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Small
business development
Finding success in the furniture business
In the continuing series on small business development in Sri Lanka,
this week’s focus is on a furniture factory located in Bandaragama,
45 km south-east of Colombo.
First
Furniture Pvt Ltd was established in 1994 and it manufactures, sells
and exports treated rubber wooden furniture for all purposes, plywood
doors and furniture components. Situated on Kalutara Road with ample
parking facility, First Furniture attracts customers with its attractive
displays and friendly staff.
Gayathri
Jayadevan, Business Development Specialist at the International
Labour Organization - SIYB Program, who has been writing this series,
talks to Preethi Gunatilake, Managing Director of First Furniture
Pvt Ltd and First Fashion Pvt Ltd, on the management of this successful
business.
What
prompted you to start the venture?
Having held successful jobs as a teacher and a statistical investigator,
my heart was yearning for something more. Something that would give
me an opportunity to work hard, fulfill my dreams whilst utilizing
my capacity. Tissa Jayasinghe, who is my brother-in-law and also
a chartered engineer, and I became interested in furniture manufacturing
when we realized that there was a need for quality furniture among
the price conscious local community and decided to start our own
business.
What
were your primary concerns?
Our vision was to manufacture and supply quality furniture at reasonable
prices. In order to deliver this promise we had to be technically
competent, have extensive quality control measures in place and
have confident sales staff.
How
did this differ from reality?
The chemical treatment of the rubber timber did not turn up right
in the first instances. The machinery, equipment and the people
hired to work did not produce the quantity of output at the quality
we had anticipated.
What
have been your main challenges?
Business growth and expansion. In order to increase sales we needed
to develop the market locally and internationally. With the support
of the Export Development Board, we were able to initiate and export
to countries such as the United Kingdom, China and India. We are
currently working on opening a showroom in Colombo to target the
local urban population. In terms of diversification, we have opened
a textiles and clothing store called First Fashion.
Have
you sought the advice of a mentor?If so, did you find this helpful?
I participated in the Expand Your Business training program
of ILO. It was interactive, flexible and addressed the essence of
expanding the business strategically. The Business Game that we
played was extremely valuable, and provided practical tips for the
day-to-day decision making in the business. We were able to revise
our business vision, recognize the core competencies of the business
and develop a growth plan.
What
are some of the main lessons you have learned?
We employ over 100 employees in the business and we try to create
an environment where people are encouraged to develop new ideas
and feel a sense of belonging in the organization. Whether it is
an employee or a customer or any stakeholder, when we appreciate
and recognize them for their efforts, the rewards we receive in
turn are priceless.
What
advice would you give others?
Do enough market research on the type of business you want to start.
You can speak to potential customers, listen to existing entrepreneurs
in the local area and conduct market surveys. Most importantly,
you must have self-confidence and positive attitude about starting
your own business, which would ensure overcoming any obstacles that
may come your way.
How
has it affected your work / lifestyle balance?
You need to have a clear distinction between work and home. I hardly
work overtime or during the weekends. However I have to admit that
running a business of this scale is not completely stress free.
With good support from my business partner and my family, and by
delegating the responsibilities to the appropriate staff members,
the business can be sustainable and function well.
List your top business tips.
•Keep an open mind when it comes to customers and employees.
Understand your customers’ needs and try to meet these needs
every time. Recognize and applaud your employees’ achievements,
do not limit your care to their monthly salary payments.
•Do not ever compromise the quality of the
product and the service that you offer.
• When changes happen and plans waiver, be
positive and respond. It is not the end of the world.
Gunatilake can be reached at preethi@tradenetsl.lk while the writer
could be reached at gj@siyblanka.com. |
