Doors & Windows
I heard you have a passion for MMO ( massive multiplayer online ) gaming help with strategy at work or vice versa ?
I do love to unwind with MMO gaming . It is really my release but it ’ s great for the mind too . I join my friends from all over the world and if you don ’ t work as a team , you will fail . Everyone in the team will have different skills which is crucial to survive the challenge and you are only as good as the weakest player , so helping them to understand what they need to do will help everyone . This is also the case in the workplace .
ANDY TURNER
Andy , what do you think is important when it comes to leadership ?
For me , leadership is all about the clear communication of business objectives , performance , and plans . It ’ s about setting professional standards across the workforce and coaching your team to be the best they can be . Fairness and honesty are key , I like to treat everyone with the respect that I would expect to receive from others . It ’ s also the small things , making yourself available to team members when required , to be approachable to all and create an environment where everyone feels they are listened to .
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No two days are the same and I wouldn ’ t want it any other way
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Where do you get your leadership skills from ?
During my 39 years in manufacturing , I have had various mentors , all with different leadership styles . I like to try and use the best bits of all of them and discard the less effective methods ! I remember one of my former managers taking the time to listen to my ideas . I remember the way he encouraged me to develop the idea all the way through to fruition . He gave me confidence and I certainly felt empowered to go on and do more innovation and develop others to do the same .
I also remember the time I was asked by a company director to manage the engineering department as the current engineering manager was emigrating to South Africa . I was 19 years old and there were other engineers there , but he came to me and asked if I would lead the team . I remember the way he sold me the job , the way he encouraged me , explained why he wanted me to do it and washed away the many doubts I had running through my mind .
What new systems and processes have you put in place , and how were they received ?
We have implemented numerous new processes and practices to streamline and make our business more efficient . How ? We follow the basic continuous improvement cycle of PDCA ( Plan / Do / Check / Act ). We look at an issue that needs improving , we sit as a Team to discuss ideas and agree a PLAN . We then carry out ( DO ) the plan , we then CHECK how the changes are working and the ACT accordingly to make more changes if required . The cycle continues until the goal is achieved .
What does it take for a team to achieve 97 % right first time rates ?
Hard work ! It takes total engagement by everyone to achieve this . We are growing a culture of “ Right First Time ” across all the manufacturing and administrative areas . We have created a focussed Quality Committee that works on minimising risks through each functional area and use CI tools and techniques to enable us to be proactive in ensuring best practice . In addition , we have an experienced and dedicated QC Team that do our final checks before despatch .
What does a typical day look like for you ?
No two days are the same and I wouldn ’ t want it any other way . For sure we have routine meetings that are essential for communication and business performance , but outside of this , each day is different . We could be problem solving with the team , dealing with technical issues that can occur with manufacturing equipment , there are bigger picture events to work on with the senior teams such as future investments and structure . I work alongside my production supervisor and HR advisor on recruitment and all things HR , I meet with customers , old and new to understand better their needs and aspirations .
How does the sales office contribute to this ? How do you work together ?
Denise and I came in to UCD at the same time , so we have grown into the business together , which is always nice . Haydon ( our Sales Director ) has vast experience in the industry , which I find invaluable to call on when needed . Haydon , alongside Denise and her Team have a huge contribution into Manufacturing . All decisions and changes are made in consultation with one and other alongside our teams , so not only do we get everyone ’ s feedback but we also ensure that any decisions or changes we make in one area doesn ’ t adversely affect another .
www . universalcompositedoors . co . uk
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