Welcome to Stonebeck

Water over stonesStonebeck helps companies grow - performance, profits and people.

  • "(Stonebeck) has been a huge asset to a key strategic initiative for John Lewis. His combination of analytical driven insight and sound commercial experience has helped us develop a clear strategy for a potentially game-changing initiative. I particularly value the way he has coached and supported our internal project team - generating a legacy of skills and capability beyond the initial remit of the project. We continue to use Charles's counsel and advice as we move towards the implementation of this project."
    -Sharon Flood, Finance Director, John Lewis
  • "Thank you for your excellent leadership, and the support you have given to Whitbread over the last 8 months. We remain on track to beat our budget savings this year, and have also improved our people, processes and procedures as a result of your input."
    -Mark Anderson, Commercial Director, Whitbread
  • "(Stonebeck) provided us with a strategy consultant that not only had extensive experience in our sector but also acquired in-depth knowledge on our organisation in a rapid and astute manner. By supporting us in developing our long-term plans, he is helping to bring insight and perspective for our future."
    -Janine Eccles, Chief Business Development Officer, Chalhoub Group
  • "Stonebeck integrated quickly with our team, process and culture and brought practical expertise to bear on a new initiative. We have been able to progress faster and more effectively with Stonebeck help and they are ensuring that knowledge is transferred to us as we go. They are a pleasure to work with and I would say that their involvement with us to drive the project was not just important but essential."
    -Mike Jackson, Head of Retail Implementation, John Lewis Department Stores
  • "(Stonebeck) has worked with us at both a strategic and tactical level, helping us with how we package, sell and deliver our key solutions. He spearheaded key new initiatives into the market, engaging directly with our clients as well as coaching our consultants to be able to take these on more effectively themselves. David has always worked with us like a member of the team, prepared to go that extra mile when we needed it. His experience and expertise has been invaluable."
    -James House, CEO, 5one Marketing Limited

 

What we offer:

  • Creativity in finding new opportunities and smarter ways to deliver them
  • Injection of new expertise and momentum, which precisely fits your needs, when you need it
  • Ability to work seamlessly, and transfer new skills and mindset 'on-the-job'
  • Assurance that objectives will reach the bottom-line

How we are different:

  • We each have over 20 years of both industry and consulting experience
  • Our people are hands-on and commercial, not report-writers
  • You get the person you see, not a leveraged team of inexperienced people

Latest blog entries

  • What is Business Change Management?

    In today’s competitive environment, there’s not a single business which can afford to stay still. Change has become crucial to survival. Business change management is an important skill which ensures that ... Read more...

  • Writing a Business Growth Plan

    Writing a business growth plan is similar to producing a straight business plan, but with the specific focus on expansion, and how that is going to be achieved. Producing this document ... Read more...

  • What is Business Strategy Consulting?

    Business strategy consultants are professionals who implement change within business organisations in order to make them more competitive. They are normally hired when owners of established businesses have already tried ... Read more...

  • Managing Change for Employees

    From time to time, change is necessary in all companies. Sometimes the need for change is created by exterior forces such as the economy, whereas other times it may just ... Read more...
If you are running a business, you will understand that there is a lot more you can do to make it even more successful. However, the problem may be that you are too busy with the day to day running of your company, and you are worried that, far from making sure that the business expands, you feel there may be a chance that the company will run into trouble if you do not get a grip of its management.

If this is the case, this is where Stonebeck come in. They are experts in Business strategy consulting and have built a great reputation for advising on the best business growth plan to suit you and your company. While they are ready and waiting to help you draw up a business growth plan, it's worth taking a look at the business yourself. Try and stand back and analyse the many pitfalls which could lead to your business failing. Once you have done this, you may feel you need expert advice to ensure you do not go down this route; therefore you should consider the Business change management solutions offered by Stonebeck.

However, you may not have the time to carry out a full assessment of your business. This is understandable, and is the reason why many people in your position call in the professionals at Stonebeck for advice on a business growth plan and other aspects of business strategy consulting.
But let's assume you do have the time to look at your business.

First of all, are you trying to run before you can walk? The desire to be the first to hit the market with a new product, taking on added overheads, and the need to demonstrate revenue growth to investors can all lead businesses to overextend financially; if you recognise yourself from this description, then perhaps it is time to hire the business strategy consulting experts.

To prevent over-expenditure, you should start with realistic goals and allow yourself to grow as needs dictate. Let your revenue, and not over optimistic projections, dictate your practices.

The second thing to do is analyse the businesses which have failed and you'll most likely find that many of them gathered too much debt. Make sure to pay attention to your finances and keep careful records of all incoming and outgoing finances. Even if everything's looking great today, trouble can still be right around the corner. Once again, if this sounds like you, the experts at Stonebeck will be able to help. There is a good reason why they are acknowledged experts when it comes to business strategy consulting.
Many new businesses spend their capital before cash has begun to flow in at a positive rate. This often happens because of misconception about how a business operates. If you're just starting out in business, make sure to get in touch with people who are experienced in business so you can learn from them.

Another aspect to consider is the evolution of business. It's not unusual to see a once mighty conglomerate fail while new, young companies rise to prominence. The ability to recognize opportunities and be flexible enough to adapt to changing times is a key ingredient to surviving and even prospering in the toughest business climate. Therefore, learn how to wear multiple hats and to generate new interests and areas of expertise.

Ineffective marketing and self-promotion is one of the reasons why many businesses fail. Customers cannot walk through your front door if they don't know you are there, so look at cost effective ways to advertise and promote your business through such tried-and-true methods as direct mail, ads in local newspapers, websites, blogs, or even by sponsoring a local football team. The number of advertising and promotional ideas that exist is only limited by your own creativity.

Once you have looked at all of these areas, you will be in a better position to be able to assess whether you need expert help from one of the leading management consultants in London. It does not matter where your business is located, Stonebeck will be able to help you make the most out of your employees and ensure that you are going in the right direction. Remember, they have built a great reputation as business turnaround specialists, so if you think your company needs this, get in touch and they will be happy to help.