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Client: PKF Perth
Industry: Professional Services
Engagement: Strategy Development, Strategy Cascade and Strategy Execution
Working with Checkside since: 2023
As PKF Perth continued to grow, its leadership team recognised that the business needed a more consistent approach to strategy. The firm was evolving alongside the needs of its mid-market clients. New opportunities were emerging, the team was growing and the demands on the partnership were increasing. PKF Perth wanted to ensure it had the right strategy, structure and business practices in place to support its next stage of growth.
The key priorities were to:
1. Establish a consistent approach to strategy and execution
2. Continue evolving with the needs of its growing client base
3. Attract, develop and retain capable people
4. Reduce reliance on Partners across key operational functions
5. Build the practices and internal capability required for sustainable growth
The challenge wasn’t simply to develop another strategy document. It was to establish a process that kept the strategy visible, relevant and connected to the way the business operated.
Building the strategy together
Checkside facilitated a strategy development process involving the broader partnership group and key functional leaders.
Bringing the right people into the process created space for honest discussion, different perspectives and clearer decisions about the future of the firm.
The result was a unified strategic roadmap that reflected the opportunities, challenges and priorities across the business – not just those of the leadership team.
Turning strategy into clear plans
Once the strategic roadmap had been developed, it was shared across the organisation.
Divisional and functional plans were then created to translate the firm-wide strategy into clear priorities, actions and ownership throughout the business.
This was the critical bridge between agreeing on the strategy and making it operational.
Creating an operating rhythm
A dedicated accountability group was also established, supported by strategy tracking tools that kept the firm’s key objectives front and centre.
Monthly check-ins provided a regular forum to:
• Review progress against strategic priorities
• Identify and address bottlenecks
• Discuss emerging issues and opportunities
• Maintain clear ownership and accountability
• Keep strategic work moving alongside operational demands
Quarterly reviews enabled the strategy to be adjusted as conditions changed, while annual refresh sessions allowed the leadership team to assess progress, take stock of what had been achieved and reset priorities where required.
Strategy became an ongoing business process – not an isolated planning exercise.
This consistent approach has helped PKF Perth keep strategic priorities visible and respond more effectively to the opportunities and challenges created by growth.
A more consistent approach to strategy
Strategy is now supported by a defined process, regular conversations and clear accountability. Issues and opportunities can be identified and addressed in a more timely and integrated way.
Expanded services for a growing client base
PKF Perth has continued to adapt to the changing needs of its mid-market clients, including investing in new service lines and expanding its offering across the firm’s business units.
Stronger internal capability
The firm has established a capable internal People and Culture function to support the attraction, retention and development of its people.
Internal Marketing and Finance roles have also been established, strengthening these functions while freeing Partners to focus more of their time on clients, leadership and strategic priorities.
Healthy results driving sustainable growth
The firm has experienced solid growth in both topline revenue and profitability over the past three years. This has allowed PKF Perth to progress several initiatives intended to position the firm for continued success, including succession planning, the integration of new technologies and investments in its broader business capability.
Managing Partner of PKF Perth, Darren Shillington said:
“Checkside has brought a refreshing and valuable approach to setting and executing strategy. It has helped to convert our strategic work into a valuable process that delivers results, as opposed to an isolated, ad hoc exercise.
Regular check-ins have helped us focus on strategic objectives. The sustainable growth of the business and expansion of our service offerings to meet the needs of our growing mid-tier client base have been very rewarding.
We really value the working relationship with the Checkside team and are excited as we continue to scale our business.”
A strategy document does not create growth on its own. The real value comes from turning strategy into clear priorities, creating ownership across the business and establishing a regular accountability rhythm that keeps the important work moving.
PKF Perth has invested and committed to this process and their experience and outcomes demonstrate what can happen when strategy becomes part of how the business operates – not something revisited once a year.