Over the next 3 days with today being day one we are sorting out the client business relationship making sure things work and we fix things together. This is the part funnily enough that I enjoy as I do not keep quiet and hold back saying things as they are. Some people don't like these tense situations, but I have learned from previous experience that everyone is an adult and needs to hear the truth whether good or bad as long as it is constructive and relevant. It is easy to have a dig at someone, but this is not the time and the place for personal issues.
Our client has openly admitted that their business would not be around if it was not for our business stepping in and taking over the logistics last year in March. I have been saying this all along that they need to listen as both businesses need each other.
The budget which is now being reviewed and will have completed by tomorrow night is what as kept their business doors open. I know our budget is roughly less than half of the market rate for the equivalent service and they have been in no position to ask for special favors like over time especially over weekends which is double pay. The new budget will cover any unforeseen over time which includes food for the staff etc.
Our client knows the front end of their business, but has no clue how the actual work gets done and where the problems have been created by them not understanding. This is a matter of educating them and putting rules in place which we are now doing. This is not being funny, but essential for a smooth operation with all parties knowing where they stand.
On Thursday the final negotiations are taking place and we have our accountant joining us for the day just in case there are areas I have over looked like taxes etc. We have a wage bill so taxes like the PAYE have to be paid by a certain date each month or you pay penalties which includes daily interest. This is serious and why everyone needs to be happy with the numbers agreed and to be double sure of those numbers.
I have always seen this as a fantastic business if you know your outgoings each month and there are no surprises. I know exactly where we are with the budget and ow much more we require to service our clients wishes. The cheap transport option has been canned for an internal transport option with their biggest client and this is not cheap and is a premium service almost double what I was using prior to this decision.
Tis evening we have had some good discussions over dinner and there will be some personnel changes happening on there end in the future. There were too many mistakes and I would call them selfish mistakes not giving a toss about the consequences. Mistakes cost money and yes you can learn from them, but also knowing the individuals they will not listen so you have to make some hard yet easy and obvious choices.