case studies

Each month we present a case study of businesses that have benefited from the support, advice and guidance of Ten Sixty Six Enterprise:

The Company: D J Hills Bespoke Joinery

The Problem: Bespoke joinery D J Hills was a bit too successful, too soon.

Within months of starting his own business in 2003, Dan Hills was working all the hours under the sun to fulfil the mounting orders for his high quality made-to-measure windows, staircases, interior and exterior joinery, while his wife Sasha was struggling to keep control of the office administration and book-keeping. Then, to add to the problem, due to the turnover increasing dramatically, the company had to register for VAT and become Limited.

Sasha had to go from being a mum to a Company Secretary overnight and she readily admits her office skills were not as good as her parenting.

The Solution: Looking for help, she searched the internet and found Ten Sixty Six Enterprise. She had an introductory meeting and, a couple of weeks later, Ten Sixty Six Enterprises’ advisor Robin Archer visited the joinery in Sedlescombe and saw the problem for himself.

Like many owners of small businesses before him, Dan was carrying too much in his head including the pricing, production and delivery schedules and working too many hours, which had put a lot of pressure on himself and subsequently, Sasha and their young family. Rather than developing a busy, successful business, he had created a monster that was difficult to control.

Outcome: Robin’s first job was to help Dan introduce a better pricing policy, a new work schedule and to learn when to say no. Robin then focused on helping Sasha organise the office and business administration, get to grips with VAT and all the rules and regulations that come with running a successful limited company.

“My biggest fear was making a mistake” Sasha readily admits. “But Robin really helped me build my confidence.” she continued. “Robin was understanding, patient and was very happy to work at my speed. And even when I was up to speed, he didn’t just walk away. He still keeps in contact. I would recommend Ten Sixty Six Enterprise to anybody”.

Summary: Today, the company, still just Dan and Sasha, is working for developers and private clients throughout London and the South East and turning over in excess of £150,000. Dan is fulfilling the orders, Sasha is a confident and competent Company Secretary, the order book is full and they are making a good living.