How do successful companies make the leap from start-up to SME?

For Knowledge Management Inc and managing director Andy Hill, the challenge was to create a civilised workplace built on motivation and teamwork. In Andy's own words, "I'd built a brand, but not a company".

With the assistance of Inventory Matters, KMI was able to critically analyse its business processes and develop a long range plan for sustained growth.

"Initially, Inventory Matters (IM) were assigned the task of examining the internal business processes within KMI and making recommendations on changes. This work was done speedily and with a high level of insight into KMI and its workings. The conclusions drawn from this initial piece of work were significant and meaningful changes were instigated.

In a second phase, IM initiated and then montiored various operational and strategic projects within KMI which were designed to instill increased operational efficiency into the internal business processes and also to teach the staff within KMI how to manage projects in a professional and effective manner. Not only were the processes streamlined and therefore much improved but the staff education that took place in this process has yielded the significant benefit of more empowered and more confident staff who can now initiate and execute thier own, at times complex, projects with much less external help.

The methodology pursued by IM is rigorous and brings many years of experience in various industries to bear. The personality and style of the IM team has been well received internally and created a supportive atmosphere for internal teams to implement effective change within the organisation - firstly with IM and then independently."

Herbie Dayal, Chairman, KMI

[Consultants: Geoff Relph, Dan Quinn and Liz Salter]

Hozelock: Winner of Manufacturer of the Year Award 2009

Improving service levels to customers and improving the seasonal planning process - an example from the demanding DIY retail sector.

Managing The Leap: Building a Brand Into a Company - KMI King of Shaves

How do successful companies make the leap from start-up to SME?

Detailed business process analysis of the planning, manufacturing and warehouse operations.

The project took a critical look at inventory at a key point in the final assembly process of a major automotive sub-assembly.

The project developed new business processes and improvements in raw material logistics.