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As a small business you don’t always have the all the answers, and you need a little bit of help and advice that won’t break the bank.

Our rapid business audit gives you brief low-cost access to one of our consultants to assist you in clearly identifying your problems and getting to a solution as quickly and cheaply as possible.

If you are unsure what your next step is we can provide clear and simple advice that will help you move your business forward. In two meetings we will help your organization identify the key steps it needs to take in the next 30-90 days.

Each 2-3 hour meeting is $500+HST, and the first meeting is free.

Contact us today.

What you get from a Rapid Business Audit (TM):

Interested in an impartial review of your business strategy? Contact us here.

Interested in discussing your business? Contact our team here.

The Ontario Centers of Excellence is the foremost research-to-commercialization vehicle within the province.

The event features a Keynote by Clayton Christensen (HBS professor and award-winnning author of The Innovators Prescription and Disruptive Class) speaking on the world of innovation, student competitions from more than 80 university and college students, and specific sessions focused by sector including Green tech, Health, and Digital/Computing.

Also included are extensive discussions surrounding commercialization and a ‘Discovery Showcase’ with over 100,000 sq. ft of space highlighting innovations and solutions from here in Ontario.

You can find more information at:
http://www.ocediscovery.com/

The U.S. sub-prime mortgage crash in 2007 has now snowballed into the current ongoing credit crunch and ensuing world financial crisis which has engulfed the global markets and news media. Even with a $700 billion bail-out plan from the U.S. federal government, stock prices have not recovered as evidenced by all the major indices continuing on a downward trend. Investors are panicking, banks are approaching insolvency, and Main Street businesses are steadily feeling the pressure of tightening credit terms.

On October 8, 2008 four leading thinkers from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto spoke about the current financial crisis and what went wrong. Ramy Elitzur (Edward Kernaghan Professor of Financial Analysis and Associate Professor of Accounting), John Hull (Maple Financial Group Chair in Derivatives and Risk Management and Professor of Finance), Eric Kirzner (John H. Watson Chair in Value Investing and Professor of Finance) and Peter Dungan (Adjunct Associate Professor of Business Economics) spent one hour primarily discussing the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the over-leveraging of related asset-backed securities (ABS) and collaterized debt obligations (CDO).

So exactly what went wrong? A number of factors contributed to what developed into a perfect economic storm. When banks extended ‘teaser’ mortgages, containing favourable terms, to individuals who otherwise could not afford a home, these new homeowners found it increasingly difficult to meet their debt obligations when interest rates increased. In addition to this, the oversaturation of housing in the United States prompted residential prices to plummet. Finally, the miscalculation of mortgage default rates coupled with inappropriate use of unregulated credit swaps resulted in a shortfall of capital holdings by banks to cover the risk exposure generated. These factors rapidly overwhelmed markets and natural correcting mechanisms were not able to react fast enough. Misrepresented risk levels in ABS and CDO caused by multiple levels of securitization added to the toxicity in the wider market as interbank lending and trade became negatively affected.

From an economic standpoint, Professor Dungan emphasized that the real economy (i.e. not just focusing on the financial economy) is in a classic overbuild scenario in the housing and automotive sectors specifically. Professor Dungan also highlighted that those high inventory levels will work themselves out over time, with the market re-pricing this inventory (albeit painfully for the average consumer). In addition, the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada are reacting strongly to the crisis (as indeed are world central banks) taking clear steps to enable recovery, including introducing the widest coordinated interest rate cuts (1) ever to help steady markets and supply lower cost capital. Professor Dungan forecasts negative real economic growth in North America for the next few quarters, before moving toward recovery. Yet he also issued the warning that if short term lending continues to be contained (or tightens further) then we will have a serious macroeconomic issue to contend with.

There is still a great deal of uncertainty and volatility in the market worldwide, and by all accounts this volatility will continue as average consumers and investors react to present conditions. While the effects of this crisis will continue to be felt, it is important to take steps to protect your business and mitigate systemic and market risk as much as possible. At C&Co we can help to provide assurance through the reduction of asymmetric information, performance of due diligence, and review of your capital requirements. In addition, our financial modeling services can perform specific tailored sensitivity analyses to help with your strategic planning during these turbulent times.

Contact us today for a free private consultation.

When looking to move your firm abroad its important to recognize that there are many factors to consider when making your decision.  While your individual list of factors may vary from those within this study, the important point is that you conduct due diligence to make sure that you have all of the correct and appropriate information.  At C&Co we can help make this process easier, and we have the expertise to give you valuable independent advice that will reduce your operational and market risk.  

Contact us today to arrange a confidential meeting.

For most businesses, particularly small to medium size firms that are doing all they can to build a positive brand image, these research findings sound a cautionary note. Most companies are driven by the need to differentiate their product and service offerings, and just a short time ago capitalizing on new customer awareness of the environment seemed a perfect way to do so. However the tide has now turned, and companies must take extra steps to burnish their eco-credentials.

Here are few handy suggestions:

Court the blogosphere. Everyone knows that word-of-mouth marketing is the most powerful form of advertising, but what is less known is how the right mention in the right place online can make all of the difference in terms of consumer’s perceptions. Many blogs have assumed the role of ‘trusted advisor’ for consumers (treehugger anyone?), so a nod of approval can go a long way to driving web traffic and sales.

Communicate the features. Branding is about perception, so if consumers are unaware of the eco-attributes of your offering, then you’ll be lost amongst the fray. Avoid making generic claims and offer specific support for your eco-friendly features, allowing the consumer to delve into the minutia if they so choose.

Improve your product. When your product and service offerings match your brand promise, then your claims ring true for the consumer. Ultimately consumers make up there mind through experience and interaction with your product and service. If you are able to satisfy their particular need, then you are already well on your way.

If you are struggling to differentiate your brand, or simply are looking for help with getting your organization to behave in a more social responsible manner to help the bottom line; then contact us. We’re here to help.

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