A Five-Year Strategy to Double the Business
Client: Leading Design Firm
Challenge
One of Europe’s largest integrated design firms asked us to assist in the development of their five-year strategic plan. They required a clear vision and strategy with a high level of commitment to delivering it across their partnership structure.
Approach
INTERNAL REVIEW: An interview programme covering the leadership teams across the full range of professions and every UK office to gain a detailed understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and strategic issue and opportunity areas. The process was critical in establishing a buy-in foundation for project outcomes.
EXTERNAL REVIEW: A broad review of the UK and international marketplace examining client sector and market attractiveness, competitor strategy, growth potential and market risk. Deep dive analysis of market potential and risks in key potential development markets including USA, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.
SITUATION ASSESSMENT: A comprehensive review of strategic issue and opportunity areas and hypothesis for strategy development.
WORKSHOPS: Facilitated senior management workshops to review our situation assessment and develop and agree a clear five-year vision and a refined value proposition.
CORPORATE BRAND FRAMEWORK: Development of a clear brand framework, building on the agreed value proposition.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Development of a detailed five-year growth plan with a simple one-page summary and ten clear strategic imperatives to drive the growth plan.
Outcome
A clear five-year strategy simply and powerfully articulated
The five-year revenue target was successfully achieved within three years
The firm was later acquired by a Japanese giant and maintained as a stand-alone subsidiary with its own brand. forward thinking inc worked closely with the Executive Board to assist with communications during the deal process
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"forward thinking inc helped us develop our five-year vision and plan. The process was a huge success, with a true sense of dynamism, energy and achievement. This was largely due to the direct, organised, personable and pragmatic approach taken by their team."
CEO
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"The plans which we hatched together all worked really well. Many thanks for your excellent advice and assistance which has been greatly appreciated."
Chairman