Manufacturing really inspires me as taking raw materials and turning them into finished a product involves so much skill and teamwork from people who really care about what they do.

Working with a coach made the biggest difference to my own life

I’m a keen cyclist and I once cycled over 120 miles in one go – my legs felt like lead weights afterwards!

A bit about me…

I have always loved manufacturing and have worked in several industries and achieved great results utilising my skills as a green belt in Lean Six Sigma, a methodology that improves efficiency and reduces unpredictability in your manufacturing process.

When I joined Wessex Homes making luxury holiday lodges my passion for woodworking, furniture and interiors really came to the surface and I knew that was the industry I wanted to be in.

At that time I became a qualified coach after engaging my own coach and being blown away by the difference it made in my life. From then on I wanted to combine my manufacturing knowledge with my coaching skills to bring out the very best in people and businesses.

Since then I have worked with the following companies and made significant differences to their efficiency, quality and OTIF:

  • Managed Operations team and contractors ensuring business targets were met.

    Responsible for  UK and US projects, up to £1m, from design through manufacture and installation to final invoicing.

    Set up manufacturing partnerships in the US and Slovenia and sourced new makers in UK.

    Developed and implemented manufacturing strategy.

    Managed Import and Export.Assisted in implementation of new ERP system.

  • Managed workshop team and contractors.

    Liaised with clients, builders and client representatives to ensure smooth installation of high value, bespoke kitchens, boot rooms and bedrooms.

    Ensured all projects were completed on time to budget and to customer specification.

    Managed HR processes including recruitment/selection, 6-monthly appraisals, development plans and disciplinaries.Introduced new production planning system that helped achieve 100% OTIF.

    Oversaw the purchase and installation of CNC machinery to improve quality and efficiency.

    Restructured the leadership team to create a more dynamic production facility.

    Developed strategy to embrace Cabinet Vision in the business.

  • Introduced MTO strategy to slash lead times from 6 to 12 weeks, reduce wip levels and reduce working capital requirement.

    Developed a continuous improvement culture encouraging the team to contribute in QCD improvements.

    Defined manufacturing processes and improved workflow on the shop floor.

  • Responsible for leading a team of woodworkers who manufactured furniture for super yachts.

    Encouraged a continuous improvement culture that led to £264,000 saving in one year.

    Improved OTIF from 64% to 96%.

    Reduced build times to eliminate the need to use sub contractors.

GETTING YOUR TEAM ON BOARD IS KEY

The most important part of the process is to engage with your team and take them on the journey. By employing a collaborative approach and giving them ownership and permission to exceed their potential making big improvements became easy and enjoyable.

It doesn’t matter how many software packages you have or how much automation you use in your business your people are your biggest asset so look after them and they will look after your business.

  • "I have the privilege of having worked with thousands of people, over hundreds of companies, and whilst many of them are highly worthy people, there are only a select few that I would take the time to recommend, but Richard is definitely one of those. In an age where so many managers still try to get results with a ‘testosterone-fuelled’ style, Richard always applies intelligence and foresight, whilst still retaining the capacity to make positive and difficult decisions when this is necessary. He would be an asset to any business, and I am not just willing to recommend him, I am proud to do so."

    Steve Burrell, Pathway Enterprises Ltd