What do we do?
Expert advice and support for management teams, investors and potential investors focused on the hospitality space with particular specialism in Quick Service Restaurants (QSR).
With decades of experience in operations, business development, general management and franchising we can provide invaluable support across a wide range of topics including:
Operational
- KPIs definition, measurement and optimisation
- Operational process review and profit optimisation across all key cost lines
- Site / portfolio assessment and optimisation
Business Development
- Mapping existing estate and establishing new site criteria including new site finding and assessment
- Development and implementation of a franchising offer from manuals/standards through franchisee profile development, recruitment, training and management
- Franchisor relationship management - supporting you in getting the most from your franchisor
People
- Coaching, mentoring and professional development for middle and senior managers
- Recruitment of middle and senior managers from our extensive network of high performers
Investment
- Preparing and assisting delivery of the business case for external investment and assessment of potential investors
- Acting on behalf of investors to assess potential target businesses from a growth potential and quality of earnings perspective
- Providing expert advice to sellers looking to exit their business to enable optimisation of value to shareholders
The Founder
Mark Fox
Highly experienced former senior executive
Mark has held multiple CEO positions across various businesses in the hospitality sector including leading Starbucks in the UK and running Roadchef, one of the largest motorway service area operators in the UK with food, beverage, hotel, gaming and other commercial income streams. His breadth of knowledge is unrivalled and his focus on running employee and customer centric businesses has delivered him significant success in his 30+ year career including the achievement of Investors in People Platinum accreditation.
Mark has worked as a franchisor for more than half of his career with Yum Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell) and Starbucks. More recently he has been a franchisee of a number of well known brands including McDonald's, Costa & Leon. This gives him a unique perspective on the sector and the relationship between franchisee and franchisor.
Mark is a straightforward and open leader who firmly believes that hospitality is a unique sector which, done well, can deliver outstanding returns for shareholders, customers and employees alike. He is well-known for his friendly yet forthright style which gets to the nub of the issue quickly and finds creative ways to move forward whilst also enjoying the journey.
How do we work?
- Short Term Contract which targets a specific topic or business area - short term (up to 2 weeks) with a pre-agreed deliverable. A low cost way of accessing deep expertise to focus on some of the more challenging business conundrums
- Project Contract which would typically have a duration of 2-24 weeks and may target a number of business areas. Typically includes a period of monitoring and support post delivery of the initial targeted work. Ideal if you need dedicated resources focused on specific issues without distracting the wider business
- Ongoing Contract which typically involves a regular commitment of time over a more extended period and could include non-executive director services or a coaching/mentoring relationship with key senior managers. Typically contracts of 6 months or longer
How much does it cost?
Our rates are flexible depending on the duration of the contract and nature of the work required. However, they will always be competitive. As a guide, day rates can range from as little as £500. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and we guarantee to work with you to ensure the cost of our services is transparent and manageable for your business.
Expenses will only be incurred with prior authorisation and passed through at cost.
obsv.ai will help you to exploit your full potential
Entirely flexible packages including bespoke options tailored exactly to your needs. The opportunity to have a seasoned business professional working alongside you and your team as little, or as much, as you need them will give you the confidence to know that your business is optimised. Running a business can be a lonely place but with obsv.ai by your side you will have an experienced sounding board who will provide you with honest real-time feedback and input to ensure your business fulfils its potential.