New report gives recommendations for businesses of all sizes

The Business Growth Hub has teamed up with industry leaders to share their experience with other manufacturers on boosting productivity.

The Big Question report, titled “How to improve productivity in manufacturing?”, brings together leaders from four of the most productive factories in Greater Manchester, to give their personal insights on how to maximise efficiency, embed cultural change and develop a sustained strategy for success.

One of the contributors, Andrew Peters, who heads up Siemens Congleton, said:

"The Big Question highlights the key priorities that any manufacturing leader should be thinking about. The challenge to boost productivity across the sector is not insignificant, and requires all manufacturers, from micro to multinational to consider how they could operate more effectively.

“This report presents a relatable and achievable set of recommendations that businesses of all sizes can benefit from.”

The Big Question found several common themes for leaders to focus on including process efficiency, leadership and management development, workforce engagement and development, product innovation and accessing business support. In addition, the leaders reference techniques that businesses can use to implement change in their workforce.

The experts consulted are Manufacturing Champions, which is an initiative designed to connect ambitious executives within SMEs with leaders of successful larger companies in Greater Manchester.

Sam Nicholson, Head of Manufacturing at the Business Growth Hub said:

“The insights offered in the Big Question provide a framework that manufacturers can follow to make a change, and I am heartened to see recommendations for small, incremental changes, which will allow leaders in very busy factories to test these methods in a small way, rather than focusing on big, daunting projects.

“Overwhelmingly, our experts recommend that businesses seek help to achieve their ambitions, and I urge manufacturers to access the Business Growth Hub’s fully funded Manufacturing Service, which provides manufacturers with one-to-one support with a sector specialist at no cost to their business.”

The Big Question report coincides with the launch of the Business Growth Hub’s Manufacturing Network, a virtual platform exclusively for leaders in the sector. The platform provides access to insights, tailored news and factsheets which can be used to implement change in their operation.

"The launch of the Network and The Big Question is the next step in our mission to boost productivity in the vital sector. Our team of specialist Manufacturing Advisors work closely with growing businesses, and we found there was a need for accessible, reliable and tailored information to help them achieve their business ambitions.”

To download the report, go to www.businessgrowthhub.com/bigquestion - it's free to access.

The next Manufacturing Champions event is on 14 November. Manufacturers can book a free place here: www.businessgrowthhub.com/mfg-event.