The Company
Horizon Retail Marketing Solutions Limited (Horizon RMS) is a retail design and brand communications agency. It designs and manufactures exciting and innovative retail displays for world-class brands and retailers (such as Currys, TomTom, Huawei, etc.). Horizon RMS boasts a highly experienced team of multi-skilled individuals who work with clients to provide concepts and ideas through to design, print, production, installation and compliance.
The Challenge
The company is looking to expand its business but does not have the in-house expertise, skills and knowledge required to introduce process standardisation and business process improvements to consolidate and deliver increased capacity necessary for growth. Furthermore, the company lacks the expertise needed to strategically maximise sales opportunities before eventually diversifying into new markets, such as mainland Europe.
The Solution
Operations Management professionals from Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences will assess the current infrastructure and personnel skillset at Horizon RMS to organise human and physical resources more efficiently. The team will review and improve operational processes to ensure higher capacity and increased productivity. An example of this will be the implementation of a scheduling system to improve quote lead times. Finally, the consortium will deliver a better understanding of the company’s supply chain capabilities, including EU shipping challenges post-Brexit.
“We have some significant plans to deliver on both domestically and internationally, and with Aston’s help, we stand every chance of delivering on them.” Andrew Moss, Managing Director, Horizon RMS.
Team Aston
The Aston University academic team consists of Dr Geoff Parkes, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Strategy and Associate Dean of the Aston Business School. Dr Parkes' expertise on understanding the information needed from existing customers will be essential for effective marketing decisions, in particular, retaining Horizon RMS's customisation offering whilst allowing more standardisation of the marketing mix.
He is joined by Krishna Balthu, Teaching Fellow in Service Operations Management who has interests in Service Operations Management, Action Research and Management Consultancy. He has a background in research and consultancy with skills ranging from process modelling and business analysis to delivering strategic change programmes.
“I’m delighted to work on this KTP with Andrew and the team at Horizon RMS. The business is at a really exciting stage of development and the academic team at Aston are looking forward to help facilitate the next stage of growth. KTPs offer the chance for companies and academics to combine skills, identify market opportunities and realise plans to implement positive change. In today’s dynamic market conditions, this focused approach is more relevant than ever.” Dr Geoff Parkes.
Next steps
Look out for more updates by following us on Twitter and checking our webpage.
For more information about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships or an informal chat, email ktp@aston.ac.uk or call 0121 204 4242.