FEATURED PROJECT

A success story in business growth through commercial optimisation…

Project date March 2023 to September 2023

THE BUSINESS CONTEXT

When Jandri van Zyl, Founder and CEO of the popular baking business The Velvet Cake Co., noticed cash flow struggles affecting their ability to pay suppliers, they turned to us for a solution. The company, a medium-sized player in the baking industry, was facing growing financial pressure, and time was critical.

We immediately dug into their annual financial statements and current management accounts to uncover the problem. What we found was clear: rising costs were eating into profits, resulting in a declining gross margin.

WHAT WE DID

Our approach…

  • Conducted a product range review, cutting low-margin items that were dragging down profits.

  • Re-engineered medium-performing products to improve profitability.

  • Developed a targeted product development strategy aligned with costing structures.

  • Took a deep dive into expenses, scrutinizing every line item for efficiency.

  • Introduced monthly financial reviews and weekly sales reviews to stay on top of the numbers.

WHAT WE DELIVERED

The results…

  • Boosted gross profit by 8% within just three months.

  • Successfully relocated the factory as part of a broader expense management strategy.

  • Established strict approval processes for product costings, ensuring new products were financially viable.

  • Implemented manufacturing specs to maintain quality control and manage costs.

  • “Working with &collab and founder Linka has been transformative for my business. Linka’s extensive network and hands-on approach have provided invaluable strategic direction and clarity. She helped shift our mindset from founder-focused to seeing the bigger picture. What sets &collab apart is Linka’s extensive network of business contacts, which she generously taps into to benefit her clients. True to the company’s name, collaboration is at the heart of what she does, and Linka’s willingness to share her network has been great. Linka’s hands-on approach is evident in every interaction. She takes the time to truly understand the intricacies of our business, and her personalized guidance has helped us transition from a narrow founder’s mentality to embracing a broader, more strategic perspective. Highly recommend &collab for businesses seeking strategic guidance and collaboration.”

    Jandri van Zyl, Founder and CEO

  • “As a Director of The Velvet Cake Company, I highly recommend &collab for dynamic business coaching. Their business coaching has significantly transformed our approach, shifting our focus from merely completing tasks to envisioning and achieving our true business goals. &collab’s coaching is both practical and insightful, with their expertise in organisational management and planning proving invaluable. Their guidance has been crucial in aligning our strategies for success, making their coaching an essential asset for our ongoing growth.”

    Carla van de Venter, Financial Director

Ready to grow your Food & Beverage business?