Allprint Design & Print is a well-established label printing company established in 2002 and has built up an enviable reputation over the last 10 years.
The company owner Norman Malcolmson is proud of his commitment to providing a professional, speedy and high quality service to customers. But, in the 14 years of running his business, Norman had never engaged in business workshops before, never mind a leadership programme. Before registering for the programme, the main challenges facing Norman included empowering staff to get the job done, and marketing and sales. Like many established micro business owners multitasking across the firm, Norman needed make the transition from micro manager to strategic leader.
During the 3-month programme, Norman gained new knowledge of how to lead more effectively as well as learning from other business owners on Lead2Grow. But, to take the theory and put it into practice when he went back to daily business was the greatest challenge. It was the mentoring aspect of the programme that bridged this gap for Norman. He said: “while it was first hard to share company information, I quickly learned to trust my mentor who gave me expert advice in a range of areas across the business. With his practical guidance realistic goals were set and by him checking up on what tasks I have completed, I was able to achieve goals set”.
Norman wants to grow by recruiting new staff, but in order to do this he needs to increase the profitability of the business. He said: “it is a catch 22 situation, but the programme and mentoring has showed me how to implement some strategies to improve sales to grow”. Part of the solution is a new focus on telesales and Norman has secured expert advice and training for his staff in this area, thanks to his mentor. Another aspect of his strategy to improve business is customer credit control and he is currently putting in place a new process to ensure a more efficient and timely payment system. So in moving the business forward, there is no doubt that Norman is designing a new future for Allprint thanks to Lead2Grow!
