Customization
At Duvare, our working principle is based on the fact that each client requires a customized service so as to get the best of our services, both from a proactive and reactive perspective. In order for this to be achieved, we have a system that is based on logic rather than figures and spreadsheets to analyze what causes problems within a business and then create solutions to be used to solve the problems.We will carry out onsite inspections of the business environment be it an office, restaurant, factory, warehouse, minesite, farm, steel/sawmill or any other workplace and scrutinize the physical layout and talk to the people involved in the operation. Productivity improvements are often made with a simple change to the physical layout or implementing new procedures due to an objective and fresh view of the operation. While utilizing the fundamental principles of Western business, we take a holistic approach to consulting and consider as many of the factors as possible.
The main services that we provide are.
Business Structure
We provide advice on setting up a business structure with an emphasis on; purpose, goals, legal entities, systems and risk.Some of the main legal entities used for the structure of a business are; sole trader, partnership, private company, public company, trust, and non-profit organizations such as foundations/churches/charities.Creation of the right business structure for any organization is crucially important because it builds the framework within which the business operates and has many ramifications for its’ future operation. Examples of these include: tax implications such as the flat tax rate for companies, the flexibility of a sole trader, or the certainty of a trust. We can advise on the right structure, and also do the needed documentation required to set up the business.
Strategic Planning
We have expertize when it comes to helping clients create customized Strategic Plans to grow their business now and in the future. For larger clients, such as big agribusiness or mining companies, we start with a global and national overview of the industry and then narrow the plan down to specific options for the future. For smaller clients, such as a small metal fabricator, it may be more appropriate to give an overview of the local competition. Irrespective of the scale or type of operation, an appropriate process can be used to reach the final options. We use sieve analysis for both new or existing businesses which is a specific process addressing: purpose, goals, objectives , opportunities, constraints, systems, resources, risk, finance, options, implementation and any other factors that need addressing during the plan customization process. A Strategic Plan can also be used to apply for bank finance or government funding.
Business Management
At Duvare we give professional advice that will boost and improve the daily performance of any business; this can be achieved as a singular task or included in the Strategic Plan. With the use of a management process for new or existing businesses, we give advice that addresses goals, objectives, daily operation, systems, finance, risk, and any other relevant factors. There may be some differences in the priorities of each business based on its nature and culture, which will to be assessed during the initial review of the operation. With the assistance of in-house managers a short term (eg 1 year) business plan will be formulated which will deal with these priorities according to their logical order. This process will generate a report that recommends several different options and the mode of implementation for productivity improvements within the business.
Mergers & Acquisitions
A merger or acquisition of another business can be beneficial in several ways. It can provide a broader operations base leading to increased revenue stability or it may add diversity to the scope of the parent business. Usually it is a relatively easy and low-risk method of expansion if done properly. To facilitate this low-risk aspect, Duvare can advise on the operational side of the target business and how it would fit with the parent business. If this is satisfactory, we then engage solicitors and accountants to undertake the legal and financial due diligence, with all three of us combining to complete the task. The due diligence process is crucially important as it will uncover any problems with the target business well before is absorbed into the parent business, thus preventing problems for the parent business.The final outcome can be an expanded business creating more wealth.
Human Resources
Duvare can advise on the human resources component of a business either singularly or as part of a report such as a Strategic Plan. We use a logical process involving but not limited to the following steps. A review of the human resource requirements of the business such as trade or professional qualifications and skills.A review of the qualifications and skills of the existing employees.How the qualifications and skills of the existing employees fit with the requirements of the business, and the performance of those employees.Whether existing employees need to be up-skilled, moved to different roles, or dismissed.Whether new employees need to be engaged to better meet the needs of the business.Formulation of a human resources plan to implement the above steps.We see effective human resource management to be integral to the success of any business and a component which needs to be regularly reviewed and updated.
Sales & Marketing
Sales and marketing is a vital part of most business operations which requires a strategic mix of activities to maintain and improve performance. We can undertake a Marketing Strategy either as a singular task or as part of a Strategic Plan.One of the greatest benefits of developing a Marketing Strategy is that it helps to focus resources and plan for business growth. The planning process helps to understand the different factors that may affect success, which will give a sense of control over the business.
The main topics covered in a Marketing Strategy are as follows.Identify the target market and understand how the product or services meets the market needs.Identify competitors and what the target customers think about competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Position the brand, products and services so that the target market sees the business as better than, or different to the competition.Set specific, measurable goals and timeframes for marketing activities. Map out a strategy to reach the target audience, including the messages, channels and tools required to achieve the set goals.
A Marketing Strategy assists the daily operation of a business by setting targets and goals which help to: allocate resources and budget, motivate the team, and manage performance of those staff who undertake marketing.This strategy uses the ‘5P’ elements designed to work through the activities methodically. The ‘5Ps’ are ; product, price, promotion, place and people.The ‘product’ element refers to what is offered as a whole which includes the value added features, branding and packaging as well as service and warranty terms.The ‘price’ element refers to the way prices are set for the products or services which includes the overall costs.The ‘promotion’ element refers to all the activities and methods used to promote the business which includes sales, public relations, direct marketing and advertising.The ‘place’ element refers to how the product or service is delivered to the customer which includes the physical location or online supply.The ‘people’ element refers to management , staff and customers which covers production, staff skills and customer service.The ‘5P’ elements need to be regularly updated to meet the changing marketing environment. Effective arketing takes time, research, analysis and implementation however when successful it will increase profit margins and improve business performance.
Export Promotion
This involves promoting exports such as agricultural/horticultural commodities and manufactured goods. We can make connections between the producers, traders and overseas markets with a focus on establishing long term export relationships. Having a base in the Sydney CBD combined with a deep knowledge of agricultural commodity production in regional areas gives us a comparative advantage when it comes to providing advice relating to where and how to target exporting.
Mediation
This involves mediating conflict resolution between two or more parties. It uses the interest and positional based mediation strategies.Interest based mediation is used in the initial stages of the process and promotes the amicable pursuit of each party attempting to meet the needs and wants of the other party. The first step is for each party to provide a one page document outlining their needs and wants which is then passed onto the other party several days before the first meeting with instructions as to how these requirements can be met . The parties then meet in person and the mediation begins with an attempt by the mediator to find an outcome. If an outcome is not reached, then the mediator will move onto positional based mediation.Positional based mediation involves a hard-ball adversarial approach where the parties take a firm position with their own requirements and try to wear the other party down. This can be a long, arduous process which is less desirable than interest based mediation, however may still produce a worthwhile outcome.Mediation can produce an effective and inexpensive outcome for all parties, however if it is not successful then the parties may need to move on to litigation.
Negotiation
This involves negotiating deals between two or more parties. It uses the interest and positional based negotiation strategies.Interest based negotiation is used in the initial stages of the process and promotes the amicable pursuit of each party attempting to meet the needs and wants of the other party. The first step is for each party to provide a one page document outlining their needs and wants which is then passed onto the other party several days before the first meeting with instructions as to how these requirements can be met . The parties then meet in person and the negotiation begins with an attempt by the negotiator to find an outcome. If an outcome is not reached, then the negotiator will move onto positional based negotiation.Positional based negotiation involves a hard-ball adversarial approach where the parties take a firm position with their own requirements and try to wear the other party down. This can be a long, arduous process which is less desirable than interest based negotiation, however may still produce a worthwhile outcome. Negotiation can be an effective and inexpensive method to reach a deal, however if it is not successful then the parties may need to abandon it and move on to other ventures.
Fees
Duvare charges a flat fee of $230 + GST per hour. Written cost estimates for each task will be provided prior to undertaking a task, with progress payments required during large tasks. In addition to the flat fee, a fee of 3% + GST of a negotiated deal shall apply, which would be noted in the cost estimate.