Services
Devlin Associates take a pragmatic approach to each assignment. Where possible, we prefer to begin new projects by meeting the client to discuss their needs and agree a broad strategy for the project.
As a follow up to this preliminary meeting we will prepare a Terms of Reference (ToR), which will include a clear plan of action, expected outcomes and the proposed fees. Assignments can only commence upon written acceptance of the ToR and agreement on terms and conditions.
Our Services Include:
Market Assessment & Evaluation
We are flexible in the level of support available to individual companies in this area; but typically we will establish market value and volumes with sectoral breakdowns, summarise current trends with predicted forecasts when available, identify sales channel options, and profile leading competitors with information on their product or service offering. For example, for food companies we may collect information on products currently available within the market. This may include the product range with descriptions, SKUs and pack size information, RRP’s, margin information and promotional offers if available.
We will identify potential prospects and produce detailed profiles on each, with links to their websites for further evaluation. This information will be presented in a concise reports that will allow our clients evaluate market attractiveness and assess the potential for sustainable & profitable sales.
If necessary, the business will provide direct sales support for companies interested in generating export sales in either the G.B. or the Republic of Ireland.
Direct Sales & Market Development Services
Where the market assessment and evaluation exercises have identified genuine opportunities for profitable sales we will work with client companies to formalise a sales strategy. We will then shortlist prospects by sector or product category.
In preparation for sales development activities, we will work with our clients to produce sales support materials before approaching prospective customers. Sales approaches will take place in a structured manner in an agreed timeline with the aim of opening and securing new customers.
Clients will receive weekly updates on how the prospecting activity is moving forward. At the end of the assignment clients will also receive a spreadsheet that summaries each company approached, the outputs from each business targeted to ensure they have a clear record of the outcomes from the prospecting activity.
The assignment will conclude with a final meeting to discuss project outcomes; and consider recommendations on how best to optimise the relationships that have been established.
Depending on client needs, Devlin Associates can maintain ongoing contact with new customers, co-ordinate order placement and act as the point of contact to address issues relating to product development and specification, labelling & regulations, distribution etc.
In recent years he has completed several sales development assignments through Invest NI’s Interim Manager Programme together with InterTradeIreland’s `Trade Export Pathway` and `Acumen` Programmes.
Strategic Business Reviews & Growth Action Plans
Each strategic business review will be tailored to the needs of the client but typically will involve a detailed analysis of the current business position in terms of Products, Markets, Customers, Production Capacity, HR Requirements, Sales & Marketing activities and so on. The exercise will also review the core business functions to identify barriers for growth.
It will conclude with the production of a Strategic Action Plan that sets out realistic goals for the years ahead. It will be produced in deck format, clearly summarising the sales strategies and day-to-day actions that need to be implemented if the business is to achieve its objectives.
Finally, to help ongoing monitoring the plan will contain pre-agreed KPIs and list roles and responsibilities against key team members to ensure greater accountability and fairness in achieving business goals.
Sales Organisation Restructuring
Many sales operations grow organically over time and can become ineffective if not well managed. Typically we will meet with both Management and the sales team to discuss current practices and perceptions therein of current trends and market performance going forward.
We will carry out a detailed analysis of sales by market, customer type and geographical territory to establish performance gaps. On completion of the Sales Audit we will summarise the strengths and weaknesses of the existing sales operation together with the opportunities and threats facing the business going forward.
We will work with the person with overall responsibility to develop a Sales Plan for future growth. The Sales Plan will involve setting sales targets, agreeing sales strategies and allocating roles and responsibilities to individual personnel. We will also review and establish procedures for effective sales management based on agreed Key Performance Indicators.
Strategic Marketing Planning
We have considerable experience in supporting businesses as they develop Strategic Marketing plans. We will show clients how to build on their strengths and maximise the opportunities that exist within the marketplace.
This is a practical service that encourages businesses to develop cost efficient and effective Marketing action plans. Our aim is to ensure businesses invest their Marketing Budget in activities that deliver the right communication to sectors that offer the greatest return while limiting waste in terms of promotional spend.
We offer a signposting service for clients who require the services of Graphic and Web designers, specialists in areas such as SEO, developing Social Media campaigns, PR & Video Production, Tele-marketing, through to Printing and sourcing POS materials.
Business Mentoring
Our business mentoring services are targeted at business owners who require access to a confidential and independent sounding board. The service allows clients to discuss current issues or problems, evaluate the options available to them and when required, help develop and implement short term action plans that will resolve the issues in question.
Preparation of Feasibility Studies, Business Plans and Funding Applications
We are highly experienced in the researching, preparation and the writing of business plans and feasibility studies. We regularly work with clients in the completion of grant applications through various government enterprise agencies
If you would like to discuss any of the services, please contact us on Tel. 0044 7712 653900 . Alternatively, email us or complete our enquiry form.