Ascent Partners provides a multitude of print related consultancy services such as:
Business strategy and planning – Staying "as is" probably means a business is going backwards. A business plan forces proprietors to think about their business - where you are now, where you want or need to be, and how you can get your business there. It must be realistic and strategic.
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Print Procurement Reviews for Enterprises with internal print departments – There is a vast array of internal print departments and print procurement models. These include the running of an enterprise owned internal printing centre, the integration of corridor copiers / Multi Function Devices, facility management, outsourcing, and print management. New technologies are entering the market place that affect the volumes of print, such as e Readers, the web, digital printing and the use of PDF documents / email campaigns. Couple this with issues of brand management and conflicting agendas of differing Business Units, IT and Marketing and it’s no wonder that it’s difficult, without specific print knowledge, for management to identify how they should best manage print procurement.
It is here that Ascent Partners can help providing independent analysis. For example, in two recent University Reviews, we provided an analysis of the internal print department, surveyed their users, interviewed the Marketing Department, reviewed the use of corridor printers, analysed print procurement procedures by Business Units and students. We subsequently identified areas for improvement, developed different business models, and made recommendations of how to run the business more efficiently and more cost effectively.
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Marketing Audits – We analyse your business marketing effort, look at what you are currently doing and where the gaps may be. Like all our services, these marketing audits have been built specifically around the needs of the print, graphic communications and allied industries.
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Marketing Plans – Most printers are good at printing, but marketing is often neglected to the detriment of the business. We can help you develop a structured marketing plan...and then help you put it into action. Implementing strategic marketing can make a huge difference to your business, and we understand how to leverage this critical business function to your advantage.
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Exit Planning – Every business should aim to be 'exit ready'. In the process of making your business exit ready, you'll focus on what is really important – what is going to drive the value of your business up and make it attractive to potential purchasers or partners? Or, if you are looking at an internal management restructure, who has the qualities needed to take on senior management roles? What do you need to do to prepare for the transition? Your exit plan may also include implementing systems and processes so you can work less in the business, while you pass on the reigns to others.
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Facilitating Mergers and Alliances – Most business owners view this option as too hard, but the truth is that getting together with like-minded businesses can often produce very good results. Consider the efficiencies that could be gained by sharing services, premises, staff and machinery. There is no doubt that mergers and alliances can provide real financial performance benefits and manufacturing efficiencies to proprietors. We help bring the parties together and facilitate the deal.
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Facilitating Monthly Management Meetings – Many businesses lack regular structured management meetings. Without these meetings important issues are discussed in an ad hoc basis, when time permits...or ignored altogether. Sometimes the best laid plans just simply never get actioned. Regular structured meetings focus attention on what needs to be done to achieve goals and ensures everyone is clear on their responsibilities and actions. We can facilitate these meetings directly or remotely, based on a proven structure.
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