Your Melbourne Small Business Consultant for Hands-On Results
As your dedicated Melbourne small business consultant, we're not just offering advice; we're on the ground, delivering hands-on operational consulting to transform your factory floors and shop fronts for tangible success.
Your Business Growth Consultant
Does This Sound Familiar?
Stagnant Growth
You feel stuck. You’re too busy working in the business to work on it. Revenue has flatlined, and you know you're missing major opportunities for growth but don't know where to start.
Operational Chaos
You have strong demand, but your business is bogged down by inefficiency. Backorders are piling up, staff are overwhelmed, and you're constantly fighting fires instead of planning for the future.
Losing Control
Your systems can't keep up. You lack clear data for decision-making, your quoting is inconsistent, and what used to work is now holding you back. You're reacting instead of leading.
Our Premier Business Consultant Services
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Business Health Check
A focused diagnostic to identify the most critical pain points and deliver actionable insights to resolve them.
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90-Day Turnaround Blueprint
A detailed strategic roadmap to fix inefficiencies, reduce waste, and optimise your operations for sustainable profitability.
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Hands-On Fix & Scale
Our most comprehensive offering. We work alongside your team for two months or more to implement the changes and ensure they deliver measurable success.
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Commercial Due Diligence
An objective, strategic assessment of business viability, market positioning, and operational risk - empowering confident decisions in acquisitions, investments, or strategic pivots.
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Interdepartmental Alignment and Operations Coaching
We break down silos, align teams, and embed operational discipline across departments, turning internal friction into coordinated execution and business-wide momentum.
Our Growth Strategy
From Chaos to Control: Real Results for Melbourne Businesses
Biccies Luxury Pet Products
Business Growth Strategy for Luxury Pet Brand: From Online Retail to Manufacturing and Exit
Biccies began as a premium e-commerce business selling high-end pet products including handcrafted timber dog beds, luxury leather pet mattresses, and salon-grade natural pet shampoos. With a focus on quality materials and elegant design, the brand quickly attracted a loyal following of discerning pet owners.
As demand surged, outsourcing production began to limit profit margins and operational control. That’s where we came in. Our small business consulting team worked closely with the founders to transition Biccies into a vertically integrated manufacturing business. We established local production capabilities, streamlined operational workflows, and developed direct partnerships with boutique pet retailers.
With the business now scalable and self-sufficient, we engineered a successful business exit strategy - selling the operational arm while retaining ownership of the Biccies brand and its growing intellectual property value.
The result? A clean, profitable exit with long-term brand equity intact and a strong foundation for future ventures in the luxury pet goods market.
Commercial & School Clothing Supplier
Operational Efficiency and Inventory Control for Uniform Supplier
This Melbourne-based uniform supplier had strong product demand across both school and commercial sectors but behind the scenes, operations were struggling. Poor inventory control, constant backorders, and seasonal overwhelm were leading to missed sales and mounting pressure on the team.
Through our operational consulting services, we implemented robust inventory management systems, streamlined the customer ordering process, and introduced demand forecasting tools to help the business plan ahead rather than react under pressure.
The impact was immediate and measurable: a 22% increase in year-on-year revenue and a significant reduction in operational stress. The business now runs proactively with smoother seasonal transitions, better stock control, and greater confidence in its growth trajectory.
Commercial Cleaning Company
Small Business Growth Strategy for Commercial Cleaning: From Stagnation to Expansion in 9 Months
This commercial cleaning business had hit a wall. The founder was buried in day-to-day operations leaving no time to focus on strategy or growth. With quoting inconsistencies, unclear staff responsibilities, and limited client retention systems, the business was flatlining despite strong demand.
Our consulting team stepped in to rework the business from the inside out. We overhauled the quoting process to boost win rates and profitability, restructured team roles for clarity and accountability, and implemented a low-cost client retention strategy to maximise recurring revenue.
We also refined the company’s value proposition — helping the founder secure three major commercial contracts. In just nine months, the business doubled its monthly revenue and launched a second operational hub to support its rapid expansion.
From stalled to scaling, this is what happens when strategy meets execution.
Industry Association
Association Strategy and Governance Consulting to Drive Member Engagement and Advocacy Impact
This national industry association had a strong mission but lacked the operational structure to deliver meaningful outcomes for its members. Without clear processes, strategic priorities, or engagement frameworks, progress was inconsistent and difficult to measure.
Our team provided targeted association consulting, working closely with leadership to redesign internal operations, align advocacy efforts with member needs, and implement a proactive member engagement model.
We introduced a structured annual strategy built on data, not guesswork to guide planning, reporting, and execution. As a result, membership numbers grew, government relationships improved, and the association transitioned from reactive to strategic.
The outcome? A professional, member-focused organisation that’s now equipped to lead, influence, and deliver lasting value.
About Us
Expertise Forged by Real-World Business Ownership
Astute Growth wasn't born in a boardroom. It was built on years of hands-on experience acquiring, operating, and turning around real businesses.
Our founder, Nick Tripp, has been in your shoes. He has transitioned e-commerce brands into manufacturers, streamlined chaotic supply chains, and structured successful exits.
FAQs
How soon will I see results?
Many clients see operational improvements within the first few weeks. For deeper transformations, especially those involving teams or restructuring, tangible results typically begin within 30 to 90 days.
Do you work outside Melbourne?
Yes. While we're based in Melbourne, we work with businesses across Victoria and beyond - either onsite or remotely, depending on your needs.
What industries do you specialise in?
We have deep experience in manufacturing, retail, and service-based businesses but our operational frameworks apply to any business seeking efficiency, clarity, and growth.
What size businesses do you typically work with?
Most of our clients are small to mid-sized businesses with teams of 5-50 people. We’re built to support hands-on owners and leadership teams ready to act.
How do you charge for your services?
Depending on the engagement, we offer fixed-price packages, project-based rates, or ongoing retainers. After an initial consultation, we’ll recommend a structure that aligns with your goals and timelines.
Do you offer marketing / digital solution services?
We collaborate closely with our trusted digital partner, Ike Media. They specialise in marketing strategy, digital campaigns, and performance-driven creative so when your business is ready to grow its reach, we can bring in a team that already understands your goals and momentum.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!