Milton Keynes-based serviced apartment provider ShortStay MK is set to hit £1 million turnover for the first time since calling in Business Doctor Andy Mee.
Established in 2009, ShortStay MK was launched by entrepreneur Tony Byrne who – as a regular business visitor to Milton Keynes himself – realised that there was a need for high-level self-catering accommodation in Milton Keynes.
Tony’s vision was to create a portfolio of places to stay in Milton Keynes that would work particularly well for people like him, who come to Milton Keynes for business or personal reasons and prefer accommodation that is more homely than a hotel.
He says: “As a businessperson regularly coming to Milton Keynes for work, the last place I wanted to spend my evenings and weekends was some faceless hotel. When you’ve got a hectic business schedule you need somewhere that’s more like a comfortable, luxurious home from home. Short stay apartments provide all of that and are great value for money.â€
By 2014, the company had grown its portfolio to a choice of 33 apartments and was looking to grow further when Tony attended The Freedom Workshop seminar delivered by Business Doctor Andy Mee at Milton Keynes College. Following the seminar, Tony engaged Andy to become his Business Doctor, to help him grow the company.
Andy says: “Working together, we quickly recognised what a fantastic business Tony has, packed with potential. We began by developing a strategy for the business, focussing on both immediate wins and long-term growth. This process gave us a clearer view of how to improve marketing and PR overall and also helped us identify the most profitable areas of the business. Alongside some minor improvements to the IT system, we were able to map out a route to long-term growth both in Milton Keynes and also potentially as a franchise.
“Since we started the process, I’m pleased to say the company has enjoyed an approximate 55% growth in turnover which we believe will shortly hit one million pounds and is set to grow even further, with 46 apartments now in the portfolio.â€
Based on this initial success, Tony and Andy are set to continue working together to build ShortStayMK and Tony has also asked Andy to work with him on one of his other businesses.