Background
Lakeland first began selling sheepskin coats in the mid-sixties as a small family firm. It is now a £20million turnover business and recognised as the leading specialists of leather, suede and sheepskin.

Lakeland also offers a full range of exclusive, yet affordable fashion for both men and women. With 12 stores (& 5 outlets) throughout the country, the “family” tradition of offering excellent products and service is very much in evidence.

The Company has consistently developed and grown its profit enabling it to open more shops and outlets. The management however felt that a change was required in the way they managed the Company, in order to release more time for the directors, particularly from operational duties, and to make the company more robust; without crippling it with excessive overheads.

Approach
Two of the Directors team attended a 4 workshop course run by AHC aimed at helping companies through the theory of strategy, demonstrating the practical aspects through a case study and experiential learning exercises, and finally the drafting of a strategy for their own company.

The Directors completed the course and then asked AHC to facilitate the implementation of the process through a new management system.

Presently AHC help to facilitate regular Board meetings and offer advice on specific management projects such as information systems, continuous improvement initiatives, and general management of change.

Benefits
Through this process the company has been able to reshape the Board, introduce the correct level of formality to decision making (which is difficult in an owner-managed business) and enable greater teamwork at Board level.

Improved communication and a clearer plan have also encouraged the staff to believe that necessary changes will be embraced.