Ryan Williams is the director of the Australian Centre for Business Growth (ACBG), a world-class institution that delivers business growth programs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. He is also the Playford Professor of Business Growth at UniSA Business, the largest business school in South Australia. In this interview, he shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities for SMEs in the post-pandemic era, the role of ACBG in supporting their growth, and his personal journey as an international business executive, strategist and entrepreneur.
What are some of the common challenges that SMEs face in growing their businesses?
SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy, accounting for 99% of all businesses and employing almost half of the workforce. However, they also face many challenges in scaling up their operations, such as access to capital, talent, markets, and technology. They also need to deal with increasing competition, changing customer expectations, and regulatory compliance. These challenges are amplified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted many industries and forced many SMEs to adapt or pivot their business models.
How does ACBG help SMEs overcome these challenges and achieve their growth potential?
ACBG is a unique institution that provides evidence-based, practical, and actionable business growth programs for SMEs. We have a team of growth experts who are time-tested entrepreneurs themselves and have started, grown, and exited companies. They work closely with SME owners, CEOs, and executives to help them identify and address their growth barriers, develop and implement growth strategies, and monitor and measure their progress. Our programs are delivered in various formats, such as online, face-to-face, or blended, and are tailored to the specific needs and goals of each SME. We also have a strong network of partners, such as government agencies, industry associations, and universities, who support our programs and provide additional resources and opportunities for SMEs.
What are some of the success stories or outcomes of ACBG’s programs?
Since 2014, we have delivered our programs to more than 1,000 SMEs across Australia, covering various sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, health, education, and services. Our programs have helped these SMEs achieve significant results, such as increasing their revenue, profit, employment, and market share. For example, one of our alumni, a software company, increased its revenue by 300% and its staff by 400% after completing our program. Another alumni, a medical device company, expanded its export markets to 15 countries and secured a $10 million investment after participating in our program. We also conduct rigorous research and evaluation to measure the impact and effectiveness of our programs and to inform our continuous improvement.
What are some of the current or upcoming initiatives or projects that ACBG is working on?
We are always looking for new ways to enhance our programs and to reach more SMEs across Australia. Some of our current or upcoming initiatives include:
- Launching a new online platform that will enable SMEs to access our programs anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.
- Developing new programs that will address the specific needs and challenges of SMEs in different regions, industries, and stages of growth.
- Collaborating with other universities and organisations to share our expertise and best practices and to create more opportunities for SMEs to learn from and network with each other.
- Conducting more research and advocacy to raise awareness and recognition of the importance and contribution of SMEs to the Australian economy and society.
Tell us a bit about your background and experience as an international business executive, strategist and entrepreneur.
I have over two decades of experience in business growth, scaling companies, and managing change across a broad spectrum of start-ups, small and medium companies, and large corporate enterprises. I started my career as a management consultant, working with clients in various industries and countries. I then became an entrepreneur, founding and leading several successful companies, such as Nota Bene, an award-winning strategy and marketing consultancy, and Ster-Kinekor Theatres, the largest cinema chain in South Africa. I also have experience in private equity, having invested in and advised several high-growth companies. I joined ACBG in 2020 as the director and Playford Professor of Business Growth, and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with other SMEs and helping them grow and thrive.
