Managing your business through tough times

At the end of May 2009, the South African economy slipped into recession. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth mean an economy is technically in recession - this is the first time in 17 years that the local economy has experienced such contracted growth.

While the financial challenges of the global economic downturn have put many businesses under stress, trading in a recession means that all businesses should move into survival mode if they want to make it through the difficult times ahead.

In these testing times, you need a business adviser who understands your business. One who really listens to your concerns and takes the time to ask the difficult questions, questions you might not have thought about. You’ll receive objective and practical advice from us, helping you to make the big decisions and to seize appropriate opportunities as they emerge.

We offer the full scale and breadth of services you will need to survive this recession, delivered in a distinctive and personalised way.

• Proactive and partner-led teams, who deliver solutions to your problems, not pre-packaged products and services.
• Integrated delivery of the best advice from across our service lines.
• Specialist services that understand businesses in distress, and can help identify appropriate solutions in difficult circumstances.
• Extensive expertise in the issues facing local businesses, combined with the global reach and resources of Grant Thornton International.

Key issues explored in the guide are:

• the big questions for your business
• identifying and breaking through funding barriers
• generating cash in the business
• keeping profits healthy
• becoming ‘leaner and meaner’
• being clear in terms of strategy and management reporting
• focusing on the business future.