WHEN a company looks in danger of getting stuck in a rut, it could be time to shake things up.
Peter Guy, Young Enterprise operations director, says: “There are times in the growth and development of any company when you have to make changes that could ultimately make or break the business. Young Enterprise companies should cast a critical eye over their performance and consider how they can improve, what they could do differently, and what they have learnt so far.”
A mid-year review can be a useful forum for suggestions, and a chance to re-elect certain posts within the business.
Avian Enterprise of Hymers College, Hull, conducted a mid-year review last year. Sean Scott, managing director, says: “We used this as an opportunity to improve management by appointing a senior management team to take responsibility for key decisions.”
But there is no point in making change for the sake of it. Will Powell, managing director of Consummate Computer Services, at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, says: “Although we didn’t make any changes to the board members or their roles, we used the review to alter the structure slightly and distribute the work more efficiently within the company.”
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It is important not to fight shy of making big changes. Mikesh Vora, managing director of X-Pression at Manchester Grammar School, had to make some tough decisions. He says: “Two directors had to be dismissed following a ballot after they failed to comply with written warnings.”
Members of X-Pression were so pleased with the positive impact the shake-up had on the business that they decided to hold regular reviews. They found that teamwork and communication improved each time.