An Interview with Steven Bentley – MD and founder of SAS
Why did you start an aviation business in Bulgaria?
In fact Bulgaria is a very acceptable place to do business with easy air links both east and west and corporate and personal taxation at 10%, it is a perfect climate in which to develop a business. Sofema Aviation Services commenced trading in March 2008 and today we are operating with 3 unique but complementary brands covering Aviation Jobs, Offline and Online Training and Consultancy and organisational support. We are looking forward to continuing to develop our core brands www.sassofia.com, www.youraviationjob.com and www.easaonline.com
Why do you say that SAS is Different?
Well where to start! For sure we are a small business employing less than 10 persons, but being small brings with it opportunities as well as challenges, first being small requires us to work that much harder. Our company ethos is that no matter how small the task we should always give it our best efforts. We also encourage the customer to take a close look at us and we need to demonstrate the ability to get things done and to deliver an effective product and service on time every time. We are highly competitive and remain focused on maintaining strong control of our overheads we also have probably the best multiple delegate and multiple attendance discount program. We maintain a very cost effective delegate rate typically 60% or less when compared to our direct competitors. We also offer a privileged training partner program which provides for comprehensive discounts both for “in company” and “open” training courses. We never assume and at all times we seek & solicit guidance feedback and recommendations.
So what makes SAS tick?
Maybe it is a desire to deliver customer satisfaction to our highest possible standards, we are able to compete quite effectively, I am pleased to say with much larger providers of exactly the same service as we provide at twice our costs.
We know from specific client feedback that we are doing a good job, and we have on record that our product is at least as good as our competitors and often we are perceived as delivering to a higher standard with much repeat business from satisfied clients, this in itself is very satisfying.
So what about the future?
We are in the process of relocating to a brand new office, having outgrown the previous one, with a plan for continuous development and modest growth, we believe a step by step approach, without taking unnecessary risks and carefully managing the business process and developments usually provides its own reward. Within SAS we cultivate a behaviour of efficient and effective decision making, focusing on the customer’s needs and doing our upmost to ensure we meet these needs.
Do you have any recommendations for a successful business?
Well the first comment is to manage cash flow so that the organisation may focus on service and product. Companies which have large borrowings often become side tracked and lose focus.The second comment is that it is important to ensure that you place the maximum effort on maintaining competence in the work place.
The third comment is that responding to customer feedback in a positive way is essential and should be the spring board which will enable your company to grow and flourish.
