Richard Rasmussen links up with Printing Industries to provide members with expert industry business appraisal and sales advice as the preferred specialist for transition strategies.
Every business should be run as if it is always up for sale, with its accounts in good order, its costs under control and its production processes working at optimum capacity. So says Richard Rasmussen, Ascent Partners, who is rapidly becoming the ‘go to’ specialist for printers coming face to face with options for the future of their businesses.
With many years of industry experience Rasmussen has seen too many train wrecks from printers who only look for professional help when they’re about to hoist the white flag. When they call him in there’s often nothing to be done and they are forced to shut the roller door and walk away from a lifetime’s endeavour with very little.
“Sometimes it is too late, absolutely. I’ve seen businesses that have tried to keep going with a model that is clearly not working. Sometimes it’s only a matter of a couple of years when they should have changed. But they left it too long,” he said.
“However, it’s not all doom and gloom out there. There are some businesses that are doing very well and there is always a market for client lists and profitable businesses. It’s all about early appraisal, knowing the options, and being realistic about what can be achieved”.
The shifting sands of the printing industry is one of the reasons why Peter Mansfield, Printing Industries, GM for Member Services, is so keen for members to be able to access professional advice about their future.
“We’ve been working on this for three years. It’s a time when we’re all trying to figure out the future, looking at the crystal balls. Some people are preparing to exit the industry, others are thinking about their options on how to progress to a better situation. They’re all thinking about what’s best for the business and that’s where Richard comes in,” he said.
Under the scheme Printing Industries members will have privileged access to Ascent Partners as sales agents and business appraisal specialists. As a preferred supplier Rasmussen assures members of the most professional service for whatever outcome is required.
“It’s not all about winding people out of the industry. I know Richard is looking at the best outcome for the owner and the business. He provides logical alternatives based on his experience,” said Mansfield.
The preferred specialist supplier relationship is up and running now with Richard Rasmussen available to consult with members through the Printing Industries stand at PacPrint. Contact Peter Mansfield to make an appointment.
According to Bill Healey, CEO, the scheme is another way the Association is ramping up its service portfolio for members. “This will be very useful for every member who wants to get a clearer understanding of how their business is going in today’s troubled market. I’m sure it will be very popular,” he said.