Now the 2009 financial year has ended, Clearmake report that business confidence is steadily returning. During the past twelve months, although demand for water treatment and recycling solutions in the commercial and industrial sectors has remained strong, Clearmake have needed to make some adjustments to ensure the business continues to grow during changing times.
Clearmake have chosen to recession-proof their business by concentrating on three key areas:
Acquiring new skills
An economic downturn provides a great opportunity for employers with a progressive focus to recruit new talent. Late last year and early this year, Clearmake employed several highly skilled and experienced team members for senior roles, equipping the business for growth as the economy recovers.
Focusing on service
In busy times it can be challenging just to keep up with orders coming in the door. Yet recent changes in the buying patterns of most businesses (and consumers) has meant reduced capital expenditure, project delays and a greater focus on equipment maintenance and service for improved longevity, rather than new projects. A more consultative approach and the development of the Clearmake service team has helped the company to meet more customer’s needs. This increased focus on service and system upgrades has allowed Clearmake to keep in touch with the changing needs of clients, deliver what they need, and continue to meet current capex budgets.
Giving customers what they want
Ask customers what they want... and give it to them. Just because they’ve been buying a certain product or service from you for years, doesn’t mean they’ll choose it again today. A more consultative approach has allowed Clearmake to grow their customer base and successfully service a greater range of project types and niche industries. It has also provided a platform for valuable market research required for ongoing product development.
Highlights of the past three months:
- Signing the design and construct contract for the Ground Water Treatment Plant for Brisbane’s North South Bypass Tunnel (Clem 7).
- Steadily increasing orders on numerous projects for customers including the Australian Defence Forces, Queensland Government, EDI and Cummins, producing the largest order book in Clearmake history.
- The addition of another electrical tradesperson to the team, with 12 years experience in the water treatment industry.
- Another existing team member has started his electrical apprenticeship.
- Client feedback, market research and product development has lead us to investigating several new technologies that will further expand the Clearmake product offering.