Hart & Associates Management Consultants is about to launch its sales and profitability study on the Canadian printing and imaging industry. In response to the need to have solid financial and operating results specifically for the Canadian industry, the Toronto based consulting firm will be conducting this focused study starting in April to serve as a starting point to help the industry address profitability and strategic issues facing all companies in the printing and imaging markets.
Mr. Hart, president of Hart & Associates, said that this industry suffers from a lack of detailed information that business owners and executives need to help them make informed decisions about operational, pricing and product offerings. “Many companies in this industry are making decisions in the dark. What is needed is operational and profitability data to help them make the right decisions for their company” said Mr. Hart.
He said that consolidation of this industry will continue in 2008 and the challenge for many will be how to maintain competitiveness and profitability and decide which direction they should take their company. Mr. Hart added that the first step in this process is for companies to determine their performance in direct comparison to those of the overall industry.
This assessment, conducted on behalf of the study’s participating companies, will provide senior managers and business owners with financial and operating results of small, medium and large-sized printers and imagers in Canada. The study will report on sales growth by business line, operating, production, sales and marketing costs, staffing levels, gross and net profit margins as well as debt levels. Study participants will receive a customized report showing industry results in direct comparison to their own company results highlighting areas of success as well as areas that need improvement.
Hart & Associates will follow up on this detailed study with a strategic industry forum later this year that will help printing and imaging companies explore ways to improve their success. Mr. Hart said that some companies may be able to take steps this year to achieve operating efficiencies and customer focus while others may not. The onus on management this year is how best to maximize shareholder value by either making fundamental changes or selling their company. Both directions require careful thought and analysis. This upcoming study will provide companies with the much needed data to help management make a honest assessment of their company.
Hart & Associates will be sending out a study package to printing and imaging companies in early April that will detail the study program. To ensure that your company benefits from this program, please e-mail Hart & Associates requesting an information package. e-mail: info@hartconsultants.com web site: www.hartconsultants.com Tel: 416 363-4598.
