SME UK Enterprise Awards 2024/ 84 Most Innovative Business Transformation Consultancy 2024 – Midlands & UK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 Akeno Ltd was founded in 2015 by Kerry Thompson and specialises in business transformation; helping teams and organisations to turn skills, ambition, and passion into clear strategies, underpinned by strong ethics and values. We find out more about the firm and its ethos from Kerry as it celebrates success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2024. With a name meaning “bright and shining” in Japanese, Akeno Ltd is an independent innovation and transformation consultancy agency, focused on helping its clients to deliver positive change, underpinned by cohesive and energised teams. By rolling up its sleeves and driving delivery via a robust programme management approach, Akeno brings stability and transparency, with the ability to adapt and adjust. With a pragmatic, focused, and energised approach the company firmly sets itself apart from others in its field and, while it is technically industry agnostic, it does harbour a specialism in automotive, with big name clients including Audi, VW, SEAT, CUPRA, VW Commercial Vehicles, Skoda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Mercedes, Mercedes Trucks, Norton, and many more. “At the heart of our business beats a set of core values that infuse everything we do – from going above and beyond for our clients to fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment,” enthuses Kerry, who set up the business almost a decade ago. “Our values are the compass that guides us through every aspect of our work, and we’re proud to let them lead the way!” Remaining ahead of the curve in the automotive industry it imperative and Akeno achieves this by consistently pioneering innovative concepts and solutions that challenge the status quo. In fact, the firm’s track record speaks for itself: from introducing groundbreaking initiatives like the SEAT Stores, and pioneering direct-to-consumer solutions, to implementing the agency sales model, it continuously pushes boundaries and redefines industry standards. In response to challenges and obstacles, Akeno approaches them with agility and resilience. The dedicated team is adept at anticipating market shifts and swiftly adapting their strategies to address emerging challenges. Whether it’s navigating regulatory changes, technological disruptions, or shifting consumer preferences, Akeno remains proactive in its response, leveraging the team’s collective expertise and experience to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. “Our unique selling point lies in our people,” Kerry elaborates. “At Akeno, we have cultivated a diverse team with a blend of front-line industry experience and out-of-industry expertise. This unique combination allows us to offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, bridging the gap between traditional industry practices and cutting-edge innovation. By harnessing the collective wisdom and insights of our team, we deliver unparalleled value to our clients and partners, driving transformative outcomes and setting new benchmarks of excellence in our industry.” Currently, the automotive industry is going through the biggest changes since Sir Henry Ford sold his first car in 1903: electrification (with the added complexity of higher energy prices), direct-to-consumer sales, and connected cars (cars having the ability to ‘dial’ for help themselves in case of a fault or accident), to name a few. With change comes the need for digital transformation and innovation, but digital transformation is more than systems, it also encompasses the operational business processes, and of course, the people that underpin everything. And that’s where Akeno comes in. “At Akeno, our dedication to excellence is not just a commitment, but a way of life,” Kerry urges. Examples of specific key developments in the UK include the automotive’s shift to an agency sales model, which means the brand sells a car direct to the consumer, using the dealer as an agent rather than as a seller. This approach is intended to offer standardised pricing for consumers, removing the need to battle to get the best deal, but it’s not right for all brands and all markets. “Our expertise allows us to work with a brand to assess suitability for the transition, and if so, how that transition could work,” explains Kerry. “We then roll our sleeves up and deliver.” Under Kerry’s leadership, Akeno has been established as leading experts in the field of digital and business transformation, working across multiple industries, but with a particular specialism in all things automotive. This success has been recently recognised by many recent accolades such as 2023 Business Transformation Consultancy of the Year; 2023 Most Strategic Business Transformation Agency; 2023 eCommerce Transformation Excellence; 2024 Innovation & Transformation Consultancy of the Year; 2024 Business Transformation Specialists of the Year; and more recently the accolades of Most Innovative Business Transformation Consultancy 2024 – Midlands and UK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 in the UK Enterprise Awards. These impressive awards are testament to the culture Kerry has created of high-quality service delivery underpinned by an impressive team of experts. “We believe that our innovative approach, unwavering commitment to our values, and proven track record of delivering transformative results make us deserving candidates for these awards,” she states. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on delivering exceptional outcomes and exceeding client expectations. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and capabilities to drive transformative change, whether it be in automotive or other sectors. Our goal is to continue to push boundaries, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the industries we serve.” Contact Details Contact: Kerry Thompson Company: Akeno Ltd Web Address: www.akeno.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjI4