Chimo Sheffield (Manufacturing) Ltd is an elite manufacturer of impressive metal products, sought from customers around the globe. Their products range between fine quality cutlery, gallery trays, silver, giftware, and other promotional items. They have some high-profile clients such as White House gifts, Dante in New York, and Houses of Parliament shops.
The Business has sought support from the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) to help to overcome the challenges they have faced after a dramatic fall in sales due to the negative effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had within the hospitality sector. The Business connected with Richard Halstead who is the Manufacturing Growth Manager for the Manufacturing Growth Programme, for the Sheffield City Region.
Chris Hudson, Managing Director of Chimo commented on the experience of accessing support from the Manufacturing Growth Programme: “This has been a very positive experience for Chimo because the initial business diagnostic tool got the staff involved and talking about our processes and approaches to a range of questions. The resultant two stage business plan has really focussed our attention on a positive future, how we can use this time to change and improve, rather than on the negative aspects of this pandemic”.
The first stage of the programme was a full business audit using GROWTHmapper®. GROWTHmapper® is a business diagnostic tool that is used to analyse how the business is performing. Chris Hudson, Managing Director of Chimo and three of his team were involved in the process which helped them identify where Chimo could make the most improvements
It showed that the business would benefit greatly from marketing improvements to increase their customer base. Richard Halstead of MGP arranged for an external expert to increase the Business’s focus on marketing and sales growth. A business improvement project was undertaken in two stages.
Firstly, an audit, looking at competitor activity, market segmentation and some increase in digital marketing. The second part consisted of developing a sales and marketing plan in more detail.
Since the implementation of the business improvement project; two customers have returned with repeat orders from Australia and USA. Chimo has also created promotional materials for the Hotel and Hospitality sector.
Richard Halstead commented on the Business; “The team at Chimo were a pleasure to work with. Their positive and open outlook with a focus in developing the business was refreshing and will ensure a bright future for the business”.
More details on Chimo (Sheffield) Manufacturing Limited will be available at www.chimoholdings.com
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority