One branch after another was opened, and business was booming, but management often felt isolated and a bit lost when it came to strategic decisions. After 18 months in BizMakers’ Business Scaleup program, the security company ASiL has expanded by hiring four new employees, moved to new offices, and broadened its business.
The family-owned company ASiL specializes in security installations—including fences, gates, and barriers—for property owners, industrial companies, energy companies, and other businesses with high security and accessibility requirements. In an industry where demand is high, they were already on a growth trajectory—but in the midst of this fast-paced environment, management realized they lacked a compass.
The solution was Business Scaleup, BizMaker’s business development program for companies that want to scale up their operations but need tools and guidance along the way.
“We were facing many crossroads and needed guidance on which direction to take and what decisions to make. When Ewa Sandeheim, the program manager, called while we were in the car on our way to a major project, it was as if the stars had aligned,” says CEO Angelica Sjödin.
A Cheering Squad All of Their Own
Committing to an 18-month program can feel overwhelming when time is already in short supply in day-to-day operations. But Angelica points out that it is precisely this long-term perspective that has been key.
– At first, it seemed like a long process, but now I understand why. There’s work to be done and thinking to be done between the sessions. My personal challenge has been not to try to juggle everything at once.
This approach made it possible to implement simple changes between meetings and see the results immediately in the organization. They were supported in this work by four coaches with expertise in areas such as finance and HR.
– It’s been like having a personal cheering squad that offers input and challenges us. Having them just a phone call away to bounce ideas off of has provided tremendous support in our day-to-day lives.
New colleagues, business ventures, and office space
The team has grown from eight employees when the program began to twelve today. They have expanded their operations with a new line of business and a dedicated sales representative. In addition, they have moved into new offices in their hometown, which will enable them to grow even further.
But when Angelica looks back, it is not primarily the hard numbers she highlights, but rather the newfound sense of security and self-confidence in her own leadership.
– The coaches have helped us trust more in our own abilities and the decisions we make. We could have grown much faster, but that would have come at the expense of something else. To me, the fact that everyone on the team enjoys coming to work is more important than revenue.
“I want to encourage everyone to take this opportunity!”
Through Business Scaleup, ASiL gained a long-term strategic perspective and a clear direction. The next natural step toward further professionalizing the company is to bring in an external board of directors. Angelica’s advice to other entrepreneurs is clear.
“I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to take advantage of it! Strategic work doesn’t happen in day-to-day operations—you have to set aside time for it. And if you’re an entrepreneur who’s curious about the program, please feel free to give me a call,” she concludes.
About Business Scaleup
Business Scaleup runs over 18 months with regular meetings and is designed based on your time, needs and resources. During the program, you meet us at BizMaker who coordinates the program and your designated coaches. Together, we support you by, among other things, mapping the business, developing a future roadmap and contributing with unique expertise. Are you ready to start your growth journey? Read more about Business Scaleup and contact us.
