Steps to Efficiency in Business: Is a Consultant Worthwhile?
Running an efficient business isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making smart decisions, eliminating waste, and ensuring every resource is working as effectively as possible. In today’s fast-paced business environment, rising energy costs and supply chain pressures can quickly eat into your bottom line. Many businesses strive for efficiency but often overlook hidden costs in their energy, utilities, and operational expenses. This is where bringing in an external consultant can have a real impact.
I find regularly that many in the very early days don’t fully understand the value I bring as a consultant. While I generally start with energy, what I offer goes far beyond that. For example, my 20+ years in retail, with 10 of those years spent running organisations as a senior leader and director, have given me invaluable experience. Retail is where you truly learn about costs, as food margins are wafer-thin and every process must be super-efficient. This mindset shapes how I approach every project, and that experience alone is likely worth more in the long run than just the energy or utilities in isolation.
Is a Consultant Worthwhile?
Businesses often question whether hiring a consultant is a valuable investment. A good consultant brings more than just expertise; they bring fresh perspectives, data-driven solutions, and long-term support. But how do you know if a consultant is right for your business? Here’s what to look for:
Industry Knowledge – Do they understand your sector and its unique challenges?
Data-Driven Approach – Are recommendations based on real analysis rather than assumptions?
Transparency & Independence – Do they prioritise your interests over selling a service?
Implementation Support – Will they help execute the plan, not just provide advice? Are they committed to supporting you in the long term?
Long-Term Thinking – Are they focused on sustainable improvements rather than quick fixes?
Cost-Effective – A consultant can be a smart financial decision as they’re not on your payroll. You can bring them in for specific projects without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee.
Versatile Expertise – Avoid hiring a consultant who is a “one-trick pony.” A consultant with broader experience brings far more value. For example, while there may be more experienced energy consultants out there, I know my "superpower" is my experience in running large, complex organisations. While a lack of knowledge can be addressed through education or asking the right questions, there's no substitute for experience. Having been in the trenches and dealing with the real complexities of managing staff and operations is something that cannot be taught.
The Common Pitfall: Waiting Too Long to Take Action
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is waiting too long to take action. Many don’t realise they’re overspending on energy, utilities, or other operational costs until it’s pointed out. When these inefficiencies are uncovered, the financial impact can be eye-opening. Imagine I told you that we could reduce your energy and utility bills by 50% over the next 5 years—this isn’t pie in the sky; it’s very real. After buying in, you’d likely ask yourself, "Why didn’t I explore this sooner?"
Taking control of costs shouldn’t be reactive—it should be proactive and strategic. By identifying and addressing inefficiencies early, businesses can make meaningful improvements before unnecessary losses start to add up.
The Value of a Challenging Approach
When working with organisations, I ask a simple but crucial question: How much do you want to save over the next 5–10 years? This isn’t just about setting an arbitrary target—it’s about accountability. I track, measure, and ensure progress is made.
It’s not just about holding the business accountable; I also review my own recommendations. Not everything works as planned, and that’s fine. What matters is resilience—adapting, improving, and finding solutions when things don’t go as expected. A former boss once told me:
“Winners make it happen, losers let it happen.”
That mindset underpins how I work. If an organisation is truly committed to reducing energy and utility costs, real results will follow.
10 Steps to Running an Efficient Business
While these 10 steps may sound like universal advice for all consultants, they are particularly relevant for someone like me, who focuses on energy and business efficiency. The principles behind setting clear goals, streamlining processes, and fostering accountability apply directly to how I approach energy consultancy.
Energy isn't just about the savings you see on your monthly bill—it ties into broader business operations. For example, optimising energy use isn’t just about reducing costs, but about improving operational efficiency, which is why I also focus on streamlining processes across your whole business. It’s these principles that allow us to look beyond just energy costs and help you achieve long-term resilience and sustainability.
So, while these steps are general, they form the backbone of any consultant's approach—and they’re exactly how I ensure every business I work with not only becomes more energy-efficient but more efficient overall.
Set Clear Goals and Objectives – Define success and focus on activities that drive real value. Too many businesses fail to plan properly—understanding sales targets, conversion rates, and operational efficiencies is critical.
Streamline Processes – Identify bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and automate repetitive tasks to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Cut Costs Wisely – Look for ways to reduce expenses without compromising quality—negotiate better supplier deals, optimise energy use, and eliminate inefficiencies.
Invest in Technology – The right tools and software can enhance productivity and accuracy, helping you do more with less.
Outsource Non-Core Tasks – Free up time and resources by outsourcing functions like payroll, HR, or IT support to specialists who can do them more efficiently.
Encourage Collaboration – A culture of teamwork and open communication drives innovation and ensures departments work towards common goals.
Promote Continuous Learning – A skilled workforce is a productive one. Encouraging employees to upskill and stay updated on industry best practices brings long-term benefits.
Use Data to Drive Decisions – Business strategies should be based on accurate data analysis rather than guesswork. Track performance and adjust accordingly.
Foster Accountability – Hold yourself and your team responsible for meeting goals, improving efficiency, and eliminating wasteful practices.
Stay Flexible – The ability to adapt quickly to market changes or new opportunities is key to long-term business success.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With energy prices fluctuating, supply chains tightening, and businesses under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, managing costs strategically has never been more crucial. Companies that take a proactive approach won’t just survive—they’ll thrive.
Efficiency is about more than just cutting costs; it’s about building resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability, and working smarter. If your business is ready to take control of costs, reduce risks, and future-proof its operations, let’s start the conversation today.
The reason I do this is simple: I’ve witnessed firsthand how much cash is wasted. I’ve been through the tough decisions of closing stores because they weren’t profitable and making redundancies (while trying to help people find new opportunities). That’s the hard side of business, and while not every situation is the same, in most cases, the responsibility lies with the business owner to take action—to stop wasting money, improve efficiency, and become more sustainable.
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