Our Specialist Manufacturing Growth Managers (MGM) provide free advice and support to businesses across the country, get to know yours even more….
This month – Robin Simpson MGM for the South East region.
- What is favourite past time or hobby?
I am a keen coastal walker, having walked various stretches of the amazing UK coastline; which more recently has included traversing over 70 miles of the East Sussex and Kent coast. (though not in the same day!)
- What are you most passionate about?
Originally from Leeds, I do have strong emotional ties to the local football team, though tend not to advertise the fact. Oh…I just did.
- What is your proudest achievement?
Watching my three eldest children grow up to become happy, independent young adults is undoubtedly more their achievement than mine…though I would like to claim some of the credit.
- What gets you out of your bed in a morning?
My one-year old son. A great EARLY morning alarm call!
- What was your dream job when you were younger?
Growing up I wanted to be a chef, a vet and join the Royal Navy. Never quite found the occupation to combine all three.
- If you could choose, what would you like your legacy to look like once you retire?
For all of my kids to say “He was a good Dad”. Career-wise, I would like the business people I have worked with to say “He helped us”.
- What’s one thing you have implemented in your role that you would encourage other colleagues to embrace and implement?
I look to attend at least one networking event a week, where I’ve not been before. This helps in spreading the message about the benefits of the Manufacturing Growth Programme, notably to people who you don’t usually interact with.
- How do you think the manufacturing community can collectively continue to engage and interest young people in manufacturing careers?
It’s great to see a lot of renewed activity around apprenticeships and the work of Enterprise Advisors – business people voluntarily going into schools and colleges to talk about their jobs – is definitely helping to raise awareness of some fantastic careers that can be had in manufacturing.
- What are the main barriers to growth that you encounter with manufacturers?
As with any business, I would argue that Sales and Cash Flow are fundamental factors to success, and can also be the greatest barriers. This is especially true for manufacturers, where there can be a significant time lag between initially spending money to buy the necessary raw materials and ultimately receiving the income when the finished product is sold.
- What is your view on the future of the manufacturing industry?
From speaking to business owners and managers on a daily business, I am seeing an increasingly positive attitude towards the value of British manufacturing and a trend towards high quality, bespoke products. While Brexit hovers on the horizon, it is gratifying to see that most businesses are keen to seize any additional opportunities which arise over the coming months and years.
To contact Robin directly call 07773 228 147 or click here to read more.
Copyright © Economic Growth Solutions, 29th October 2018.