Member Article

Implementing change

With Business LinkTo be able to operate successfully, your business is likely to face reorganisation, restructuring and other major changes.When your business reaches a new stage in its development, you may need to change the way it is organised. Debbie Lee from Business Link looks at the need to structure the business so it is better positioned to achieve its objectives. For example, as you come to the end of the start-up phase and focus on developing the business, you may need to create a formal structure so that the business is better positioned to achieve its objectives.In a start-up business, staff numbers tend to be limited so employees take on multiple roles. As the business and workload grows, it makes sense for employees to focus on what they do best. Many entrepreneurs choose to bring aboard professional finance and sales and marketing personnel. Introducing a solid organisational structure will help you stay in the driving seat while your business expands.This guide examines why businesses decide to restructure and considers the implications of such change. It offers advice on how planning, training and communication can ease the process.You can follow well-defined practices to maximise the effectiveness of your changes and minimise the disruption to your business:• lead by example - adopt the new working practices that you expect from your staff• change can disrupt teamwork - ensure managers keep their teams focused during restructuring• build a team to take over some of the responsibilities of a change programme• provide adequate resources for ensuring cultural change – for example, provide training for staff to help them change their working practices• set goals based on appropriate targets that are achievable• consider incentives to retain key employees• monitor the reorganisation - be flexible and ready to incorporate any unexpected changes into your reorganisation. For Business Link services in your local area, please call: 0845 600 9 006. For further information from Business Link, visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk. Business Link services in the North East are supported by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Government Office for the North East, and One NorthEast.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .