Designing a Business Structure and Operating Model
Why a Business Structure & Operating Model Matters
Your business structure and operating model are the foundation of how your company functions, scales, and delivers value. Get them right, and your business operates efficiently, with clear accountability, strong financial control, and the capacity for growth. Get them wrong, and you risk inefficiency, confusion, and costly mistakes.
At Stamford Consulting Group, we help business owners build fit-for-purpose structures that allow their companies to thrive.
What Is a Business Structure?
Your business structure defines how your company is legally and operationally organised. Key elements include:
- Legal entity type (limited company, partnership, group structure, holding company, etc.)
- Ownership and shareholding arrangements
- Management hierarchy and reporting lines
- Divisional structure (by product, geography, or function)
- Decision-making authority and governance
What Is an Operating Model?
Your operating model defines how your business delivers value. It connects your strategy to day-to-day execution and includes:
- Organisational roles and functions
- Processes and workflows
- Systems and technology platforms
- Supply chain and vendor management
- Customer engagement and service delivery models
- Performance metrics and reporting
A strong operating model ensures:
- Efficient use of resources
- Consistency in service delivery
- Agility to adapt to market changes
- Clear alignment between teams and goals
Key Steps to Designing Your Business Structure and Operating Model
Start with Your Business Goals
- What are your growth ambitions?
- Are you aiming for scale, acquisition, franchising, or exit?
- Your structure should enable – not limit – your strategic objectives.
Define Core Functions and Roles
- Clarify essential business functions: sales, operations, finance, HR, technology, customer service.
- Assign clear roles and responsibilities.
Map Processes and Workflows
- Document how key processes flow through the business.
- Identify handovers, bottlenecks, and areas for automation.
Select the Right Legal and Tax Structure
- Choose an entity structure that balances control, liability protection, and tax efficiency.
- Consider holding companies or group structures if relevant.
Implement Financial Controls and Reporting
- Build strong financial governance.
- Establish regular reporting cycles to track business performance.
Build Technology and Systems Infrastructure
- Invest in software that supports operations, finance, CRM, HR, and compliance.
- Integration between systems reduces duplication and manual effort.
Monitor, Review & Adapt
- Operating models should evolve as the business grows.
- Review structure regularly as you enter new markets, launch products, or scale operations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcomplicating structures too early
- Lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities
- Weak financial control systems
- Relying too heavily on key individuals
- Technology that doesn’t scale with growth
- No clear reporting or performance tracking
How Stamford Consulting Group Can Help
At Stamford Consulting Group, we work with business owners to design tailored structures and operating models that support both today’s operations and future growth.
Our Services Include:
Business Structure Review & Design
- Legal entity structuring
- Shareholder arrangements
- Group and holding company structures
Operating Model Development
- Process mapping
- Organisational design
- Technology and systems recommendations
Financial Control & Governance
- Financial processes and reporting frameworks
- Risk management and compliance structures
Scalability Planning
- Structures that support acquisitions, franchising, or rapid growth
- Preparation for investment or exit
Implementation Support
- Hands-on guidance through each stage of design, build, and rollout