Annandale Design (UK) Ltd

Annandale Design (UK) Ltd, established in 1992, has built a solid reputation for manufacturing and installing architectural metalwork and secondary steelwork.

With a team of 28 skilled employees, the company specialises in a range of products including industrial stairs, ladders, walkways, and bespoke fabrications.

Under the leadership of Director Graeme Frew, Annandale Design has consistently delivered high-quality solutions to its clients.

Background

Recognising the need to manage its recovery post-COVID, Annandale Design sought to enhance its strategic framework and build a stronger management team. To achieve these goals, the company turned to East Ayrshire Council’s GoStrategy initiative for professional consultancy support.

Initial consultancy engagement

Under the initial GoStrategy consultancy, Annandale Design experienced substantial benefits.

The consultancy focused on a thorough review of the company’s financial performance, identifying areas of underperformance, and implementing a robust “Pricing Tool” which significantly improved profit margins.

Regular financial performance review meetings were established, ensuring ongoing monitoring and adjustment of financial strategies.

Director’s insight

Graeme Frew, the Director of Annandale Design, reflected on the initial consultancy, stating:

“The introduction of the Pricing Tool and regular financial review meetings have been key for us. We’ve seen a significant increase in our profit performance, and our management team is now more engaged and informed.”

Need for continued support

Building on these successes, Annandale Design identified several new initiatives requiring further professional consultancy support through the GoStrategy programme. These initiatives aimed to strengthen the management team, enhance strategic decision-making, and ensure sustainable growth.

The new GoStrategy work encompassed a comprehensive set of objectives including:

• the development of a strategic plan for medium-term succession
• the creation of a new financial model to consider company valuation, tax implications, and funding structures
• a leadership development plan to consider promoting existing management team members to director positions

Strategic outcomes

Over a 12 month period, the consultancy delivered long-term, wide-ranging support focusing on establishing financial and production performance targets, introducing a system to measure productivity and efficiency against pricing and profit contribution, and facilitating regular management meetings to measure performance against targets and share results with the workforce.

Impact on the company

Graeme Frew noted the positive impact of the consultancy:

“The strategic support we’ve received through the GoStrategy initiative has been instrumental in our company’s evolution.

From financial modelling to succession planning and enhancing our online presence, we’ve laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and future success.”

Conclusion

Annandale Design’s collaboration with the GoStrategy consultancy has not only addressed immediate challenges but also positioned the company for long-term success.

Through strategic planning, financial modelling, and leadership development, Annandale Design continues to thrive and adapt in a competitive market, ensuring its legacy and growth for years to come.