11/12/2024

Embedding a Culture of Excellence witn Rob White of DD Scientific

In the latest episode of "Made to Grow," we delve into how DD Scientific, a leading manufacturer of gas sensors, has harnessed the power of continuous improvement, automation, and data-driven insights to propel its growth and success. Hosted by Rich Dale, CEO of Flowlens, this episode features an enlightening conversation with Rob White, Director of Excellence at DD Scientific. Rob shares practical insights into fostering a culture of excellence and the tangible benefits of embracing innovation in the manufacturing industry. Rob White’s journey from Sales Director to Director of Excellence highlights his commitment to driving continuous improvement and instilling a culture of innovation at DD Scientific. With the company producing over 4 million safety-critical sensors annually, Rob’s leadership ensures their products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. His expertise in leveraging data, empowering teams, and integrating automation makes him an inspiring figure for manufacturers aiming for excellence. The Role of a Director of Excellence: Rob explains the hands-on, practical approach to his role, which is about identifying improvements across the business to drive quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Building a Culture of Improvement: Learn how DD Scientific pre-qualifies candidates for their "drive to improve" and empowers their team to contribute ideas, creating a shared mission of continuous improvement. Automation Insights: Rob advises SMEs to start small with automation projects, focusing on clear objectives like improving safety, quality, or productivity, and leveraging external expertise where necessary. The Power of Data: Discover how DD Scientific utilises real-time data to identify and address issues proactively, ensuring product quality and enhancing customer satisfaction. Rob also highlights how Flowlens supports their data integration efforts. Celebrating Wins: Recognising team contributions is central to sustaining engagement and fostering innovation within the company. Advice for SMEs: Rob’s key takeaway is the importance of clear communication and maintaining focus to achieve meaningful business improvements. DD Scientific’s journey illustrates the transformative power of combining innovation, data, and a strong team culture. With tools like Flowlens, the company has optimised processes, reduced errors, and achieved impressive growth in a competitive market. For insights into fostering excellence and achieving business improvement, you can reach Rob White through: Website: www.ddscientific.com Email: rwhite@ddscientific.com As always, we value your feedback, reviews, and social media engagement to help grow Made to Grow. Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform, leave a review, and share this episode with others in your network. Stay tuned for more episodes in 2025, bringing inspiration and innovation straight to your earphones! Introducing Our Guest: Rob WhiteKey PointsReal-World ImpactConnect with Rob White Resources:For more information about DD Scientific, visit https://ddscientific.com/

32 min

06/11/2024

Data Strategy, Dashboards and Decision-making for Manufacturing SMEs

In this episode of Made to Grow, host Rich Dale is joined by Marv Van Niekerk, COO of Flowlens, and Holly Steele-Nicholson, Customer Success Lead at Flowlens, to discuss the importance of data strategy and dashboard integration for small manufacturers. Together, they explore the transformative impact of MRP software and effective data management on SMEs’ operations, from improving decision-making to driving continuous improvement. Guest Overview: • Marv Van Nykerk Marv Van Niekerk is the COO at Flowlens, with a background as an accountant and over ten years of experience in leading operational strategy for manufacturing SMEs, Marv’s expertise spans multiple sectors. His intense focus and years of experience in helping SMEs master their systems and processes have been transformational for Flowlens customers (and for us!) as he has helped hundreds of manufacturers, many of whom operate in incredibly niche markets, to successfully digitally transform. • Holly Steele-Nicholson With a background in analytics and customer success, Holly brings unique insights into helping SMEs harness data to enhance their operations. Her work includes guiding SMEs through the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub initiative, supporting new users with onboarding their data to Flowlens and working closely with existing users to transform raw manufacturing data into powerful, actionable insights. Key Points: • MRP Software and Data Quality: Rich and Marv dive into the role of MRP software in consolidating manufacturing data. With automated systems, SMEs can eliminate the reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and focus on data-driven decisions that align with their business goals. • Driving Change with Consistent Data: Marv shares the challenges SMEs face when implementing new systems, emphasising the importance of a change-friendly culture to support new data strategies. He highlights how an organised, reliable data foundation is essential for accurate reporting and continuous improvement. • Smart Manufacturing and Dashboard Integration: Holly discusses her work with the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, helping SMEs develop customised dashboards for real-time insights. These dashboards enable SMEs to track supply chain performance, customer success metrics, and key operational data in a way that supports everyday decision-making. • Creating a Data Strategy: Holly emphasises the significance of developing a clear data strategy, tailored to each SME’s unique objectives. The conversation includes how automation and integration can improve data accuracy and reduce human error, ensuring that the data captured is actionable and directly tied to business outcomes. • The Role of MRP Implementation in SME Growth: Both guests highlight examples of SMEs using MRP software to streamline their processes and manage operations more effectively. From sales order tracking to supplier performance monitoring, the episode demonstrates how technology can free up resources for strategic growth. Conclusion: This episode underscores how manufacturing SMEs can leverage MRP software and data management tools to strengthen decision-making, boost efficiency, and remain agile in a competitive landscape. Marv and Holly’s insights offer practical steps for SMEs looking to improve data quality and operational performance. Resources: To learn more about Flowlens and the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub project, visit the https://flowlens.com/https://flowlens.com/ or connect with Marv and Holly on LinkedIn. Help Us Grow Made to Grow: Keep up with the latest in manufacturing technology and best practices for SMEs. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and review our podcast to help us reach more listeners. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on new episodes and industry insights.

27 min

03/10/2024

SME Supply Chain Collaboration and Carbon Reporting

In this episode of "Made to Grow," Rich welcomes Nishant Raj, CEO of Value Chain, to explore the challenges SMEs face in managing upstream Scope 3 carbon emissions. Nishant shares insights on how SMEs can integrate sustainable supply chains and leverage digitisation to meet growing demands for environmental accountability. Guest Overview: Nishant Raj Nishant Raj is the CEO of Value Chain, a B2B SaaS company focused on helping SMEs and OEMs digitise and collaborate across their supply chains. With a background in manufacturing and leadership roles at Vauxhall and Atlas Copco, Nishant is passionate about driving sustainability and innovation in supply chains. Key Points: What is Scope 3? Nishant explains the concept of upstream Scope 3 emissions, which include the indirect carbon footprint tied to supply chains. SMEs are increasingly required to account for these emissions as part of their sustainability commitments. Digitising Supply Chains: SMEs often rely on manual systems like Excel to manage their supply chains, which are inefficient and limit scalability. Nishant discusses how digitisation and robust systems can help SMEs manage data, reduce risks, and prepare for unforeseen challenges like the pandemic or supply chain disruptions. Sustainability Trends: SMEs are shifting from focusing solely on cost to integrating carbon footprint considerations into their procurement processes. This shift is driven by customer demand for transparency and the need to meet ESG requirements. Simplifying Carbon Data Collection: Nishant highlights how real-time data and supply chain collaboration can help SMEs accurately capture Scope 3 emissions, moving away from the average estimations that currently dominate the industry. Making Sustainability Accessible for SMEs: Nishant addresses the barriers SMEs face in accessing technology and sustainability tools, advocating for intuitive, affordable systems that integrate seamlessly with existing ERP setups. His vision is for SMEs to be able to leverage these tools without needing extensive supply chain expertise. The Lighthouse Project: Nishant introduces Data Sync, a project under the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub grant, which offers up to five SMEs the chance to digitise their supply chains and track emissions at a reduced cost. The initiative is aimed at helping smaller manufacturers meet sustainability goals and improve supply chain collaboration. Conclusion: This episode sheds light on the growing importance of Scope 3 emissions in supply chains and how SMEs can tackle the challenge of managing their carbon footprints. Nishant’s approach to sustainability and supply chain innovation is key for businesses aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. For more information about Nishant and Value Chain, visit their website or connect with Nishant on LinkedIn. Resources: Stay tuned for more episodes on how UK manufacturers are adapting to new challenges in the industry. Help Us Grow Made To Grow: Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and review our podcast to help us reach a wider audience. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

29 min

11/09/2024

The A to Z of SOPs: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing with Tom Hughes

In this episode of "Made to Grow," we welcome back Tom Hughes, Managing Director of GembaDocs. Tom discusses the crucial role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in manufacturing, particularly for SME manufacturers. He shares how GembaDocs simplifies the creation and implementation of SOPs, helping businesses streamline workflows, enhance training, and foster continuous improvement. Guest Overview: Tom Hughes Tom Hughes is the Managing Director and co-founder of GembaDocs, a software solution designed to simplify the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturers. With over 30 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing leadership, Tom is a passionate advocate for LEAN methodology and has been instrumental in helping businesses worldwide standardise their processes and improve productivity. Key Points The Importance of Embedding SOPs: Tom highlights how critical it is for businesses to embed SOPs into their daily operations, rather than allowing them to become meaningless documents. He explains how GembaDocs enables businesses to make SOPs a living part of their culture. 4-Step Framework for SOP Success: Tom outlines a four-step process to help businesses implement SOPs effectively: Alignment: Ensuring the team understands why SOPs are needed and securing buy-in. Documenting Processes: Capturing the best way to perform tasks by involving the right people. Implementation: Creating awareness, training, and validation to ensure SOPs are used correctly. Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing SOPs to refine and improve processes. - Overcoming Resistance to SOPs: Many SMEs view SOPs as restrictive or time-consuming. Tom shares strategies for overcoming this resistance by demonstrating the practical benefits of SOPs, including faster training and smoother workflows. - Involving Teams in SOP Creation: Tom stresses the importance of involving frontline workers in the creation of SOPs to capture the best insights and continuously improve processes. He explains how GembaDocs makes this process collaborative and efficient. - Training and Validation: Drawing from WWII-era training methods, Tom discusses how structured training processes, guided by SOPs, can ensure workers are fully competent, reducing errors and inefficiencies. - Leadership and Self-Reflection: Tom shares a leadership lesson: "Look in the mirror first." He encourages leaders to reflect on whether they’ve created the right environment for success before pointing fingers at their team. Conclusion This episode is a detailed look at how SMEs can overcome workflow challenges by implementing clear and effective SOPs. Tom's insights are especially relevant for manufacturing businesses looking to reduce inefficiencies and achieve continuous improvement. For more information about GembaDocs and their innovative SOP solutions, visit their website or download the app for a free 30-day trial. Resources For more information and to connect with Tom, you can visit his LinkedIn profile or visit https://gembadocs.com/ Help Us Grow 'Made to Grow' Stay connected with "Made to Grow" for more episodes on how UK manufacturers are thriving in a rapidly changing industry. Check out our previous episodes, covering topics from LEAN manufacturing and leadership mindset to the practicalities of growing sales in niche manufacturing sectors. And connect with our host, Rich Dale, Founder and CEO of Flowlens - the easy-to-use MRP system designed for SME device, equipment and machinery manufacturers. Please subscribe, share, and review our show to help us reach more listeners and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more insights into UK manufacturing!

37 min

16/07/2024

Unlocking Growth with Digital Tools for Manufacturers

In this episode of "Made to Grow," we welcome Oliver Caunt, Managing Director of JCS Nuclear Solutions. Oliver shares the story of his family firm JCS, a small manufacturing business founded in 1975 that has evolved into a leading provider of nuclear radiation sensing and shielding solutions. In this episode, Oliver shares how JCS navigated its digital transformation journey, overcoming challenges and unlocking new opportunities through the adoption of modern cloud-based tools. Guest Overview: Oliver Caunt Oliver Caunt is the Managing Director of JCS Nuclear Solutions, a specialist SME offering nuclear radiation sensing and shielding solutions across various sectors, including defence, research, and medical. With a focus on solving niche problems and competing with larger organisations, Oliver's leadership has been pivotal in steering JCS through a significant digital transformation. Key Points The Challenge of Legacy Systems: Oliver discusses the complexities of their legacy sales and finance platform, and how reliance on spreadsheets for stock and work-in-progress management led to inefficiencies and increased risks. Motivator for Change: How over-reliance on spreadsheets and the resulting complexity triggered JCS’s exploration of more integrated and modern digital tools. Data Cleansing and Migration: One of the biggest challenges JCS faced was cleansing their data. Oliver explains how they divided the task among the team and the importance of this step for a smooth migration to new systems. Benefits of Real-Time Information: The adoption of a cloud-based MRP and production management system provided JCS with access to real-time information through customised dashboards, significantly enhancing their operational efficiency. Time Savings and Efficiency Gains: Oliver shares how the digital transformation saved valuable time previously spent on manual data entry and number crunching, freeing up resources to focus on growth and innovation. Conclusion This episode provides a deep dive into the digital transformation journey of JCS Nuclear Solutions, highlighting the practical steps and significant benefits of embracing modern technologies. For more insights into JCS and their innovative solutions, visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn. Join us in September after our summer break, when we’ll be back with more insightful conversations in the world of SME Manufacturing. Help Us Grow ‘Made To Grow’ Stay connected with "Made to Grow" for more episodes on how UK manufacturers are thriving in a rapidly changing industry and take the time to listen back to our previous episodes which cover everything from Lean Manufacturing, Recruitment, Financing Growth and Leadership Mindset. Subscribe, share, and review our show to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights and guidance for the manufacturing community. Follow us on LinkedIn for more insights into UK manufacturing! Resources For more information and to connect with Oliver, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at head to the JCS Nuclear Solutions website to find out more.

33 min

12/06/2024

SME Manufacturers: Colaborate to Succeed

In this thought-provoking episode of "Made to Grow," we sit down with Sam Baynham, Managing Director of Conex Portal, a vibrant UK-wide community dedicated to connecting and empowering SME manufacturers and engineering companies. Sam sheds light on how peer-to-peer networking and collaboration are revolutionising the SME manufacturing sector, helping businesses overcome common challenges and seize new opportunities. Guest Overview: Sam Baynham Sam Baynham is at the forefront of fostering collaboration among SME manufacturers. With a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in supporting small businesses through the design-to-market journey, Sam found that connecting to the right people, with the right products or services to make this journey smooth and fast was challenging. This insight drove him to create Conex Portal, a community designed to help build strong, supportive networks that drive innovation and growth. His passion for connecting SME manufacturers and sharing best practices makes him a key player in the sector's ongoing evolution. Key Points The Role of Conex Portal in SME Manufacturing: Sam explains how Conex serves as an extension to SME manufacturing businesses, offering a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and support without the hard sell. It aims to help SME manufacturers overcome isolation and operational challenges by connecting them with resources and expertise. Challenges Facing SME Manufacturers: Addressing issues like the manufacturing skills shortage, rising energy costs, and the need for digital transformation in manufacturing, Sam highlights how Conex is tackling these problems by fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among SME manufacturers. Real-world Success Stories in SME Manufacturing: Sam shares examples of how Conex members have benefited from collaborative projects, such as transitioning from traditional manufacturing methods to more efficient digital manufacturing processes, resulting in significant cost and time savings for SME manufacturers. Events and Engagement for SME Manufacturing Growth: Conex organises various events, including webinars, trade shows, and mastermind sessions, to encourage active participation and continuous learning among SME manufacturers. Education and Skills Development in Manufacturing: Conex is actively involved in outreach to schools and educational institutions to promote careers in manufacturing and bridge the skills gap, ensuring a steady influx of young talent into the SME manufacturing sector. Supportive Network for SME Manufacturers: The importance of creating a safe, confidential environment for SME manufacturers to share challenges and successes is a cornerstone of Conex's approach, helping businesses to thrive through mutual support and collaboration. Conclusion and Further Resources This episode explores the collaborative spirit that is driving growth in UK manufacturing. Sam provides a compelling narrative on how SME manufacturers can leverage networking and shared expertise to navigate industry challenges. For more information about Conex Portal and to get involved, visit Conex-portal.com and follow Sam Baynham on LinkedIn. Join us in the next episode, where we explore digital transformation with Oliver Caunt of JCS Nuclear Solutions. We'll discuss their ambitious digital transformation project and the significant opportunities it unlocked for their business. Help Us Grow ‘Made To Grow’ Stay connected with "Made to Grow" for more episodes on how UK manufacturers are thriving in a rapidly changing industry. Subscribe, share, and review our show to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights and guidance for the manufacturing community and follow Flowlens on LinkedIn for more insights into UK manufacturing!

37 min

08/05/2024

Free Digital Support for UK SME Manufacturers

In this insightful episode of "Made to Grow," we engage with Will Kinghorn, a Digital Adoption Specialist with Made Smarter UK, to explore the transformative impact of digital technology on UK SME manufacturers. As digital transformation becomes an increasingly vital part of manufacturing in all sectors, Will shares valuable insights into how the Made Smarter program is enabling businesses to embrace technology to drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Guest Overview: Will Kinghorn Will Kinghorn brings a wealth of experience in technology adoption and manufacturing innovation. With a background that spans a significant tenure at Rolls-Royce and a dedicated role in advancing SMEs through Made Smarter, Will's expertise lies in helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation. His approach combines practical, actionable advice with strategic deployment of technological solutions, making him an invaluable guide for any manufacturing enterprise looking to leverage digital tools. Key Points Expansion of Made Smarter: Will discusses the regional success of the Made Smarter program and its impending rollout across the UK, aiming to foster nationwide adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing. Change Management Challenges: Emphasising the human aspect of technological adoption, Will explains the importance of preparing and supporting staff through the transition, ensuring that technology complements rather than displaces their skills. Practical Examples of Transformation: Through real-world examples, Will illustrates how businesses have successfully integrated new technologies, from automation to industry-specific software, enhancing their operations and achieving remarkable growth. Grants and Funding: Highlighting the financial support available through Made Smarter, Will outlines how businesses can access funding to mitigate the costs associated with adopting new technologies. Continuous Support and Development: Made Smarter's commitment extends beyond initial technology adoption, offering ongoing support, training, and resources to ensure businesses continue to evolve and adapt their digital capabilities. The Importance of Starting Simple: Will advises businesses to begin their digital transformation journey by tackling the most significant challenges first, using technology to solve pressing problems and gradually building on those successes. Engagement and Collaboration: Encouraging a collaborative approach, Will stresses the importance of involving all levels of the organisation in the digital transformation process, from top management to shop floor employees. Conclusion and Further Resources This episode demystifies the process of digital transformation for SME manufacturers, with Will Kinghorn providing a roadmap to harnessing the power of technology in manufacturing. For businesses looking to explore the possibilities of digital adoption or to engage with the Made Smarter program, visit MadeSmarter.uk and follow their updates on LinkedIn (@MadeSmarterUK). Join us in the next episode, where we discuss the power of networking and collaboration in the sector with Sam Baynham from Conex Portal. We'll explore how peer-to-peer networking and collaboration are revolutionizing the manufacturing sector, helping businesses overcome common challenges and seize new opportunities. Help Us Grow ‘Made To Grow’ Stay connected with "Made to Grow" for more episodes on how UK manufacturers are thriving in a rapidly changing industry. Subscribe, share, and review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights and guidance for the manufacturing community. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app of choice to support the show and keep up with all the latest episodes.

25 min

10/04/2024

£0 to £3 million in 3 years - Denatec’s Growth Story

Today, we're joined by Nathan Peele of Denatec, a high-tech manufacturing firm that, against all odds, soared from its inception to a turnover of over £3 million in just three years. As Denatec stands on the cusp of global expansion, Nathan reflects on the pivotal moments and strategies that propelled their journey and how they used the tumult of a global pandemic to their advantage. From their agility and customer-centric approach to their relentless pursuit of quality and their focus on sharing success with their team, Nathan's story is an inspiring and down-to-earth account of what it takes to scale a manufacturing firm. Guest Overview: Nathan Peele Nathan Peele, one of the driving forces behind Denatec, founded the company with his business partner and cultivated a culture of innovation, quality, and resilience in the firm. His passion for engineering and keen sense of market needs led to the creation of Denatec during one of the most challenging global crises the manufacturing world has ever experienced. With a background rooted in engineering and a diverse experience that spans CNC machining to designing scuba diving equipment, Nathan turned his broad experience into a laser-focused ambition to succeed. Key Points Rapid Growth and Strategic Agility: Denatec's journey from a two-person startup to a £3M turnover company showcases the power of strategic agility and responsiveness to market demands, even during the pandemic. Importance of ISO 9001 Certification: Nathan discusses how achieving ISO 9001 certification within three months underscored their commitment to quality and structured processes, setting a strong foundation for future growth. Customer-Centric Innovations: Nathan explains how Denatec's customer relationships, adaptability and capacity to swiftly introduce new products have driven innovation and growth. Navigating Pandemic Challenges: By capitalising on the pandemic-induced market shifts, Denatec not only survived but thrived, becoming a preferred supplier and solidifying its market position. Building Business Relationships: Nathan's approach to overcoming initial market restrictions and engaging with new markets illustrates the importance of trust, transparency, and proving capabilities to unfamiliar customers. Employee Engagement and Culture: Nathan discussed how Denatec’s company culture impacts their success. Maintaining Quality and Adhering to Standards: Rich and Nathan discuss the importance of simplifying processes to ensure consistent quality and some of the perils of overcomplex ISO Manuals. Future Growth and Expansion Plans: Nathan outlines Denatec's vision for continued growth and international expansion, including plans to diversify revenue streams, expand premises, and establish a U.S. office. Conclusion and Further Resources Nathan Peele's story with Denatec is a remarkable example of how dedication, strategic innovation, and a focus on quality can pave the way for extraordinary success. As Denatec prepares to scale new heights on the global stage, its journey inspires manufacturing firms navigating the complexities of growth and market dynamics. For those interested in learning more about Denatec or connecting with Nathan, follow the links below: Denatec Website Nathan Peele on LinkedIn We thank Nathan for sharing his insights and experiences and contributing to another fascinating discussion on "Made To Grow." Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest in manufacturing innovation and success stories. Join us next time as we explore more transformative journeys in the manufacturing industry.

37 min

Made To Grow

Embedding a Culture of Excellence witn Rob White of DD Scientific

Data Strategy, Dashboards and Decision-making for Manufacturing SMEs

SME Supply Chain Collaboration and Carbon Reporting

The A to Z of SOPs: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing with Tom Hughes

Unlocking Growth with Digital Tools for Manufacturers

SME Manufacturers: Colaborate to Succeed

Free Digital Support for UK SME Manufacturers

£0 to £3 million in 3 years - Denatec’s Growth Story

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Made To Grow

Episodes

Embedding a Culture of Excellence witn Rob White of DD Scientific

Data Strategy, Dashboards and Decision-making for Manufacturing SMEs

SME Supply Chain Collaboration and Carbon Reporting

The A to Z of SOPs: Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing with Tom Hughes

Unlocking Growth with Digital Tools for Manufacturers

SME Manufacturers: Colaborate to Succeed

Free Digital Support for UK SME Manufacturers

£0 to £3 million in 3 years - Denatec’s Growth Story

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information