“I highly recommend reaching out to Nordens; their expertise has been invaluable to us. A special shoutout to Steven, whose superb support and always-available advice have been instrumental in our journey.”
Background
Moonlight Design is a premium outdoor lighting company specialising in high-end residential projects. Their comprehensive service offering is structured across three distinct business arms: bespoke design consultancy, retail product sales, and professional installation services. The company has established itself as a leader in creating sophisticated outdoor lighting solutions, working with discerning clients who value exceptional quality and artistic vision in their outdoor spaces.
As one of our longest-standing clients, Moonlight’s journey with us shows the value of true partnership. Though they’d already proven themselves through consistently excellent service and a strong reputation in high-end outdoor lighting, they were looking for a fresh pair of eyes. The owner wanted someone to bounce ideas off, sense-check their thinking and give them the reassurance they needed about their growth plans. With our guidance, they’ve transformed an already successful business into an industry leader.
The Challenge
Whilst the business had established solid foundations, it faced several complex operational and financial challenges that needed to be addressed to facilitate growth.
The most pressing issue was cashflow management, particularly due to their business model requiring significant upfront investment in stock. The company needed to purchase products in bulk to maintain competitive pricing and ensure availability, but this created substantial pressure on working capital before sales could be realised.
Each of the three business arms presented unique challenges:
- The design consultancy needed strengthening to establish itself as a standalone profit centre
- The retail division required development to become self-sufficient and less dependent on installation services
- The installation arm needed systematic processes to scale efficiently whilst maintaining their high standards
Additionally, the business faced operational inefficiencies in their internal processes, particularly around stock management and ordering systems, which were consuming valuable time that could be better spent on growth activities.
The owner’s vision was to scale the business sustainably across all three arms whilst maintaining their reputation for quality and service excellence. This required carefully balanced growth strategies that would allow each division to develop without compromising the others or straining the company’s resources.
The business also needed to build resilience against market fluctuations and economic uncertainties, requiring a more robust operational structure and improved financial management systems.
The Results
Through our partnership, Moonlight has achieved remarkable success, demonstrating 20% year-on-year growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst many site-based businesses struggled during this period, Moonlight capitalised on the increased focus on home improvements and outdoor spaces, significantly expanding their client base.
Our advisory service implemented several key strategies that transformed the business:
- Automated internal processes and stock ordering systems, significantly reducing administrative time
- Restructured operations to strengthen all three business arms independently
- Developed robust cashflow management systems, working closely with their bookkeeper
- Secured payment plans with suppliers and VAT authorities to maintain financial stability
- Successfully pursued R&D claims to support innovation and development
The automated systems we’ve implemented have created a more efficient operation, whilst our focus on developing both the installation and design arms of the business has created a more balanced and resilient company structure. The retail division has grown to become self-sufficient, reducing reliance on installation services and creating a more stable business model overall.
Perhaps most notably, the owner David has credited our advisor Steven’s support as being instrumental in the company’s survival during challenging periods. Through careful scenario planning and strategic guidance, we’ve helped position Moonlight Design to not only survive but thrive, with the business now stronger than ever and well-placed for continued growth.
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