Practical 'Been There' Knowledge
Having met with Barclay Thompson of Clear, he offered the best mix of ‘proper’ theory-led business advice with practical ‘been-there’ knowledge.And, most importantly he listened to what I was saying about our companies rather than trying to impose pre-formed judgements.
Michael Smith, Managing Director of Cog Design Ltd.
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| 2 | BUSINESS PLANwe provide clear, practical and achievable strategies to add value to your business. |
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success stories
HOW CLEAR HAS HELPED REAL BUSINESSES
COG DESIGN LIMITEDDesign for print & web specialising in the Arts Sector
"I’ve always been very wary of business advice. I’d run our business for sixteen years and I’m pretty sceptical about quick-fix consultants; I suppose I subscribe to the ‘…those that can’t, teach’ doctrine. But in early 2007 we made the decision to expand our business and we shopped around for advisors who could help us achieve our ambitions.
"I’ve always been very wary of business advice. I’d run our business for sixteen years and I’m pretty sceptical about quick-fix consultants; I suppose I subscribe to the ‘…those that can’t, teach’ doctrine. But in early 2007 we made the decision to expand our business and we shopped around for advisors who could help us achieve our ambitions.
I met with a few consultants and it was obvious that Clear offered the service that we needed. Barclay Thompson, has a great mix of ‘proper’ theory-led business advice and practical ‘been-there’ knowledge. Most importantly he listened to what I was saying about our companies rather than trying to impose pre-formed judgements.
Clear put together a simple package of client and staff interviews, research and practical meetings with our Management team. Within a few weeks we’d worked together and created a solid plan, based on sound research and real feedback.
Clear worked with us through the whole process, listening, adapting and putting forward robust arguments where they were needed. It always felt like we were working with them and they were giving us what we needed, not just what we asked for.
Now we’re into stage two and we’re working through each stage of a practical implementation plan. Clear are always on hand, offering support and answering our questions.
We’re very much looking forward to a continuing relationship as we grow ever more successful, with their ongoing help and advice.”
Michael Smith, Cog Design Limited
www.cogdesign.com
Michael Smith, Cog Design Limited
www.cogdesign.com
Cutting edge interactive online film producers
Barclay Thompson of Clear Business Development has been working with the South London based Internet film company, Fourth Passenger, to help the company formulate its growth strategy aimed at gaining an edge in the new but rapidly increasing online market.
Barclay Thompson of Clear Business Development has been working with the South London based Internet film company, Fourth Passenger, to help the company formulate its growth strategy aimed at gaining an edge in the new but rapidly increasing online market.
Fourth Passenger Limited, www.4puk.com has just finished working on ‘Sofia’s diary’ the first made for internet teen series to cross over to television in the UK.
The project was line produced by Fourth Passenger for Sony Television Europe, beActive and Campbell Ryan Productions and is now been tipped for an immediate re-commission for Season Two.
The show can be seen at www.bebo.com/sofiasdiary or on Fiver Sky 182 or Freeview 36.
Producer and MD of Fourth Passenger says: “Barclay Thompson was also essential in dealing with the future of Fourth Passenger Limited, as he assisted us in negotiating our next deal with a well known English studio for our first entirely original, internally developed series, Block X. We met him just at the right time and look forward to continuing the collaboration in the long term.”
Software development and services provider
Clear undertook a systematic business review in which we evaluated the company’s product range, marketing and customer relationships, and management structure.
During the course of the review we interviewed their staff, customers and partners, as well as taking account of the CEO’s objectives for the company.
Clear undertook a systematic business review in which we evaluated the company’s product range, marketing and customer relationships, and management structure. During the course of the review we interviewed their staff, customers and partners, as well as taking account of the CEO’s objectives for the company. Clear undertook a systematic business review in which we evaluated the company’s product range, marketing and customer relationships, and management structure.
During the course of the review we interviewed their staff, customers and partners, as well as taking account of the CEO’s objectives for the company.
The subsequent report provided the company with very clear, practical and achievable strategies for rationalising its structure, repositioning its offer, and growing the business.
Sapphire has subsequently repositioned as software solutions company with offshore capability, leveraging its database and software development expertise.
Clear continues to be involved in advising the company and have recently managed a re-branding workshop for them.
Sapphire has recently taken on some major new accounts, including a national online betting business and other software development companies without offshore capacity.
A new store selling new, second hand and vintage rock music instruments and accessories along with a set-up and repair service.
Steven came to Clear for advice early in 2006 when he had the idea of leaving his job at Brighton’s Guitar, Amp & Keyboard Centre, to return to his native Tesside and open a music shop there.
Clear worked with Steven throughout 2006 and produced a detailed Business Plan and Marketing Plan, which not only provided him with a road map for developing the business but also helped him procure grants from the local council.
The marketing plan which included strategies for linking with the vibrant local music scene and effective PR based on Steven’s experiences in the successful ‘80’s band Dogs D’Amour (top ten hit ‘Satelite Kid’) has helped the shop get rapid local recognition.
The shop opened in November 2006 and is trading profitably. Expansion plans are underway for additional floors to be opened selling drum kits and online retailing will be added to the business in late 2007.
The marketing plan which included strategies for linking with the vibrant local music scene and effective PR based on Steven’s experiences in the successful ‘80’s band Dogs D’Amour (top ten hit ‘Satelite Kid’) has helped the shop get rapid local recognition.
The shop opened in November 2006 and is trading profitably. Expansion plans are underway for additional floors to be opened selling drum kits and online retailing will be added to the business in late 2007.
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