0202SimplifyWeeks 3–4
Simplify
Remove complexity, waste, distractions and low-return activity.
Strip the business back to what actually works. Identify loss-making products, unprofitable customers and complexity that drains owner time, then remove or reprice it.
Objective
Remove complexity, waste, distractions and low-return activity.
Key questions
- 01Which products or services genuinely make money at full cost?
- 02Which customers cost more to serve than they return?
- 03Where is complexity quietly draining cash and owner attention?
- 04What would we stop doing entirely if we had to focus on the core?
Typical pressure points
- Unprofitable lines kept alive for sentiment or volume
- High-effort, low-margin customers consuming capacity
- Manual, duplicated or undocumented processes
- Owner time spread across too many fronts
Practical actions
- 01Rank products/services by gross margin and contribution, then review full-cost profitability where reliable cost data is available.
- 02Review customer profitability and flag loss-making relationships
- 03Identify low-return products, services and activities for removal, consolidation or repricing, taking account of customer relationships and operational dependencies before acting.
- 04Remove a defined set of distractions each week
- 05Protect owner time for cash and commercial priorities
Relevant tools
Relevant downloads
Important — please read
If your business is under significant financial pressure, Turnaround Toolkit cannot determine whether the company is solvent or insolvent or whether continuing to trade is appropriate. If the company cannot pay debts as they fall due, has received formal demands, or you are concerned about your duties as a director, seek prompt advice from an appropriately qualified insolvency/restructuring professional or solicitor.