Cornbrook is one of Shropshire’s fastest growing construction firms, working across the complete spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial contracts.

The situation

Cornbrook started life as a two 'man and a van' operation back in 2003, yet found that the quality of its work had seen the business expand at a pace which was difficult to manage. The sudden growth had caught the Directors off guard and whilst work was increasing rapidly it had placed a strain on cash flow and the basic management systems that the firm was built on.

The solution

Angela was introduced to the company in 2007 and immediately completed a business review to identify existing issues. She provided strategic advice on putting new systems in place, which gave the Directors a greater control over cash flow and the everyday management of projects. A detailed action plan also looked at implementing a new IT infrastructure across the board and the need to refresh the brand from Cornbrook Homes, due to the impression it gave of the company being simply a house builder.

The results

The following three years has seen the company almost double in size, employing 30 skilled craft people in Shropshire and posting a record turnover of £2.2m for 2009. Technology now controls every aspect of the business from initial enquiry through to materials ordering and full tracking of all jobs, ranging from new build and extensions to disability adaptations and commercial office interiors. The new brand – Cornbrook – has removed any misconceptions potential customers had about the nature of the firm and this has already led to contracts being secured in sectors that were previously out of reach.