OTHER BUSINESS SECTORS
Technological advances and a dynamic global economy drive strategic change in every type of business. Conventional modes of operation are under challenge as competitive boundaries shift within and across business sectors. Mendhurst specialises in making strategic change successful by applying our diverse and worldwide experience to those challenges. We apply practical approaches that tailor change to specific sector and organisation circumstances and help our clients achieve enduring benefits.
Mendhurst’s clients in other business sectors include established companies, new technology ventures and government owned businesses. The descriptions below outline a range of our projects:
Developed and delivered a range of public training programmes and tailored workshops for the New Zealand Institute of Directors over 10 years. Applied principles of business strategy and company governance to current issues for diverse audiences.
Outcome: practical and globally competitive strategic practices, with clarity on how directors can add most value
Developed more strategic planning and management approaches for a privately owned construction company growing into a large national player. Facilitated discussions on future governance and ownership and outlined new director requirements.
Outcome: stronger focus on competitive differentiation, Board succession plan
Helped a large Australia-New Zealand joint venture already dominant in its sector of the logistics industry plan major changes to its business model.
Outcome: practical combination of business-as-usual with a more integrated future service package, harmonisation of disparate shareholder goals
Defined business scope and investment parameters for a large regional tourism operator to apply its historically successful value proposition in changing markets.
Outcome: renewed strategic energy with clear geographical boundaries and focused acquisition criteria
Developed a strategic change programme for the controlling body of a large regulated industry seeking to turn around its long-term decline. Designed new Board and management roles. Shaped key initial change projects. Helped the Executive Chairman lead the initial stages of implementation.
Outcome: change programme blending urgent responses and longer-term initiatives, clear recognition of future technology, finance and skill needs, recruitment of new Chief Executive
Supported growth and development of an information and communications technology enterprise from a niche specialist to a $25m turnover company with a comprehensive service offering:
Developed a practical strategic management and governance framework. Facilitated expansion into overseas markets and resolved shareholder conflicts.
Outcome: clear strategic plan, better risk management, focused and value-adding senior roles, new group structure and ownership
Worked as consultant and director during a period of service development and technical diversification through organic growth and global joint ventures.
Outcome: strong Australasian service offering complemented by a global partnership
Chaired the Board through a severe industry downturn and in the extended absence of the Managing Director. Guided company operations, financial management, management restructuring, merger/acquisition negotiations and capital restructuring.
Outcome: maintenance of technical capability, morale, revenue flows and customer base, then restoration of profitability and balance sheet depth
Independently advised a $200m turnover energy infrastructure operator in non-commercial ownership on the venture capital market, its strategic management capability and major reinvestment in new ventures and technologies.
Outcome: strategic investment plan designed around proven capability and backed by keen shareholder support
Helped a $350+ million turnover cooperative agricultural services provider set future strategic directions. Considered the full range of competitive options to resolve conflicting Board and management preferences.
Outcome: integrated strategic action plan based on competitive advantage and driven by clear priorities
Conducted feasibility study for large, complex international tourist resort needing overseas investment
Outcome: credible and integrated financial plans, effective negotiations with investors/operators
Led work at a fast-growing branding and communications company to plan future competitive positioning and share internal leadership more widely
Outcome: practical path for continued vibrancy and growth during rapid technological change and industry convergence
Clarified strategic paths for commercial development of unique customer profiling tools operating under worldwide patent
Outcome: stakeholder clarity, shift to market focus, practical global growth plans
Reviewed strategic alternatives for a medium-size transport infrastructure operator facing geographical constraints. Facilitated discussions with a potential strategic partner.
Outcome: options clearly ranked, strategic dialogue opened
Advised the Board of a joint venture planning international roll-out of new food processing technology on its future governance needs
Outcome: clearer director and manager roles, improved Board processes
Developed a modern industrial estate from a large antiquated factory held in receivership
Outcome: occupancy raised from 25% to 90%, rents tripled, buildings re-developed from cash flow, capital returned to shareholders, Civic Development award received
Advised the new owners and directors of a long-established business purchased from a public company on future governance processes and strategic paths
Outcome: positive owner-manager-staff relationships, clear strategic options
Assessed market prospects and priorities for a commercial provider of scientific information
Outcome: fresh perspectives, more systematic customer targeting and resource allocation
Developed peer review and coaching systems to support managers in a fast-growing business process outsourcing provider
Outcome: better role understanding, clarity about performance, increased confidence
Other services performed for a range of clients include:
Business reviews, decision analyses and feasibility studies for existing and new enterprises
Outcome: better project filtering, credible business and financial plans, support from investors and lenders
Advice to growing companies on geographic expansion, ownership structures and strategic remuneration.
Outcome: improved alignment of shareholders and staff without constraining company development and management
Preparation of expert opinions and delivery of employer responses to unreasonable employment law claims by senior managers
Outcome: mediated settlements that avoided major diversion and costs.
Design and delivery of retail sales/service training to establish and motivate customer-driven selling skills
Outcome: improved motivation and skills amongst a wide range of sales staff
Reviews of information technology strategy, planning, systems and utilisation
Outcome: improved linkage between business directions and enabling technologies
To protect commercial interests, we do not publish client lists. Confidential referees can be made available to prospective clients.
