Works Management Interview
In the run up to the Manufacturing Management Show (23-24th November, Coventry), Works Management interviewed Jeremy Praud – who has been invited to speak at the conference – to get his views on the future of UK Manufacturing.
Here’s a snippet from the Works Management interview…
Works Management Question: How important is a productive (not just skilled/knowledgeable) workforce to a successful business?
Jeremy’s Answer: “During times of economic ‘unexpectedness’, such as this period after the Brexit vote, it’s vital that manufacturers focus on ‘controlling the things that can be controlled’. As such, ‘productivity’ is really important right now, particularly when measured as a non-currency related metric – and assessing the opportunity to improve productivity then implementing a plan to do so will help businesses build and maintain market resilience. A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential for effective operations – but ensuring they are engaged and driving future productivity is the key to protecting profit margins and gaining growth – at LI Europe we have a long track record of working with manufacturers to rapidly and sustainably improve productivity.”
Works Management Question: What will be the biggest challenges to UK manufacturing going forward?
Jeremy’s Answer: “The escalating increases to the National Living Wage and recovering the cost of direct labour spend is a very real concern for manufacturers right now. There’s also the introduction of Lean Manufacturing audits by the major retailers to contend with – particularly impacting the food and drink sector. And the aforementioned Brexit vote aftermath will be a major concern for some companies. But ultimately the challenge for manufacturers has always been the same – and that’s to reduce operating costs. The good news is that in virtually every factory there is the opportunity to do just that… the key is to understand the size of the opportunities available, prioritise improvement, embed sustainable results, and deliver rapid return on investment in any improvement activity.”