Our Business Consulting Solutions
Customised Services
Your Business is Unique our solutions are bespoke to help you achieve Operational Excellence
Tangible Sustainable Results
We Deliver, We Diagnose - We Plan - We Implement
Increase your Operating Margin
Build Revenues and/or Reduce Costs through changed Strategies and Processes.
Preferred Results is a business improvement and turnaround company.
Preferred Results is owned & run by Raymond and Alisha O’Hanlon.
Over the last 32 years, Raymond & Alisha have delivered on over 175 transformational change assignments for their clients.
Adopting a holistic approach that encompasses lean methodologies in:
- Business Modelling
- Organisation Restructuring
- Process Mapping
- ECM & Workflow
- A complete suite of Lean Training
Our strength lies in our ability to get the job done either ourselves or by combining our expertise and experience with that of specialists selected on a job-by-job basis from a Panel of Associates which we have built up over many years.
It is this depth of talent that allows us to take both highly complex and large-scale projects in our stride, both locally in Ireland, as well as internationally.
Belonging to an elite group of fewer than ten European Certified Turnaround Professionals in Ireland, Preferred Results is committed to “Keeping Businesses Open” by identifying stressed businesses as early as possible and delivering fast-paced turnaround solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Raymond and Alisha O’Hanlon
Preferred Results has formed strategic partnerships with leading-edge technology and software companies to automate and cement process improvements and efficiencies within a Clients business.
State of the art IT platform eg Business and Ecosystem Modelling; the incorporation of Enterprise Content Management (ECM), and Workflow solutions with Hyland (OnBase) combined with a sharp focus on Human Capital Management within a business by working through the application of advanced Skills and Competency frameworks, identifying skills gaps and developing clear training plans.
For the seventh consecutive year, Hyland, in the top 100 of the Fortune 500 companies, is recognised as a Global Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for ECM.
What We Do
Lean Philosophy
The purpose of our business is to deliver sustainable stepped improvements to the bottom line. We do this by identifying the points in a business where Value is created and thereafter work with relevant stakeholders to configure resources in a manner which focusses the whole of the business on maximising Value Creation.
The end result is that Flows throughout the business are optimised and Waste in all of its forms is minimised. By driving Value Creation up while driving Waste down, stepped improvements drop to the bottom line.
In order for results to be sustainable, individual business lines must be at least capable of making a contribution to overheads and when taken as a whole, the sum total of the business lines must deliver a profit. Where these conditions are not met, strategic choices are required, which is when we engage at a strategic level with our Clients to examine the overall Business Model and to decide on which lines of business to build, to hold, or to exit. In turn, within each business line, we evaluate the product mix and the contribution margin by product so that the business can focus on introducing, building and holding those products/services which increase the value created by the business. While we provide a wide range of services to Clients, all of them are based upon our core principles:
- Get the Business Model right
- Configure the Value Chain in line with the Business Model
- Increase flow and eliminate waste
In delivering on our assignments, we apply tried and tested Models, Tools, and Concepts; we take a hands on approach, and we add in our special ingredient, which is our extensive problem-solving experience accumulated over many years, in many industries, in many countries, as both consultants and as Managers.
From scoping-out, to analysis, to implementation, we work with the pertinent stakeholders throughout all levels of an organisation from Operators right up to the Board level. We also regularly work with other stakeholders and influencers such as Banks, Enterprise Boards, Auditors and Unions; and with any other entities which are important to the delivery of successful outcomes for our clients. Our Bespoke Consultancy Services are designed with our clients to meet their specific needs, which vary from World Class Multinationals seeking to improve specific processes such as Product Changeovers to medium-sized Family Businesses seeking a comprehensive overhaul of their enterprise.
The typical stages and durations involved in the process are as follows:
- Diagnostics
- Free Consultation (1 – 4 hours)
- Rapid Review (1-2 Days)
- Preliminary Survey (1 -3 Weeks)
- Implementation Projects (3 to 6 months)
We take a phased approach so as to allow our clients to become comfortable with the approach and results obtained before committing to a full-scale implementation project.
What our clients say
We have over 30 years of experience working with top business professionals
A personalised service based in its entirety on “word of mouth” and personal references, makes what Clients say about us of fundamental importance. We take great pride in being able to consistently deliver above expectations by ensuring that Value is added through each assignment that we undertake.
While working closely with the Senior Management team is a priority, we ensure that solid working relationships are built with all levels of the organisation in order to deliver the required results within the specified time frames.
Mr. Michael Hanley
CEO Lakeland Dairies
Following the acquisition of a Milk Powder Plant in Omagh, Northern Ireland from Nestle, consultancy services were contracted in order to provide an objective outsider view of performance improvement opportunities available within the business.
Working closely with the Plant Management Team, six project proposals for improved performance were prepared. These proposals were aimed at:
- Reducing losses of raw milk
- Reducing losses of Milk Powder
- Reducing the Number of Milk Tankers
- Increasing Throughput
- Improving Manpower Utilisation
- Improving Energy Efficiency
- Improving Effluent Management
A new organisational structure was also required.
During the survey, Raymond O’Hanlon, spent a large portion of his time on the floor, observing and discussing the operation with both, Operators and Management. This approach ensured that the recommendations arising out of the Survey were both practical and objective, and had the backing of the local Management Team.
The principle benefit derived from having used the Consultancy services was that it allowed us to quickly develop and prioritise a blueprint for change with significant bottom-line improvements.
At the time of writing, some eighteen months have elapsed since the completion of the Survey, the new organisation structure has been completely installed and significant savings have been derived from the project areas mentioned above.
Dr. Sean Brady
Managing Director
Irish Sugard Board – Siucra engaged Preferred Results for 4 projects in the following areas:
- Production – Involving operations at Carlow, Mallow and Thurles
- Agribusiness
- The Administration Areas of the Company
- The Organisation Structure of the Company
Without exception, I consider each of these projects to have been highly worthwhile, having delivered measurable bottom-line performance improvements, several times greater than the cost of the consultancy services provided. One of the great strengths of the Consultant is his capacity to quickly identify significant performance improvement opportunities, irrespective of the business area involved. In each case, the opportunities which were highlighted, were backed by a very detailed and robust analysis, capable of standing up to critical appraisal.
The fact that the assignments were delivered within the agreed timeframe and in accordance with the proposed budgets is largely to do with the Consultants willingness to do whatever it takes to deliver on commitments made.
Shatish Dasani (Group CFO).
Currently Group Finance Director of TT Electronics Plc
During my tenure as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Empresas Melon S.A. in Chile, a locally listed subsidiary of the Blue Circle/Lafarge Group, I contracted Raymond OHanlon to carry out a review of the Group IT Function which included Head Office, and the five group companies: Cemento Melon, Premix, Hasbun, Megaridos and Presec. Raymond came highly recommended to me following on projects which he had undertaken at our Mine and Cement Plant (Cemento Melon S.A.) and with our Readymix operation(Premix).
The objectives of the assignment were to:
- Analyse the current status of the individual IT
- Functions & recommend improvements
- Assess the potential benefits of recommended improvements
- Identify short-term cost reduction opportunities
- Provide an estimate of time-frames and costs for the implementation of changes
Raymond undertook a rigorous analysis of each of the constituent components of the IT Function for the group, including Systems, Infrastructure, Hardware and Organisation Structure. I particularly liked the use of questionnaires to solicit and measure User satisfaction.
Through the astute use of such Questionnaires Raymond created as groundswell of support for a suite of radical changes which included the absorption of each of the 6 individual IT Departments into a single Group IT Department with very substantial cost savings in Line Rental, Licences, Hardware, Headcount, IT Contractor Services, among other items.
I was very happy with the process followed and with the results obtained as a result of Raymond’s work. He ticked all of the boxes which I feel are important in a Consultant: Professionalism, Out-of-the-Box thinking, technical ability, practical solutions and above all the ability to bring people along with him.
I would have no hesitation in hiring Raymond again in the future should the occasion arise or in recommending him to others.
Mr. John McNamara
Former CEO of Greencore Malting Group
Given the magnitude of the potential for improvement identified (during the three week Preliminary Survey at two plants), it was decided to proceed to the full-scale project phase, which involved an extension of the analysis across all of our plants in Ireland, England, Scotland and Belgium. Other areas such as Branch Network and Organisation Structure were also incorporated into the project.
On the basis of first-hand experience, the Performance Improvement Project has been very beneficial for our business in that it challenged how we always did things. From my perspective, what sets Raymond O’Hanlon (who was in charge of the Project) apart from other Consultancy Companies is the focus on delivering measurable and sustainable results.
Joe Collins
MD Commercial & Ingredients, Irish Dairy Board
Having come to the end of the roll-out of its new ERP System, Movex, in June 2009, IDB conducted a search for a Process-Focussed Consultant with Performance Improvement experience, to assist it with bringing forward and implementing projects aimed at capitalising on the significant IT investment which it had just completed. That search ended with IDB entering into a Contract for Consultancy services with Raymond O’Hanlon, from Preferred Results Ltd.
Over the course of the 18 months which followed, Raymond worked on some 22 Projects throughout the length of the “Order-to-Cash Cycle”, which caters for some 450,000 MT of Dairy Product Exports on annual basis. The result has been the streamlining and automation of processes which are critical to IDB Operations, resulting in, not only a significant reduction in Costs, but also, in improved Service , both to our Customers and to our Members.
In the delivery of the Projects, Raymond worked with Management and Staff from across all of the Functional Areas of the Business; from Finance, to Operations, to Sales & Marketing, to IT and HR. It is a tribute to his depth of experience, combined with both his Technical ability and People skills, that he has been able to win the respect and active participation of the various Project teams, even though, the majority of projects resulted in significant changes to the status quo within the Business.
As the manager in charge of the area where most of the projects took place, I am perhaps in the best position to recommend Raymond to any business which is contemplating embarking on performance improvement initiatives.
Should you wish to contact me at any time to discuss issues in relation to my experience of working with Raymond, please do not hesitate in doing so.
Mr. Michael Nevin
CEO Longford County Enterprise Board
After an initial meeting to help get an understanding of our service offering, Preferred Results produced a very focused and professional survey document that zoned in on the critical areas we wanted to address.
It was clear from the content of the Report, that not only had Preferred Results obtained additional insights while talking to clients during the clients survey, but had also applied years of professional experience to conduct a solid analysis of the data collected in order to identify and recommend specific areas of Performance Improvement Opportunities.
Conducting a Client Satisfaction Survey was a very useful exercise for us because it helped to reaffirm what we were doing well and highlight a couple of areas where we need to tighten up on our management of client relationships.
For an organisation, private or public, looking at client retention as an issue, I believe that this type of exercise could prove invaluable in getting an in-depth analysis on client’s perceptions”.
Ms Margot Edwards
Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy, Santiago, Chile.
Alisha helped me develop a strategic plan for the trade promotion programme of the Government of Canada in Chile and worked on the preparation of her own business plan which includes trade policy and promotion activities in the following sectors: transportation systems and equipment, consumer goods, agricultural and agricultural commodities, food products and services, fisheries and sea products and tourism.
Mrs. O’Hanlon impressed me by her strong analytical capabilities and by her no non-sense approach to issues and challenges of her job. I relied on her solid judgment and on her advice on a wide range of issues and on her knowledge of the Chilean market place.” Louis Boisvert, Commercial Counsellor, Canadian Embassy, Santiago, Chile.
“As Trade Commissioner, Ms O’Hanlon was responsible to promote Canadian Goods and Services in specific sectors in Chile including assisting the Canadian business community, providing contacts, market intelligence, knowledge of the industry and identifying business opportunities.”
Ian Duffy
Partner, RSM Farrell Grant Sparks (now Grant Thornton)
During my tenure as Managing Partner, the Firm had recently completed a Merger with two separate practices in Longford and Belfast making the transitional period for all Parties both, dynamic and challenging. While her principle responsibilities included the preparation of monthly management accounts, budgets, financial analysis and KPI’s across the Partnership, Alisha played a significant role in developing, standardising and improving the Credit Control function across the three offices. As a result, five months after she started she was appointed the Group Credit Controller and in the ensuing six months as Senior Manager for Working Capital Management whilst continuing with her other duties. Working with Senior Management and Partners, Alisha is extremely professional and responsive”.
Michael Shelley
Partner Audit & Advisory, RSM Farrell Grant Sparks (now Grant Thornton)
As an Audit partner, I have dealt with Alisha extensively over the past six years and found her to be highly professional with a strong work ethic. She has been a key member of the finance team, initiating and championing some of the critical cash, credit control and working capital management practices currently being deployed within the Firm.”.
Jim Mulqueen
Managing Partner, RSM Farrell Grant Sparks (now Grant Thornton)
Alisha reported directly to me in my capacity as Managing Partner for four years and has always been conscientious reliable and professional, well able to handle demanding and difficult situations. I would recommend Alisha and happy to be contacted directly for any further information”.
Michael Keenan
Partner, RSM Farrell Grant Sparks, Longford.(now Grant Thornton)
As a Partner in the Longford Office, I regularly liaised with Alisha in relation to accounts, budgets, KPI’s and cash flows amongst other issues over the past six year. I found her work to be timely and reliable and she was very responsive and helpful on all matters, regardless of the volume of work on her desk”.
Royal Bank of Canada, Santiago, Chile
Alisha had the responsibility for the management of some of our major corporate customers in Chile, Argentina, Peru and Brazil in a range of different economic activities and industries. A reliable individual, capable of working on and addressing complex situations on her own. Her financial analytical skills are particularly strong and she has always displayed strong business acumen.”
Duarte Miranda
Vice President and Regional Representative, Royal Bank of Canada, Santiago, Chile.
“A valuable member of the team, Alisha marketed the whole range of RBC products to a portfolio of Clients with associated financial analysis meeting all internal approval requirements on the risk and return parameters.”
Pascal Muzard,
Director Corporate Credit, RBC Capital Markets.
“Having worked with Alisha on several projects and transactions as part of the RBC Global Loan Syndications team, she has displayed an impressive knowledge of her Clients requirements combined with:
1) Products, including pricing, structure and term;
2) credit, including financial analysis, market competition and depth;
3) market trends and the influence of economic, political and geo-political factors.”
Cara Fleischer,
Vice President, RBC Capital Markets, New York.