C&L Paradigm Ltd T/A Therapy, UK

We began working with Thierry Bayle and Management One® in December 2007 after attending one of his seminars. Having opened our original women's fashion boutique in 2004 and then a further 2 shops selling shoes and occasionwear, we found ourselves overstocked and lacking focus on the buying side

We implemented Thierry's simple framework of buying by class (instead of by supplier) immediately. After a couple of months of monitoring stock levels and sales by classes, such as "jeans", "knits", "flat shoes," it was easy to see where we were holding too much product and also where we were exceeding sales and had insufficient stock. We have applied this now to our buying for the last 3 seasons and have improved our sell through percentage considerably.

The figures produced by Management One® on a monthly basis are very comprehensive but the most important elements for me are Thierry's written reports and regular meetings. He analyses the figures and gives useable feedback which can be acted upon instantly.

Within a year we have reduced our stock holding by over 40%; we have reduced our forward spends by 30% and we have maintained and exceeded our previous year's sales despite closing one of our 3 shops in February 2009.

I have found Thierry's input covers everything from sourcing short order suppliers to advising on staffing problems. Having addressed the stock and sales issues, we are now implementing a programme of in-store events and looking at staff training and ways to improve our customer data collection.

As owner/director of buying, I have found Thierry's experience and support invaluable. When you run a small company and the buck stops with you, it is good to know that there is a company like Management One® who are focused on bringing the benefits of analysis and advice (usually found only in large organizations) to independent businesses.

Thierry is a true management consultant and I would recommend everyone to make use of his skills and resources, which we feel are not only extremely good value for money, but have considerably improved our profitability.

Laura Woodham
Director