Business Maturity:

An established business will have some or all of the following attributes:

• in existence for a number of years
• generates cash
• good financial stability
• all the problems associated with growth have been overcome
• there is an established customer base.

But, by definition, a mature business is not growing any more. It is essential that the reason for this is discovered and remedial action is taken.

Here are some questions you should ask:

• The business is stagnant/static.
  Should you re-appraise your Marketing Strategy?
• Has the product or service come to the end of its useful life?
• Is reinvention and/or diversification required. Diversification is potentially a very risky process, and the process should be fully researched.
• Has management lost its enthusiasm?
• Is new management required?
• Do you need to revisit the Product Lifecycle?
• Human resources (staffing). Do your staff have motivation and job-satisfaction problems? Do you have the management skills to deal with this situation?
• Should you consider selling the business? If so, are you aware of the Taxation issue involved? Do you need an accurate valuation of your business from an experienced professional?