In June 2008 NAHS teamed up with industry expert, Stuart Jackson, founder of natural products business consultancy, Force of Nature, to offer discounted, high quality, specialist advice to NAHS members. Stuart will work as NAHS Business Consultant to help make your business work better for you.
The Service
Stuart will first build an understanding of the retailer’s personal and business goals along with current trading performance before conducting a quick tour of the shops to complete his picture.
The day will then continue into an analysis and in depth download of industry secrets relating to buying and the supply chain as well as the shops key performance indicators such as sales growth, sales per square foot, profit margins and overhead spend.
By analysing your shop's performance against industry standards, top performing benchmarks and the feats of similar shops, Stuart can identify and focus on those aspects of the business that are under performing.
With this knowledge, clear goals can be set on which aspects of the company can be improved, by how much and with advice from Stuart on how to set about making that difference.
The day will then move back to the shop environment with an assessment of its/their layout, shop fitting, brand image, stock choice, merchandising, personnel and the business’s relationship with the local community.
Throughout the day, Stuart will discuss and download market and industry news, the latest trends in consumer purchasing habits and will adapt the visit to suit the individual needs of the retailer.
The dual goal is to generate more profit from the status quo while targeting sales growth from which that new higher profit return is maintained. It can be quite enlightening to discover how much more profit your shops are capable of producing.
A day with Stuart is not just for those wishing to develop their business but also for those retailers with an inclination to sell or purchase other shops or to break into the supplying of products to other retailers.
Stuart can provide full planning and valuation advice as well as everything needed to enter product distribution.
The visit is designed to be a punchy, upbeat; fun and immensely informative day, just look at some of the comments from other retailers.
Testimonials
“ I had a very full and constructive day when Stuart visited my stores. He is refreshingly plain talking and tells you 'how it is'.
He has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of the health trade and health stores and quickly picked up the strengths and weakness of both my shops.
Following on from the visit, I have put into place many of the ideas and concepts discussed on the day and feel that I have a much more solid base, along with a lot more confidence, to develop and grow my business in several different ways.
Julie Goodwin, Retailer, Hertfordshire
“Stuart’s approach is dynamic and energetic. He doesn’t mince his words and shoots straight from the hip. His vast experience gives him the ability to assess strengths and weaknesses both quickly and accurately.
He has an immense knowledge and invaluable information of the industry which he imparts at breakneck speed. In his one-day visit, Stuart covered many aspects of the business all of which not only gave us much food for thought but also challenged us considerably. Acting on his advice is, of course, the crucial next step.
I just wish we could clone Stuart and have him permanently on our team!”
Jamie Sermon, Greenlife, Totnes
“A very valuable day packed with facts and figures that helped us to shape
the change we were looking for. We were really pleased with the shop makeover and customers remark all the time how great it looks.
The proportion of higher margin products sold has just started to show definite increases. Stuart showed a genuine interest in improving our business and the aftercare was very useful and helpful.”
Jill Alexander, Owner, Natures Larder, North Berwick, retailer
“Stuart Jackson's day at Natures Corner was invaluable - along with some great ideas, he gave us the belief to put some of our own ideas into action. As a direct result we have dramatically increased our turnover in our bodycare section.”
Fees
In addition to the day’s fee of £400 (discounted from £500 for NAHS Members only) and depending on location and trip planning, some expenses may be necessary. These will be limited to the minimal costs of any travel, subsistence or accommodation that is required to carry out the visit. All expenses will be agreed in advance and shared with other projects where possible. For further details on NAHS Business Consultancy visit the Force of Nature website, email on stuart@forceofnature.co.uk, or phone on 0131-315 0303.
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