significant company culture issues present. The key issues identified were:

• Significant micromanagement to maintain efficiency, quality, and service levels.
• Low staff morale.
• An extreme reliance on the owner who as a result had a very poor work/life balance.
• Underutilised systems.
• Lacking human resource processes.

Over a 2-year period we worked with this company to address the need for human resource processes, structures, and staff development that were required to overturn a poor company culture and too much reliance on the owner. We supported the company to:

• Define and source a General Manager.
• Determine a reporting structure with the General Manager.
• Establish human resource processes.
• Provide training.
• Set up training processes and procedures to ensure skill fit with role and upskilling as required.
• Establish training reviews and retraining, and processes for non-conformance.
• Determine and initiate human resource engagement and recognition tools.

As a result of our work, there were significant improvements:

• Heightened quality, efficiency, and throughput across the business.
• Less support from the owner required who has mostly stepped back from the business.
• Staff morale substantially increased, and the company culture is much improved.

Having the support of Gibsons provided the focus and expertise to work through the solutions needed. Often this can be difficult when you are too close to the problem, or do not even see all the issues in place.

The benefit of having a Gibsons Consultant support your business is having an expert with extensive, hands-on business experience. Not an academic or theorist, but a realist who can provide practical advice and assistance that will deliver increased productivity, greater efficiency, and improved profitability to your business. Find out more about the services we offer and how we can help you reach your business goals.