I see two problems with continuous improvement. First, if you’re always looking to be better there is a real risk you end up being perpetually dissatisfied or disappointed. Knowing you’ll never reach perfection means your improvement journey just goes on and on and...
SME
Helping Food & Regulated Manufacturers Adapt – Creating Competitive Edge
UK Business Advisors has specialists that help food and regulated product manufacturers create a competitive advantage by developing and delivering solutions for complex business problems. The food and regulated product manufacturing sector is the unsung hero of the...
ISO Certification and Trust
There are many advantages to your business gaining UKAS Certified ISO Standards, both internal and external– but perhaps the most crucial element of the entire ISO framework, and the result that will likely benefit you the most is trust. Certifying compliance with...
Error Proofing – Why you need to think about the bad stuff
Wouldn’t it be great if we had a crystal ball to see into the future and avoid all the bad things that might happen? Well, this post doesn’t quite do that but what about if we had a neat way of at least thinking about the potential bad things that might happen,...
Case Study – Operational Effectiveness Assessment – Managing Risk
The Client Medium sized FMCG manufacturer Constraints Regulated industryLong supply lead timesHigh raw material costsHigh potential impact from consumer complaints The Problem The client’s product uses raw materials supplied from multiple countries and the assembled...
Procurement Case Study – Restructuring a Vital Supply Base
The Client National Materials Testing OrganisationExtensive & Varied Customer BaseVast Array of Specialist Services Provided The Problem The nature of the client’s business meant that they required a wide range of highly educated and specialised personnel. Roles...
Just what does Operations mean?
I’ve spoken to enough people to realise that defining operations is a bit like agreeing on the best formation and players for the England football team – there are as many opinions as people you ask. Part of the challenge is that ‘operations’ is both a function (the...
How SMEs can use Cloud Computing to punch above their weight in business
Having a well thought through business strategy is key to keeping ahead of your competition. Adopting cloud computing as part your strategy, can be an important factor in striving for excellence. Cloud computing can enable SME businesses to compete with larger...
Brexit – What now for SMEs?
The electorate has decided that the UK should leave the EU. How best can SMEs respond to the coming changes? Whether you are pleased with the outcome or dismayed is irrelevant. The decision has been made. What you need to focus on is how best to manage and grow...