Errol and Marianne Sayer, husband-and-wife team and owners of Sayer Industries Ltd, know what it’s like to face the tough side of running a business.
Their Palmerston North-based joinery company began in 2011, offering bespoke kitchens and cabinetry. Over time, they expanded into aluminium and glass, adding products like motorised louvre roofs, pergolas, balustrades, and fencing solutions. It was a bold move that diversified their business and widened their market.
But in early 2024, a cashflow crunch, unpaid customer invoices, and staffing challenges pushed them to the edge. “We were only a few days away from closing our business,” says Marianne.
Finding the right support
That’s when they reached out to Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) through CEDA. Though they’d been considering mentoring for years, the perfect storm of challenges gave them the nudge they needed.
Within weeks, they were matched with mentor Michael and began meeting regularly online. The first focus was immediate cashflow concerns but conversations soon widened to strategy, pricing, recruitment, and long-term succession planning.
“Michael has told us to have faith in what we’re doing, not drop our standards or our prices just to secure work, and to regularly review our pricing to ensure we’re making a profit.”
Tangible shifts
With Michael’s guidance, Errol has been able to step back from 80-hour weeks on the floor and focus more on running the business, while Marianne has rediscovered her motivation to keep going. Together, they’ve set their sights on growth in their aluminium offerings, recognising its higher profitability and long-term potential.
The couple says the biggest value has been having an independent, trusted perspective: “It’s nice to know we have good advice from someone who has nothing to gain from us.”
Looking ahead
Their five-year plan is to continue building the aluminium side of the business, while also shaping an exit and succession strategy to allow them to enjoy more time together and eventually travel.
“We honestly are not sure where we would be if we hadn’t connected with Michael.”
Advice to others
Their advice for other business owners? Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to seek help.
“The gains over 12 months far outweigh the small investment up front. Having Michael’s support and advice has been invaluable, and equally, his reassurance that we’re doing a good job has helped us keep going.”
For more information about Sayer Industries or to explore options for your next renovation visit them at 123 Cuba Street, Palmerston North.
