Case Study: Barrel Top Wagons

After trading for 3 years Barrel Top Wagons were keen to get outside assistance. Their sale were not as high as they would have liked and they were concerned about not hitting their target market because the product was too ambiguous.

One of our business advisors gave them an assessment of the business, including their strengths and weaknesses, the areas to work on and a better focus on the direction they should take. As a result they have re-worked the website, been more pro-active in seeking out sales in the right market and seen an increase in sales.

  • Company Name: Barrel Top Wagon
  • Website: www.barreltopwagons.co.uk
  • Products / Services Offered: Bespoke carpentry and timber lodges
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The Challenge

What challenges or needs did you face that led you to look for business support?

After trading for 3 years it was time to assess the business and get a good overall picture of how best to proceed. I was keen to get outside assistance in this from experienced business mentors. Our sale were not as high as we would have liked and we were concerned we were not hitting out target market because our product was too ambiguous.

What impact did these problems have on you or your business?

Lower than desired sales. Not enough traffic to our website.

The Journey

How did you hear about Business Information Point?

I have known BIP for several years now.

Did you look anywhere else for advice before coming to us?

I attended a women’s networking session before going through this process for this business.

The Solution

Can you briefly describe what support you received and whether this addressed your challenges / needs?

Graham Woolcock gave me a very helpful assessment of the business, our strengths and weaknesses, the areas to work on and a better focus on the direction we should take.

What were the benefits of this support for you and your business?

We have re-worked the website, been more pro-active in seeking out sales in the right market, attended lots of shows and seen an increase in sales.

Were there any obstacles or difficulties while trying to implement the support or advice?

No, none whatsoever.

What has been the measurable impact on your business? Any specific figures? i.e. increased business skills, increased efficiency, increased productivity, jobs created or safeguarded, reduced costs, increased sales, improved cash flow, improved systems.

  • Improved cash flow
  • Increased sales
  • Better, more targeted, marketing

Summary

Please summarise your overall experience with BIP

Helpful, knowledgeable, conscientious, prompt, professional, a really good service to have in the area. I’d be a bit stuck without them.

What advice would you give a business owner looking for similar support?

Go straight to BIP. I have passed this advice on to many people over the years and indeed got a message this morning from someone who has taken that advice saying “Thank you – they are amazing!”

Get in touch

Please fill in your details below to have a friendly chat with one of our experienced business advisors to help start or grow your business.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Somerset. The good news is that Somerset Business Agency offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the Somerset Business Agency website for more information.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Dorset. Please visit the Dorset Growth Hub website for more information about support providers in your area.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Cornwall. Please visit the Cornwall Growth & Skills Hub website for more information about support providers in your area.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in North Devon. The good news is that North Devon+ offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the North Devon+ website or call 01237 426 426 for more information.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Torridge. The good news is that North Devon+ offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the North Devon+ website or call 01237 426 426 for more information.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Torbay. The good news is that Torbay Development Agency offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the TDA website or call Kim Thornton on 01803 207 948 for more information.

    Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Plymouth. The good news is that Outset offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the Outset website or call Graham Leigh on 0800 587 7707 for more information.

    Tick this box to subscribe to our email list. We will send you updates on upcoming free workshops, small business related news and articles as well as local funding and support no more than twice a month. We never sell or share your details with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time.

    Get in touch

    Please fill in your details below to have a friendly chat with one of our experienced business advisors to help start or grow your business.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Somerset. The good news is that Somerset Business Agency offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the Somerset Business Agency website for more information.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Dorset. Please visit the Dorset Growth Hub website for more information about support providers in your area.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Cornwall. Please visit the Cornwall Growth & Skills Hub website for more information about support providers in your area.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in North Devon. The good news is that North Devon+ offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the North Devon+ website or call 01237 426 426 for more information.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Torridge. The good news is that North Devon+ offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the North Devon+ website or call 01237 426 426 for more information.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Torbay. The good news is that Torbay Development Agency offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the TDA website or call Kim Thornton on 01803 207 948 for more information.

      Sorry but we aren't currently able to offer business support in Plymouth. The good news is that Outset offers fully-funded business support in your area. Visit the Outset website or call Graham Leigh on 0800 587 7707 for more information.

      Tick this box to subscribe to our email list. We will send you updates on upcoming free workshops, small business related news and articles as well as local funding and support no more than twice a month. We never sell or share your details with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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