Weald Business Solutions

Electric vehicles under investigation

2010-04-28T13:14:00.002+01:00

Aberdeen University has been awarded funding by the UK Energy Technologies Institute to explore who will buy and use battery-powered or hybrid vehicles. Other subjects to be investigated include: how much people will be willing to pay for such a vehicle, how it will fit into their current travel patterns and whether they have any anxieties about the new technology.

‘We hope our research — which will take place throughout the UK — will identify the type of person that may become an early or future adopter of the technology.'

The project is led by Ricardo and also involves the Transport Research Laboratory, Shell, Element Energy and Sussex University. Read the story HERE

Story courtesy of "The Engineer" magazine.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Alternative Energy Racing, Santa Pod

2010-04-26T06:56:00.004+01:00

We went along to Santa Pod on the 23rd April to see what people are currently building to gauge how our drag race project measures up (see WEALD EVT for more info) but I was surprised that there didn't appear to be much advance in technology - or run times - from the previous year, which bodes well for our bike...

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Low price on Nissan Leaf

2010-04-22T06:01:00.000+01:00

In the San Francisco Chronicle's "Top Down" auto blog, G. Chamber Williams writes, "Making good on a promise to keep it affordable, Nissan said this week that its all-electric Leaf compact car will cost US consumers $25,280 after a $7,500 federal tax credit."

The five-door hatchback "runs entirely on electric power and can go up to 100 miles on a single charge." The car "goes on sale in December in five states - Tennessee, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington - then will be available throughout the United States by the end of next year, said Brian Carolin, senior vice president for sales and marketing for Nissan North America Inc."

Williams notes, "Although the car initially will be imported from a plant in Japan, Nissan will begin assembling them at its plant near Nashville, Tenn., in late 2012." Nissan "also is working with partners to have public fast-charging stations built, including many along interstate highway corridors."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

CI embedding in the NHS

2010-04-21T05:53:00.003+01:00

A survey of people employed by the NHS has discovered a record number of improvements in satisfaction levels during 2009. According to the Care Quality Commission poll, the results mark the best ever year for the annual research with 74 per cent of staff satisfied with "the quality of work and patient care they are able to deliver", a year-on-year increase from 71 per cent.

Meanwhile, job satisfaction was rated at 3.5 out of five - its highest ever level - and appraisal rates climbed from 64 per cent to 69 per cent, something that may interest operations management professionals working in the public sector.

Staff engagement, the number of employees with personal development plans and the level of respondents witnessing errors all fell during 2009, while physical violence dropped one percentage point to a record low of 11 per cent.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

EV manufacturers providing tough competition in Michigan

2010-04-20T15:20:00.001+01:00

The Detroit Free Press reports, "The race to develop electric vehicles is generating billions of dollars of investments as a new set of companies vies for a piece of this expanding global market."

Although "A123, Compact Power and Johnson Controls-Saft are all building or planning to build plants that will make lithium-ion batteries," and "Michigan has secured much of the US's initial battery manufacturing, it has not locked up its position as the hub for the electric cars of the future."

Detroit's Big Three automakers gives Michigan an edge but the state is facing tough competition from Indiana and California, where niche electric vehicle makers are cropping up with plans to compete. And then, there's China, which has vowed to become a global leader in electric vehicles in three years.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

EV Companies approaching market differently

2010-04-19T16:45:00.001+01:00

The Detroit Free Press reports, "Niche electric car makers are emerging that might someday compete with the major car companies, each approaching the market in a different way with different types of electric car strategies. If any of these gets a good grip on the market, that company could give the Detroit Three a run for their money."

For instance, Tesla is off and running as one of the first companies to develop a highway-capable electric car. It has sold about 1,000 all-electric Tesla Roadsters, which start at $109,000 and is developing a second, more-affordable car. Tesla hopes to introduce the Model S in 2012 for about $49,900, with help from a $465-million loan for future vehicle development.

Meanwhile, Fisker Automotive "wants to change the reputation of electric vehicles from slow and tiny to fast and sporty. The four-door $87,900 Fisker Karma has a top speed of 135 m.p.h. and can go from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 6 seconds.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

EV recharging technology hits market.

2010-04-17T08:31:00.000+01:00

EV Recharging Technology Hits Market.
Battelle has licensed technology developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory that will help electric car drivers charge their rides at times of lowest cost and stress on the electric grid as smart grid capabilities become more available." The California automaker ZAP "will market Smart Charger Controller technology in the United States, Korea and, through a joint venture, China." The technology will allow "owners of electric cars [to] set the time they want the battery to be fully charged. Technology that relies on low-range wireless will communicate with the power grid, if a local utility has that communication function available, and determine the best time to recharge vehicles."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Engineers look at $2,500 Nano from Tata

2010-04-15T14:35:00.002+01:00

Recent reports suggest that a stream of executives and engineers has been visiting Tata Technologies to see the Nano. Tata Tech has also lent the car to manufacturers so more engineers can get a close look.

For "industry veterans" it's hard to believe that it is "possible to make a $2,500 car until they walk around the Nano. ... The visitors don't necessarily plan to build a car for the Nano's price.

They want to apply Tata's 'frugal engineering' philosophy to their product lines." A good part "of savings come in manufacturing. The Nano's steel body panels have simple shapes than are inexpensive to make. The tools to produce the panels were designed to last three or four times the standard life."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Toyota & Mazda Hybrid Technology Partnership.

2010-04-12T17:35:00.001+01:00

Toyota will supply technology seen in its Prius model to Mazda Motor Corp.

Mazda will "develop and produce a hybrid vehicle in Japan and plans to start selling the model by 2013 in its home market, the companies said today in Tokyo." This alliance will allow Mazda to avoid the cost of developing hybrid technology, while simultaneously allowing "Toyota to cut costs of hybrid production by increasing output of hybrid parts. The partnership follows the weakening of Mazda's 40-year-old ties to Ford Motor Co."

Koji Endo, managing director at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo, said "It's a win-win relationship for both companies," as "The pact will help Toyota lower costs by selling more and saves Mazda having to develop its own hybrid system, which can cost between 50 billion yen to 100 billion yen." Toyota currently provides Nissan with hybrid-related technology, in addition to signing a cross-licensing agreement with Ford in 2004.

Mazda reaffirmed the relationship with Ford "remains solid." Also, the alliance between Mazda and Toyota will aid Toyota's hybrid suppliers, such as Denso Corp and Aisin Seiki, in addition to Panasonic which operates a battery joint venture with Toyota. Toyota's executive VP stated the company will ask its suppliers to sell to Mazda.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Volkswagen to test robot-driven racing car

2010-04-12T08:47:00.001+01:00

FOX News recently reported, "It takes a certain kind of driver with skilled hands to brave the bumpy flats and sharp turns that mark Colorado's Pikes Peak Hill Climb...a 12-mile stretch of mountain switchbacks, rough terrain, and steep curves bordered by sheer drop-offs." But "engineers from Stanford University and Volkswagen Group will soon attempt the feat with no hands on the wheel at all, in an effort to improve vehicle safety."

Their "racecar is a modified Audi TTS coupe which "includes GPS sensors, a digital roadmap, and an array of computers that control the navigation and steering." Marcial Hernandez, a senior engineer with Volkswagen, said "this research could help automakers improve electronic traction and stability systems for future products."

And with "a high speed run up Pikes Peak scheduled for September, researchers are pushing the limits of autonomous vehicle performance."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Start-ups meeting demand for Lithium-Ion batteries.

2010-04-07T13:07:00.000+01:00

With major car makers such as Nissan and Chevy rolling out models that use the technology, at least a dozen American lithium-battery start-ups are competing with Asian companies such as Sanyo and Hitachi to provide them, including A123 Systems*, which last year received "a $249 million federal grant to open at least three lithium-ion-battery plants in Michigan that will employ hundreds of workers," and Sakti3, which "was launched a few years ago at the University of Michigan by an ambitious young engineering professor, Ann Marie Sastry." The company "is developing solid-state...lithium-ion batteries that Sastry believes will enable cars to travel twice as far as batteries do now."

(*A123 cells power Killacycle, the world’s fastest electric drag race motorcycle.)

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Electric car hookups coming on-stream in US

2010-04-06T08:59:00.000+01:00

Mahi Reddy, a Maryland entrepreneur, is setting up places where city dwellers can plug in their electric cars. Reddy intends for Sema Connect, his company, to sell electric hookups "to hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings and other businesses for electric car drivers to use." Reddy said that users would get "a little smart card, and every time you wave it in front of one of these devices, it recognizes that. And that will be linked to your credit card account and would charge your card."

The technology does this by metering how much electricity you use and then connecting wirelessly to the Web." The stations would "cost about $2,500 to install," but there is no indication yet of what rate the users would pay for the charge.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Honda sports hybrid exceeds forecast.

2010-03-31T15:27:00.001+01:00

Honda Motor Co. has announced that orders for its new hybrid sports vehicle, CR-Z, exceeded its forecast by ten times. The CR-Z launched in Japan recently and is the first mass-market hybrid sports car to go on sale.

According to Honda, cumulative orders for the hybrid had exceeded 10,000 vehicles. The company's monthly sales target was 1,000 vehicles. Honda plans to introduce the CR-Z in the US and Europe after June.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Honda plans to use Lithium-Ion batteries

2010-03-30T09:10:00.000+01:00

Honda Motor Co. is planning "to introduce lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid cars as it struggles to narrow Toyota's lead." Honda's Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo said that Honda "plans to use lithium-ion batteries in its Civic compact 'within the next two to three years,' as well as in its Acura luxury cars and other models."

Lithium-ion batteries can store as much as twice the energy of nickel-metal hydride batteries that currently power the Prius and Honda's Civic, Insight and CR-Z hybrid models," said an analyst.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

UK technology & innovation centres

2010-03-29T09:50:00.002+01:00

Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson has announced the creation of a network of German-style technology and innovation centres to bridge the gap between academic research and enterprise.

The recommendation was originally made in "The Current and Future Role of Technology and Innovation Centres in the UK" - written by technology entrepreneur Hermann Hauser. He was particularly impressed by the network of Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany - most famous for developing the MP3 digital music format.

Mandelson said the centres would help commercialise the output of the UK’s research and will drive economic growth in potential high-growth sectors, such as: regenerative medicine, future internet technologies and renewable energy and climate change. He said: "Too often in this country we have been brilliant at research and let others walk away with the commercial benefits of development. If we are to develop new industrial capabilities in Britain, we have to get more D out of our R&D."

Story courtesy of Brighton and Hove Business Forum.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Tata Motors electric Nano comes to Europe.

2010-03-25T09:48:00.001Z

The Wall Street Journal reports that Tata Motors announced plans for a fully-electric minicar anticipated to hit the European market in 2012. The Nano EV is a further step in Tata's efforts to position itself as a global automaker.

The vehicle will be an electric version of the Nano, an extremely cheap minicar powered by gasoline, whose production started in India in 2009. Both minicars' basic marketing concept will be the same. The Nano is sold for only $2,500.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Electric vehicles under investigation

2010-03-25T09:38:00.004Z

Aberdeen University’s Centre for Transport Research has been awarded funding by the UK Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to explore who will buy and use battery-powered or hybrid vehicles. Other subjects to be investigated include: how much people will be willing to pay for such a vehicle, how it will fit into their current travel patterns and whether they have any anxieties about the new technology.

‘We hope our research — which will take place throughout the UK — will identify the type of person that may become an early or future adopter of the technology.’

The project is led by Ricardo and also involves the Transport Research Laboratory, Shell, Element Energy and Sussex University

To read the full article see HERE

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Daimler e-Car venture in China.

2010-03-19T10:03:00.000Z

Bloomberg reported that "Daimler AG and BYD Co., the Chinese carmaker backed by billionaire Warren Buffett, will jointly develop an electric vehicle to be sold in China." The two companies "signed an agreement to set up a 'comprehensive' technology partnership to develop electric vehicles for the Chinese market." Daimler and BYD "plan to develop a model that will be sold under a jointly owned new brand, they said."

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche states "Daimler's know-how in electric vehicle architecture and BYD's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems...a perfect match." Thus, he said, "we will be able to participate in the potential growth of electric mobility in China, currently the largest auto market of the world."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

New model for battery supply

2010-03-12T15:06:00.002Z

Looking at the long-term implications of our electric vehicle project (see www.Weald-EVT.co.uk) makes one wonder wether there should be a different pricing model for the cost of the batteries.

The bulk of the cost is the initial purchase. This passes the cost onto the purchaser of the vehicle at the outset, which can make the whole concept uneconomic. Imagine if you bought a car and had to pay a few thousand £'s extra to "pre-order" the petrol or diesel you need, and then paid a few pennies to collect that fuel as you required it. I'm not sure it would work...

So why do it with batteries? Perhaps we need a model whereby you pay a nominal charge for the batteries and then pay the battery supplier a 'top-up' charge over time. That might not suit them, but how many more batteries would they sell if the technology became economically more attractive?

What are your thoughts?

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Lycra race car

2010-03-12T15:01:00.002Z

Westfield Sportscars has showcased its iRacer - an all-electric race car destined to take part in the world’s first ’one-make electric race-car series’ - at the Geneva motor show.

The bodywork uses a range of materials, including composites, aluminium, recyclable plastics and, most notably, a stretched lycra skin over an aluminium framework to create a lightweight, aerodynamically efficient and low-cost body.

Project manager Paul Faithfull commented: ’The use of materials such as fabrics has limited scope for road use, but has major benefits for racing. Imagine being able to change your bodywork in a matter of minutes, with a new body stretched over the framework, changing the colour, sponsors or just effecting rapid repairs. It is also extremely light compared to almost all alternative materials.'

For the full story click HERE

Story courtesy of "The Engineer" magazine.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Protecting frontline services

2010-03-11T09:05:00.001Z

The government has published a list of ten steps for local authorities that are intended to assist them in protecting frontline services.

Communities secretary John Denham stated: "Councils have some tough choices in the next few years as things become tighter. But that is no reason to lower their sights on service quality people rightly value." He also warned councils that the public would not be tolerant of local authorities that failed to run through the ten stages before cutting frontline services.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

UK to excel in latest automotive niche?

2010-03-10T16:58:00.003Z

When Dutch ‘supercar’ maker Spyker revealed late last year that it was relocating its production to the UK, the news was jumped on by some as evidence of a long-hoped-for UK manufacturing renaissance. Might the firm’s decision to move its assembly to the home of the Morgan, Ariel and Caparo suggest that the seeds of recovery for our automotive sector are quietly taking root in the UK’s niche car industry?

No prizes for guessing that, despite the hype, the low-volume sector isn’t going to become the high-volume sector any time soon. The cars aren’t cheap and the engineers involved — most of whom honed their skills, design philosophies and construction techniques in the world of motorsport — aren’t particularly interested in producing cars for the masses.

But that’s not to say the low-volume sector doesn’t give us a number of reasons to be optimistic. First, companies from the niche sports-car sector are able to innovate far more freely than their larger cousins. With few of the legacy constraints that face the wider automotive industry, low-volume car makers can take more risks than larger firms and are an important force in the development, test and commercialisation of new technologies. Indeed, if you’re looking for the kind of disruptive technology that might shape the high-volume industry in the future, this is where you’re most likely to find it.

The vibrancy of the UK’s low-volume sector speaks a wider truth about UK engineering in general. It’s a reminder of where some of the UK’s most valuable skills are: in low-volume, highly specialised products. So, while the throaty roar of a British supercar may not quite herald a new dawn for the UK manufacturing sector, it is, at the very least, a symbol of where many of our engineering strengths lie.

Story courtesy of John Excell, Editor, "The Engineer" magazine.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Volkswagen to lead EV market by 2018.

2010-03-08T15:27:00.002Z

Volkswagen estimates "that electric car sales should represent three percent of all sales by 2018, five years after the launch of its first production series." The goal, said VW chairman Martin Winterkorn, "'is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018" ... the same year that it hopes to become the world's leading car maker.

"Furthermore, we want to attain an electric vehicle market share of three percent within our entire range of products, he added."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Police service to improve operations management

2010-03-08T15:17:00.000Z

The police service in Britain is aiming to carry out reforms and "improve value for money" as part of new plans. Continuous improvement and other operations management techniques could play an important role in efforts to save at least £545 million.

Policing minister David Hanson remarked: "Our police forces are doing a great job of cutting crime and boosting public confidence, but we must make sure we get full value for every penny of taxpayers cash."

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

GM to spend $700M on new Electric Car

2010-03-02T18:02:00.003Z

General Motors Co. said on Monday it will spend $700 million at eight Michigan facilities to get its new rechargeable electric car road-ready," with officials outlining "their investment plans for the Chevrolet Volt on the floor of its assembly plant.

GM has begun installing new equipment at the Detroit/Hamtrack assembly plant where prototype production of the long-awaited Chevrolet Volt will begin next March and saleable versions of the battery-powered car will come off the line in November 2010

Bloomberg reported, "The automaker is counting on the Volt to leapfrog Toyota's Prius petrol-electric hybrid. GM has said it expects the Volt to earn a U.S. fuel-economy rating of 230 miles per gallon in city driving and more than 100 mpg in combined city-highway operation."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Prevention could cut annual care costs

2010-02-23T09:11:00.001Z

The level of public money spent on care and support services in the UK could be reduced through the implementation of innovative new technologies, it has been claimed. Operations management strategies may be employed by the Department of Health to improve and reduce the costs of services.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Electric Motorcycle Drag Racing

2010-02-19T10:44:00.004Z

It was hinted at a short while ago, and we can now announce our project to design and build an electric motorcycle for drag racing.

A website has been set up to give inside information on how we go about it at http://www.weald-EVT.co.uk

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Small manufacturers relieve troubled times

2010-02-19T10:42:00.002Z

The sector that could be responsible for leading the UK's recovery from the economic downturn may by small manufacturers, it has been forecast. According to an article published in the Independent, a return to gross domestic product growth in the last three months of 2009 could boost production, particularly among "small, agile" companies.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Public Sector Management

2010-02-19T09:52:00.001Z

Operations management in the public sector is set to benefit from the creation of a new task force.

Intended to "drive value-for-money efficiencies and protect frontline services" in councils, it will be headed by Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese and mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Affordable Hydrogen Car.

2010-02-15T10:53:00.002Z

Recent reports state that "Japan is taking a lead in making zero-emissions hydrogen-fueled cars a reality," as "carmakers, such as Toyota, are developing an affordable hydrogen car using fuel cells," and "the government and energy companies are funding hydrogen refueling stations needed for the cars' widespread use." The push is "part of the country's aspiration to cut its carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050; nearly a quarter of those emissions come from transportation. And it's a more urgent task in a country that imports all of its oil." However, the fuel is "not cheap, or 100 percent clean" yet, and "aside from infrastructure, other technical hurdles remain."

One of the priorities "is reducing the amount of expensive platinum used in each car. Many fuel cell vehicles use around 100 grams; the goal is to reduce that to 10 grams."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Public Sector "needs Operations Management techniques"

2010-02-14T13:17:00.001Z

Operations training courses may be required by public sector bodies as a minister issues calls for greater scrutiny of spending.

Communities secretary John Denham has advocated more accountability for expenditure by councils, quangos and other public bodies on areas such as transport, health, police and fire services.

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Sound Operations Management reduces overheads by £150M

2010-02-14T13:12:00.001Z

Aerospace and automotive engineering firm GKN has reduced its overheads during the past two years by around £150 million and has witnessed a recent rise in pre-tax profits as a result.

The Times reports that the company has enhanced its revenues through a programme of measures and is now focusing its efforts on "gearing to rising sales on the other side of recession".

For the full story see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

US car manufacturers raise numbers in Q1 2010

2010-01-26T17:21:00.001Z

US Auto Industry To Build 69% More Cars In Q1 '10 Than In Q1 '09.
The Detroit Free Press reports, "After a long spell of cutting production and closing plants, North American car makers are preparing to build substantially more cars as evidence mounts that the economic recovery is gathering momentum. Collectively, the industry plans to make 2.93 million cars and trucks in North America between Jan. 1 and March 31, up 69% from 1.73 million built in the first three months of 2009." The Press adds that though "that's still less than the 3.58 million vehicles assembled in the first quarter of 2008...it is still some of the first tangible evidence the long-anticipated recovery is real.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Electric Motorcycle

2010-01-26T17:18:00.004Z

An interesting development has just come up where we are investigating an opportunity to help design and manufacture an electric motorcycle. This is very early days but we are starting some research and will post more information as it becomes available...

Keep looking!

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Business recovery being hampered?

2010-01-26T17:15:00.001Z

Britain's recovery from the recession is being hampered in part by poor performance in the service sector, new figures indicate. Data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that the sector performed worse than the manufacturing industry over the last three months of the year, with negative balances recorded for employment, homes sales and orders, cash flow and plant and machinery investment.

Operations management could help service sector companies struggling in the current economic downturn, as the BCC calls for greater access to credit for businesses struggling with cash flow.

For the full story please see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

State of the art manufacturing centres

2010-01-26T17:12:00.002Z

The allocation of £70 million by the government to boost innovation in the manufacturing centre will see the initial creation of three research centres. Located at Loughborough, Brunel and Southampton universities, the facilities are intended to boost future growth in the sector and could have an impact on operations management. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills funding has been provided for the development of state-of-the-art centres ...

for the full article please see HERE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

On a Nuclear Ice Breaker to the North Pole

2009-12-18T12:04:00.006Z

Read this fascinating story of a journey to the North Pole. It's a fine example ofsome great technology in action - some of the statistics are just astonishing and show what enginering and technology can deliver.

BREAKING THE ICE

Story courtesy of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

China's car market surpasses the US.

2009-12-18T12:00:00.000Z

The AP reports, "China has overtaken the U.S. as the world's biggest market for automobiles, the first time any other country has bought more vehicles than the nation that produced Henry Ford, the Cadillac and the minivan." J.D. Power and Associates expects that over "12.7 million cars and trucks will be sold in China this year, up 44 percent from the previous year and surpassing the 10.3 million forecast in the U.S." While "China has long been expected to overtake the U.S. since its population of 1.3 billion is more than quadruple that of the United States," the sales increase "happened much faster than anyone" could anticipate thanks to "China's tax cuts, its stimulus program and a depressed American market." The vehicle sales shift, however, "could produce ripples for the environment, gas prices and even the kinds of cars automakers design."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

GM Using Large Amounts Of Cash On New Cars.

2009-12-18T11:59:00.000Z

According to an article in the New York Times, "Edward E. Whitacre Jr., the new chief executive of General Motors, has one big advantage as he tries to turn around the automaker -- a stockpile of cash to develop new cars and trucks." The automaker "had already pumped up its vehicle-development programs since emerging from bankruptcy with $42.6 billion in cash reserves, the bulk of which came from the government." Now, "Whitacre seems eager to play aggressive offense, and has the means to do it." He told 800 employees last Friday at GM's technical center in Warren, MI, "Our mission is to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles." Now, the CEO "and his revamped management team must prove that they can spend taxpayers' dollars productively on new cars, trucks and crossover vehicles."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

£22m funding for Composite Developments.

2009-12-18T11:53:00.000Z

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson recently announced new investment totalling £22 million in the development of composite materials. This includes the creation of a new National Composites Centre.

Altogether the investment is made up of: £16m for a new National Composites Centre in the Bristol area (£12m from central Government, £4m from the South West Regional Development Agency) was well as £5m for the winning firm’s to develop new composites manufacturing techniques (to be won via the Technology Strategy Board’s new ‘Grand Challenge’ competition, launched today) and £1m upfront funding to help develop challenge bids.

In the ‘UK Composite Strategy’ document Lord Mandelson estimates that the high-value composites market is currently worth about £1 billion to the British economy. The UK offshore composite wind turbine blade and aerospace wing market alone could be worth £22 billion by 2020 – highlighting composites’ low carbon credentials.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Any modern economy is built on the ability to exploit the opportunities on offer by new and existing high value markets – such as composites. Our approach is now to back areas of the economy which have the biggest potential to create wealth and jobs and take advantage of the skills of our people. Today’s new strategy will help us to exploit the potential of composite materials which could help us lower carbon emissions, make cost savings by making things which last longer and boost our position globally making the UK the place to produce and develop composites. Government has an irreplaceable role in ensuring that the right conditions are in place to support long term growth. This means investing in the country’s high-tech low carbon future including supporting and investing composites.”

At their simplest level composites are made from at least two materials that together produce a material with much improved properties than its constituent parts. Lightweight yet super strength composites have been critical to recent British motor racing success and are also used in the manufacture of yachts, civil and military aircraft and will increasingly be used in offshore wind turbine blades.

The new Composites Strategy explains how Government plans to support British firms involved in manufacturing, utilising and exporting composites and composite technology, with the aim of maintaining the UK’s global lead in this growth field. Up to now activity has been too sector specific which has limited the development of a cohesive composites industry and the transfer of technology to the manufacture of other products in other sectors which could be built using composites.

The UK Composites Strategy sets out how Government will support the composites industry by building on previous measures to support this industry. A coordinated approach bringing together Government, the regions, industry, research institutes and academia will provide the focus needed to take full advantage of the commercial opportunities.

Story courtesy of Engineering Capacity journal

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Scientists bio-engineer eco-friendly plastic

2009-12-11T13:39:00.000Z

CNN's"Eco Solutions" section reports, "A team of South Korean scientists have produced the polymers used for everyday plastics through bioengineering, rather than through the use of fossil fuel-based chemicals. It is believed that the technique may now allow for the production of environmentally-friendly plastic that is biodegradable and low in toxicity."

The research was "focused on Polylactic Acid (PLA), a bio-based polymer which holds the key to producing plastics through natural and renewable resources" rather than fossil oils. So far, "PLA has been produced in a two-step fermentation and chemical process of polymerization, which is both complex and expensive. The team used a metabolically engineered strain of E. coli and developed a one-stage process."

The researchers said that the new technique "should be generally useful for developing other engineered organisms capable of producing various unnatural polymers by direct fermentation from renewable resources."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

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Manufacturers focus on Operational Efficiency

2009-12-07T09:08:00.001Z

IDG reports, "During these tough economic times, manufacturers worldwide are more than ever relying on IT to ensure that they survive for the upturn." According to new research by consultant IDC, "manufacturers are currently re-assessing how they are doing their business and focusing on 'operational efficiencies.' The research on IDC Manufacturing Insights noted that the economic crisis is bringing out the best in companies."

The survey "was conducted Europe-wide last April 2009 and included operations managers (50 per cent of respondents), CEOs (25 per cent), and supply chain managers (25 per cent)." The study suggested "that in order to compete successfully, manufacturers must focus on 'operational excellence' where operations support the business strategies of the company."

And "while waiting for the economic situation to improve, the study noted that manufacturers are fostering innovation which was otherwise a low priority during 'normal business conditions.'"

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

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Business process management provides fast payback

2009-12-07T09:05:00.000Z

Half of organisations using business process management (BPM) tools achieve a payback in 18 months or less—and fully 72% are there within two years.

That's among top findings of a survey by AIIM, which also reveals that, once the tools are in place and understood, further projects take an average of eight months to complete.

In addition to cost savings, users also report faster process throughput and improved compliance from more consistent processes. What's more, a majority of respondents feel they have only addressed one-fifth of the potentially profitable BPM projects, and consider BPM to be "'significant' or 'imperative'.

Doug Miles, director of market intelligence for AIIM, says that the survey shows a wide range of processes to which BPM has been successfully applied.

"Accounts payable is a popular application, scanning incoming invoices and matching them in the finance system. The survey also showed good results in customer support, proposal generation and a number of HR processes," he says.

"The biggest technical issue restricting growth is integration with other enterprise systems, although increasing use of service oriented architectures (SOA) can make this much easier. We also found that most organisations don't fully understand their current processes – or cannot agree what they are. This makes mapping and optimising difficult," adds Miles.

BPM has mixed origins in scanned document workflow and enterprise application integration. As a result, IT departments are likely to initiate BPM projects in a third of companies, whereas business managers take the lead in the next third.

Miles says that the survey confirms identifying an end-to-end process owner is one of the most important aspects of successful project management.

Story courtesy of Manufacturing Computer Solutions Journal

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Lean in the Public Sector

2009-12-04T08:49:00.003Z

Had an interesting call yesterday afternoon from a care home manager who works for one of the local authorities.

I've been spending the last few weeks contacting the public sector to help them to achieve their efficiency targets through adopting lean. Some are becoming more receptive to it, and this call was a welcome enquiry to see how we could help them to better manage data and services across a number of homes.

We're meeting next week, it'll be interesting to see what they need.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Now, this is what we're about...

2009-12-03T11:57:00.008Z

Just received this in the minutes of a meeting, and it so accurately describes what we see and solve everyday. I have been crying with laughter - it's hilarious but neatly describes the problem...

"Since his original presentation XXXX has taken on a XXXXXXXX to help him 3 days a week. He hasn’t had time to go on a time management course."

If you found that similarly amusing EMAIL me via the links to my website; and do share it with your friends and colleagues. Or if you couldn't see the funny part EMAIL me anyway...

Honestly, I was crying with laughter; my wife said "what's going on over there?" and I couldn't even read it out as it's just so funny.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Eli Goldratt interview

2009-12-03T11:40:00.002Z

I came across THIS INTERVIEW, I hope you find it interesting!

In the 60 minute interview Eli talks about the new book's title (it's kinda obvious why he chose the title when you hear his reason), the three obvious lessons from the book and the three less obvious, but more important, reasons. You'll also hear about his next book, which he's currently writing ... and the four after that.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Spyker Cars moves production to Coventry

2009-12-03T09:20:00.000Z

By relocating its assembly lines from Zeewolde in Holland to Coventry, Spyker says it will achieve considerable improvements in efficiency and substantial cost-reductions. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
As reported previously in Engineering Capacity, CPP (formerly known as Coventry Prototype Panels) is already manufacturing the complete aluminium chassis and body assemblies for all Spyker’s road and race cars.

Victor R. Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars stated: "In these challenging times, a small manufacturer like Spyker has to find ways to reduce costs as well as improve its efficiency. By relocating vehicle assembly to CPP (Manufacturing), which was Spyker's very first contracting partner at the inception of our company in 2000 and has been one of our most trusted partners ever since, we secure the future of our business.

“With approximately half of our vehicles’ parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements.”

Brendan O'Toole, Managing Director of CPP (Manufacturing), stated: "We have worked closely with Spyker since 2000 when we built their very first prototype chassis, and have grown with Spyker to become one of the leading low-volume manufacturers in the industry. We will maintain the highest standards of quality in the assembly of Spyker vehicles, while at the same time achieving significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies for Spyker.”

Story courtesy of Engineering Capacity journal

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Sainsbury install charging points across London

2009-12-01T09:59:00.000Z

Sainsbury's has revealed that it has installed a series of new charging points for electric vehicles across the capital.

The company has established the recharge network in the city to provide drivers with easier access to such facilities regardless of their location and it will be offered free of charge to customers.

According to the UK supermarket chain's commercial director, the points will serve to "turn London into an electric vehicle superhighway".

Neil Sachdev explained the firm is one of the largest users of electric vehicles in the UK, adding: "We hope that this initiative will encourage more of our customers to follow our lead."

Electric cars are quieter and cleaner than traditional options and a total of 11 Sainsbury's stores have now been equipped with the technology required to recharge them, a move that has been welcomed by mayor of London Boris Johnson. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King recently urged the government to address skills shortages within the green industry.

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Sustainability drives corporate growth

2009-11-25T11:32:00.000Z

The seeming speed with which corporations embraced sustainability in recent years and then publicly shared their many initiatives in this area brought with it a certain level of skepticism. Were these public relations efforts only? Do they contribute in any way to corporate growth? Are they sustainable?

Findings from a recent survey show that sustainability initiatives have become integrated into many businesses' strategy. Indeed, fully 78% of respondents to an Economic Intelligence Unit survey identified sustainability initiatives as very important to somewhat important to their overall business strategy today, with 87% reporting they regard such initiatives as important to their future growth plans. The respondents spend about 22% of their working time integrating sustainability initiatives into their business strategy.

Profitability is largely the reason why. Some 86% of survey respondents reported that sustainability can enhance their company's revenue growth, and 32% said revenue growth is one of their primary motivations to pursue sustainability initiatives. (Environmental protection led the list of primary motivations, cited by 35% of respondents.)

Nevertheless, inconsistent implementation of sustainability initiatives has hurt firms in the past year. One in five respondents said such inconsistencies have decreased their ability to execute strategy and hampered innovation. Another 18% said slower time to market with new products resulted from inconsistent implementation of sustainability initiatives.

What are these inconsistencies? Some 37% of those surveyed said they lack clear objectives or mandates, 36% spoke to the complexity of consistent implementation, and 29% said senior management lacks interest in or understanding of sustainability initiatives.

For about one-quarter (27%) of respondents, the embrace of sustainability initiatives has primarily delivered rewards. Not only were they doing a better job than their peers in integrating such initiatives into their core strategy and making a financial investment in sustainability, but they were also delivering better financial results. Some 35% of them said their financial performance was stronger than their peers and 33% believed their revenue growth was better as well. Additionally, 43% of these sustainability leaders said sustainability was important to their customers.

Story courtesy of the Industry Week journal.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Zero-Emission Motor Yacht Unveiled

2009-11-25T11:15:00.000Z

MCT News Service reports, "A zero-emission motor yacht, a super-yacht built by the first Western shipyard in China were among the varied watercraft that have been on display at the 50th anniversary Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show."

Ferretti Group said its "new 78-foot motor yacht is the largest zero-emission pleasure craft in the world." Powered by a "hybrid (diesel-electric) propulsion system, the 'transplaning hull' claims to cut fuel consumption by 40 percent with a range of 1,000 miles." Company vice president Andrea Frabetti said the boat "can reach a top speed of 16 knots and run silently even with air-conditioning and all on-board appliances in use."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

GM, Ford and Chrysler Strive to Become The Lean Three

2009-11-24T09:44:00.003Z

Among the myriad challenges confronting General Motors, Chrysler and Ford right now is the lingering perception among some consumers that the Detroit Three produce vehicles that lag behind their Japanese rivals in terms of technology, quality and fuel efficiency. While most auto industry observers acknowledge that the Detroit automakers have caught up to their Japanese rivals in recent years, perception often means everything in the public eye - especially in the crowded North American car market.

You might say that a similar misconception extends to the factory floor. While Toyota is synonymous with lean and continuous improvement - the Toyota Production System is a household term in the manufacturing world - a fair number of people probably still believe the Detroit Three are light years behind the Toyotas and Hondas of the world when it comes to factory-floor productivity and efficiency. If Toyota is seen as the paragon of lean manufacturing, GM, Ford and Chrysler - at least up until recently - have been viewed as Toyota's overweight, out-of-shape rivals, gasping for breath just trying to climb the stairs to the factory floor.

For the full story in Industry Week Click HERE

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It's "only cost reduction" and other Lean myths

2009-11-24T09:18:00.003Z

With consumers still holding back and the U.S. economy showing only glimmers of positive movement forward, now could be exactly the right time to make the Lean manufacturing changes your company needs. But first you have to understand what Lean is and isn't. That is a key message of Steve Cook, a former Dell Computer supply chain executive and newly appointed chief operating officer of MFG.com, an online marketplace for the sourcing of parts and manufacturing services.

"To be successful with Lean," said Cook, "you need a burning platform." Cook spent 7 years as an electrical engineer and pilot in the Navy before joining Dell Computer Corp. for more than a decade of manufacturing operations management and supply chain leadership. His "burning platform" had been Dell's least-utilized desktop computer assembly plant, which clearly had too much capacity at a time when laptop computer sales were surging ahead of desktop sales and plant closings were imminent.
Cook led a successful brownfield Lean conversion of the plant, and said he learned a lot in the process. The result was so successful, in the end his plant was the only one still making desktop units when Dell's corporate plans were complete. What Cook learned was that there are a lot of myths about Lean manufacturing that need to be overcome for manufacturing to be successful now.

Myth #1: Lean = Job Cuts
"If done well, Lean initiatives are less a cost-cutting exercise and more a growth exercise," said Cook. Success if dependent on the entire team, and individuals need to know they're performing Lean activities to help the company grow, not to engineer themselves out of a job. "If there's not a commitment to the team, the team won't be committed to implementation," he said.

Myth #2: Lean = Doing More with Less
Lean is about doing more to get more, knowing that reducing waste is a growth strategy, a way to help the company be more competitive, Cook said.

Myth #3: Lean = a Cost Reduction Strategy
While Lean initiatives clearly involve reducing costs, "it's a myth if it's the reason why you're doing Lean," emphasized Cook. "The underpinning of Lean must be about making the organization more successful." Manufacturers must understand the customer value stream, understand what customers are willing to pay for, he added.
Successful Lean has to be about more than the myths, said Cook.

Successful companies "engage the entire team, look at tasks through customers' eyes, and use those insights to grow the business." Looking through the customers' eyes means taking the point of view of both internal and external customers, he said, which often have different needs.

"Lean is about embracing change and realizing that change itself is a competitive advantage. Change is the lifeblood of an organization," said Cook. Lean is "also about the people, [who can be resistant to change]. Let people learn about Lean, and constantly be willing to listen. Focus on the whole team, and the whole organization," he added.

"We had a saying at Dell," said Cook. "You'll get beat up for high cost, but you'll get fired for quality/availability issues."

Story courtesy of Manufacturing Business Technology Journal

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Tinkering Makes a Comeback in the US.

2009-11-23T13:19:00.000Z

the Wall Street Journal reports that tinkering is making a comeback. New technology such as contemporary milling machines and other computer numerical controlled (CNC) tools, more widely available because of decreased costs, has contributed to this trend, as have increased interest among students for mechanical engineering, and for hands-on work.

MIT engineering professor Michael Cima said that the current financial crisis has also fostered a desire for creativity and innovation with tangible results. Whatever the causes, workshops have been turning up across the US at a rapid pace in the past year, as has interest in do-it-yourself technology. While declines in R&D spending has prompted some concern from experts about the state of innovation in the US, the Journal notes that this tinkering among students and enthusiasts represents R&D that is outside of official figures.

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

UK manufacturing more confident

2009-11-23T13:17:00.000Z

Activity in the manufacturing industry in Britain is starting to accelerate as the sector begins to recover from the downturn, a new report has suggested.

Activity in the manufacturing industry in Britain is starting to accelerate as the sector begins to recover from the downturn, a new report has suggested.

Figures from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), indicated that October witnessed a rise in rates of production and new work, with the Purchasing Managers' Index increasing from 49.9 in September to a seasonally-adjusted 53.7 during the month. The CIPS has declared that the latest data is evidence of "manufacturing gaining momentum" and noted that new export business has expanded.

October also saw clients begin to restock their inventories, but the organisation's chief executive David Noble warned: "The sector has been so hard hit since the recession began that it will be a long time before it returns to its previous level."

Recent research by CIPS and Croner Reward revealed that salaries for purchasing and supply management professionals are outpacing those of counterparts in other sectors such as finance, IT and marketing, while the gap between male and female workers in the industry is shrinking.

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Retailers see best October for seven years

2009-11-23T13:14:00.000Z

The British Retail Consortium has published sales figures for October and they look very encouraging. However, it is important to remember that the financial crisis was already mounting at this time last year so last year's figures were low. UK retail sales values rose 3.8% on a like-for-like basis from October 2008, when sales had fallen 2.2%, due to turmoil in financial markets hitting consumer confidence. On a total basis, sales rose 5.9% against a 0.1% decline in October 2008.

Food sales growth slowed further, largely reflecting lower food price inflation. Clothing and footwear showed stronger growth than in September, but against a weak October 2008. Homewares and furniture sales also showed good gains, helped by some improvement in consumer confidence and the housing market. But the gains were against even larger declines a year ago.

Non-food non-store sales (internet, mail-order and phone sales) in October were 18.0% higher than a year ago compared with 11.9% in September. The faster growth rate in October than in September was in line with the improvement in store sales. Postal strikes prompted some online retailers to switch to other delivery services.

Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said, “These are encouraging results – the best like-for-like and total October sales growth since 2002. They are, however, compared to dreadful figures last year when the final three months were all negative. Throughout the recession food has consistently been one of the best performing sectors. But food sales growth has fallen to its lowest for 19 months with food inflation tumbling since this spring. By contrast, most non-food sectors were well up on last year. Children’s clothing, for example, received a big boost from half-term spending and Halloween.

“With less than 50 days to go before Christmas, retailers will be hoping improved consumer confidence will be sustained during the festive period and beyond. Shops have already started to battle it out for customers with a string of promotions and discounts. But 2010 has many uncertainties, including the likelihood of rising unemployment and tax increases.”

Helen Dickinson, Head of Retail, KPMG, said, “For the second month running the non-food sector has outperformed the food sector, bolstered by the strong performance of women’s and children’s clothing, women’s footwear, and furniture and flooring. As we approach Christmas, optimism is certainly up, particularly compared to the last quarter of 2008 when both total and like-for-like sales were increasingly negative as consumer confidence deteriorated. Retailers will be hopeful that this growth pattern continues and interest rates holding firm should also allow households some breathing space. However, the longer-term outlook remains considerably more challenging, given the economic backdrop, levels of unemployment, uncertainty regarding the impending VAT rise and the impact of future fiscal policy following next year’s election.”

Food & Drink – Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive, IGD, said, “After a period of sustained inflation, food prices are levelling off. Food price increases have slowed consistently since February 2009, providing relief for hard-pressed shoppers with retailers working hard to pass on the benefits of more stable commodity markets.
“The contest for Christmas has started in earnest, with leading operators highlighting both grocery and non-grocery lines in their advertising. Both retailers and suppliers continue to promote heavily, price-cutting and flexing their ranges to meet shopper needs as we head into the UK’s second ‘Recession Christmas’ in a row.”

Story courtesy of Brighton and Hove Business Forum.

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Electric Vehicles make more noise

2009-11-19T10:04:00.000Z

Advanced loudspeaker technology designed to alert pedestrians and road users to the approach of otherwise silent electric vehicles is to be launched on production vehicles for the first time next month. Jointly developed by engineers at Lotus and audio specialist Harman International, the system — which allows users to choose from a range of engine sounds — has already been demonstrated on a Toyota Prius and will be launched on a low production run of unspecified electric fleet vehicles next month.

Lotus engineer Andy Mackay explained that the launch of the technology — which matches the sound to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle — coincides with growing concerns that silent or extremely quiet vehicles pose considerable accident risk to unwary pedestrians. The US and Japan are now considering introducing legislation to set minimum levels of noise for quiet cars, while the UK government is set to debate the issue in the coming weeks. Interestingly, Mackay added that there could even be a case for deploying the technology on some of today's quieter petrol engines.

The technology is the first element in a suite of so-called active noise control technologies developed by the two companies.

As well as internal sound synthesis — which would enable the driver of a silent electric car to pretend they're at the wheel of a V6-powered SUV — the groups are also planning to launch a road noise cancellation system that would cancel out noise from the tyres and the road. Set to enter production next year, this uses accelerometers to detect noise-inducing vibrations and generates a correction signal that is broadcast through the cars' speakers to cancel out the noise.

Mackay said that, because accelerometers react to vibrations rather than sound, the system doesn't interfere with the car's stereo system.

Story courtesy of "The Engineer" magazine.

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Biofuel successfully grown in volume

2009-11-18T22:17:00.002Z

Australian scientists have proved that they can consistently grow large quantities of algae for biofuel in open ponds without contamination. Their work has received£1.14m funding from the Australian government as part of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.

'This is the only biofuel project in Australia working simultaneously on all steps in the process of microalgal biofuels production, from microalgae culture, harvesting of the algae and extraction of oil suitable for biofuels production,' said project leader Prof Michael Borowitzka, from Murdoch University.

Prof Borowitzka said that due to the project’s success, construction of a multi-million dollar pilot plant to test the whole process on a larger scale will now begin in Karratha in the north west of Australia in January and is expected to be operational by July.

'We have achieved production rates of 50 tonnes per hectare per year, over half of which is converted to oil. These high production rates are expected to increase at the new pilot plant due to the even better climatic conditions in Karratha,' said Prof Borowitzka. The cost of producing biofuel from algae has already dropped from $12 a kilo to below $4 in the past year, but the aim is to get it down to less than $1 a kilo.

Dr David Lewis from the University of Adelaide's School of Chemical Engineering said a key aspect of the project is to show that commercial levels of algae can be grown without competing for resources with food crops. 'The algae will grow on non-arable - even arid - land without any need for freshwater in cultivation,' Dr Lewis said. 'By contrast, crops such as canola need a lot of freshwater and good-quality farming land.

'Growing algae at an industrial scale also takes up significantly less land than that required by canola crops to produce the same amount of biofuel.' In addition to producing clean fuel, Prof Borowitzka said that during the growth of the algae, 60 tonnes of CO2 are fixed per hectare of algae each year. One of the project’s international partners, major algae producer Parry Nutraceuticals in India, has also achieved high rates of carbon fixation.

South China University of Technology is the project’s other international partner.

Story courtesy of "The Engineer" magazine.

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Small manufacturers 'more confident'

2009-11-18T22:14:00.000Z

Optimism is increasing among smaller manufacturers in the UK, a new survey has revealed. According to data from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), small and medium-sized businesses in the sector expect their order books to stabilise over the coming three months.

The poll also revealed that optimism has risen to its highest level since April 2007, having been depressed over the past quarter as a result of falling output.

A balance of plus nine per cent of the 424 companies surveyed reported that they felt optimistic about future business prospects, although 40 per cent have witnessed a decline in total new orders during the three months to October, compared with 24 per cent reporting an increase.

The latest SME Trends Survey suggests that conditions may be improving and chairman of the CBI's SME Council Russel Griggs remarked: "It is good to see that both small and medium-sized firms feel more positive about business prospects than they have for two and a half years."

However, Liberal Democrat business spokesman John Thurso recently expressed concern about Bank of England data showing a 40 per cent fall in bank lending to the production sector.

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Government funds for manufacturing technology

2009-11-18T22:12:00.001Z

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has increased the funding it is committing to a new manufacturing technology centre (MTC) to £40 million.

According to business minister Pat McFadden, the move will "help business and universities collaborate and commercialise new and innovative products and processes".

Addressing a meeting of industry leaders, he explained that the centre in Ansty Park in the Midlands will encourage the development of new technology for the industry and improve skills, adding: "Britain has a great manufacturing future, not just a great manufacturing past."

Mr McFadden has also announced the launch of a new industry-supported body - Manufacturing Insight - that will be charged with enhancing the public image of the sector and promoting the career opportunities it offers.

The MTC forms part of the government's Manufacturing Strategy, which is intended to help the sector to adapt to changing markets and strengthen its opportunities for the future.

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Need a manufacturing researcher?

2009-11-17T16:12:00.006Z

Looking for answers to manufacturing questions that you don't have time to investigate? Well, we invest a lot of time and money in maintaining membership of relevant professional bodies to make sure we ARE up to date on current practice. And you could have a share of that.

If you don't have the time to be searching online, or digging through tons of reference materials, let our links to the professional associations do the work for you.

So, if you'd like access to a manufacturing research assistant just ask us a question and we'll get the professional researchers that we have access to onto it on your behalf. Let us know what's troubling you TODAY.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

UK High-efficiency Electric Vehicle plans

2009-11-09T16:25:00.001Z

Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive Technology have embarked on a 16-month project to develop what they claim will be the world’s most efficient electric passenger car. The Technology Strategy Board has invested £4.5m into the £9m project. Technical support will be provided by Michelin and Continental Corporation.
Dubbed the T.27, the three-seat EV is expected to weigh 700kg, have a power output of between 25 and 30kw and be able travel 150 miles before recharging. ‘The first question you’re asked about EVs [electric vehicles] is “what’s the range?”,’ said Bill Gibson, chairman of Zytek. ‘Often this is the first question because people want to discard the idea of an EV.

‘As we’ve seen with the Smart EV, there is sufficient interest in a car that can do 65 miles. However, you can’t base a mass-volume business on it. If we can get up to 150 miles then that situation will exist. Improvements in efficiencies will help us extend the range and get EV into an area where people will accept it and not consider the question of range.’

The T.27’s efficiency gains are expected to be derived from the Zytek’s custom-designed drivetrain and Gordon Murray Design’s iStream manufacturing process, which centres on a separate body chassis assembly process. A similar approach was used by Gordon Murray Design for the T.25 three-seater petrol-driven proof-of-concept car.
High-level lifecycle analysis derived from T.25 data predicts lifecycle emissions 63 per cent less than the average car and for the T.27 lifecycle emissions 27 per cent less than similar EVs.

Speaking at the launch of the T.27 funding, Lord Drayson, science minister, stressed the need for the UK to be at the forefront of developing, testing and manufacturing low-carbon vehicles. ‘The T.27 is a great example of smart engineering and sustainable design,’ he said. ‘It’s timely too, as the UK must demonstrate its readiness to exploit the emerging low-carbon vehicles market. The challenge is far greater than simply meeting stricter EU emissions targets. We need to expand our car industry through green innovation.’

The consortium expects to have four prototype EVs ready by 2011 that are capable of achieving a four-star Euro NCAP rating. They will then explore scaling up a manufacturing facility in the UK.

Story courtesy of "The Engineer" magazine.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Lean in the Public Sector

2009-11-06T15:03:00.002Z

Ever since release of the Gershon Report "Releasing resources to the front line" the public sector has been driven by the need to demonstrate that services it buys and provides are value for money and improve effectiveness.

Most projects to date have been used for short-term measures under the efficiency agenda. This has resulted in some significant gains - reducing time taken to process high-demand housing adaptations from 200–12 days for example – few have made a long term impact.

Generally this is because the longer term cultural changes are not always realised in the need to make a quick-win. But lean, by virtue of its' inclusiveness and by using the front-line staff, plays an important part in making real change that makes a difference to those directly involved. The continuous improvement environment that is created though a properly managed lean programme is the long-term benefit.

Story courtesy of the Institute of Operations Management. We are proud to be members of this institute.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Chrysler to break-even by 2011

2009-11-06T09:47:00.000Z

ABC World News reported, "Chrysler's latest turnaround strategy is going to put the focus on Dodge. It plans to introduce three new fuel-efficient Dodge saloons and new Ram pick-up." The Washington Post says Chrysler, which came "closer to annihilation than either of its U.S. rivals earlier this year," projected it will "double its sales over five years and that it will break even by 2011."

The New York Times reports on the front page of its Business Day section that Fiat, "which owns 20 percent of the company, is now firmly in control and is being guided by a new board partly selected by President Obama's auto task force."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

GM to buy Delphi business

2009-11-06T09:43:00.000Z

"General Motors Co. said it has received permission to use $2.8 billion of its government aid to help buy part of troubled auto parts supplier Delphi Corp., the automaker's former parts division." GM said Monday in a regulatory filing with the SEC "that the Treasury Department granted the release of $1.7 billion to acquire 'a membership interest' in the new Delphi entity that emerged from bankruptcy protection."

GM will "use $1.1 billion to buy Delphi's global steering business and four parts manufacturing facilities, ensuring a steady stream of critical parts to the automaker."

GM has received "more than $50 billion in government aid and the automaker will draw on the proceeds of $16.4 billion that was deposited in escrow by the government." Delphi recently "emerged from bankruptcy and GM agreed to buy an equity stake in the parts supplier as part of the deal."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Consumers willing to pay for quality

2009-11-05T09:39:00.001Z

The Los Angeles Times (11/2) reports, "Consumers are showing a willingness to pay a little more to get big-name brands, including Colgate toothpaste, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Gillette Fusion shavers." That's "good news for the economy and the multibillion-dollar companies that make those products and have been battling to keep shoppers from trading down to store brands to save money."

Procter & Gamble Co., Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Kellogg Co. "all gave upbeat earnings reports last week and even stronger outlooks for next year." P&G said "sales were rebounding faster than expected after a year of declines -- and following price cuts to narrow gaps with cheaper competitors biting into its market share."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Calling all Entrepreneurs !!!

2009-11-04T22:05:00.009Z

November 16-22 is Global Entrepreneurs Week in the UK. If you are an entrepreneur, or know one, make sure they are publicising their events to a wide audience. For details see the website at www.gew.org.uk/

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

GM plant sold to electric auto-manufacturer

2009-11-04T06:17:00.006Z

Motors Liquidation Co. has signed a letter of intent to complete its first major asset sale: the sale of a former GM assembly plant to premium carmaker Fisker Automotive Inc. which has said it plans to build plug-in electric vehicles in the plant.
Fisker Automotive will be paying $18 million for the 3.2-million-sq-ft. plant, which was commissioned in 1947 and until this summer was building Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Opel GT models. The company expects to create or support 2,000 factory jobs and more than 3,000 vendor and supply jobs by 2014, with full production capacity of 75,000 to 100,000 luxury plug-in hybrid cars per year.

Fisker Automotive is a green American premium sports car company with a mission to create a range of environmentally friendly cars. The concept was created between two independent companies who clearly wanted to make a difference in not only the automotive industry, but to the environment as well. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies announced this joint venture partnership in September 2007. Fisker Coachbuild will provide exclusive design services for Fisker Automotive while Quantum Technologies (QTWW - a publicly traded company) will provide the latest technological advancements. Each car will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid penned as Q DRIVE exclusively for all Fisker Automotive vehicles.

Fisker Automotive strives to be a serious environmental alternative to other premium performance luxury cars on the road today. Fisker Automotive will be the first company in the world to have this type of a car on the road - a beautiful fast car that makes environmental sense.

Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start at $87,900.

Story courtesy of Manufacturing and Technology eJournal

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Black & Decker to merge with Stanley in US

2009-11-04T05:57:00.000Z

The Washington Post reports, "Black & Decker, struggling amid a sales slump resulting from a dramatic slowdown in construction, said it would merge with rival Stanley Works in a $4.5 billion deal joining two of America's best-known tool manufacturers." The deal is "the largest in the consumer products sector this year, according to Dealogic, a data research firm." The "all-stock transaction has already been approved by both companies' boards and will be submitted to shareholders for a vote next month." In a joint statement, the companies said "that there was little overlap between their business lines and that the deal could generate as much as $350 million a year in cost savings, mainly in the back office."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Consumer confidence returning slowly

2009-11-03T07:03:00.003Z

The latest Consumer Confidence Index, released by market research company Nielsen and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), shows an increase to 75 - a ten point gain on the all-time low of 65 we saw in April. That is still weak compared with the figures from two and three years ago but reflects slightly more people feeling positive about their own job prospects and finances.

British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson said, “These figures suggest it will be a long, slow climb out of recession for many customers but some do now have their feet on the first rung of the ladder. There’s no question the general mood of customers is better than a year ago, when conditions were dire, but improvement has been slow so far. Half of consumers believe we’ll still be in recession in a year’s time. More than half are worried about jobs and their own finances and that will hold back full scale retail recovery well into next year.”

Attitudes towards spending on discretionary items are more positive now with fewer people feeling ‘not so good’ (down 6 points since April to 41%) and more people feeling that now is a ‘good’ time to buy the things they want and need (up 5 points since April to 31%).

There is evidence to suggest that lifestyles and habits have changed for many people in Great Britain with 70% of people claiming that they have changed their spending in order to save on household costs. When asked how they cut down on spending in order to stay within their budget, top strategies cited by consumers were:

• Spending less on new clothes (68%)
• Trying to save on gas and electricity (66%)
• Cutting down on takeaways (64%)
• Switching to cheaper grocery brands (59%)

Some customers believe the recession will permanently change their behaviour. Even when the economy returns to growth, more than half of consumers say they will still aim to save on gas and electricity (54%), cut down on takeaways (38%) and switch to cheaper groceries (34%).

Story courtesy of Brighton and Hove Business Forum.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Retailers save £100,000 and improve service

2009-11-02T16:26:00.003Z

Press release datec 2nd Nov from Cathy Watson Associates

An Uckfield business consultant has helped a branch of the Co-op save more than £100,000.

Phil Edwards, of Weald Business Solutions, was involved in a review of costs which helped Chelmsford Star Cooperative Society – which runs convenience food stores, department stores, travel centres and funeral branches in Mid Essex - save 61 per cent on washroom services, 38 per cent on telecommunications and 27 per cent on waste and disposal.

Phil said: ‘Higher service levels were achieved as a result of the process which is all about managing expenditure and not about cutting corners.’
The company’s deputy chief executive officer Barry Wood said he didn’t initially believe the savings were there to be made and was usually extremely sceptical about the claims made by management consultancy firms.

But he was impressed by the methodology used by the consultants and liked the way they continued to work with his business to negotiate and implement chosen solutions rather than just present a report and walk away.

Mr Edwards said he was very pleased to have won a new contract with Chelmsford Star as a result of the work already done. ‘Sometimes it takes an outsider to spot new ways of improving processes and saving costs. We are pleased to have been so effective on this project.'

Mr Wood said it was an extremely opportune time to be reviewing costs. ‘We always like to feel that we are negotiating the best rates, but this is an ongoing process and has never been more important than in the current climate.’

He is now taking the process one stage further and making use of new software, licensed through Weald Business Solutions, which will allow Chelmsford Star to continuously monitor and manage processes on a proactive basis.

The software has been proven across a number of social and housing sector clients and is now being introduced to manufacturing and retail clients allowing them to benefit from managed expenditure and improved productivity across single or multiple sites.

For more information about this press release please contact Cathy Watson on 01825 760102 or go to Cathy Watson Associates

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Toyota to hire graduates for shop-floor

2009-11-02T16:02:00.003Z

The Chicago Tribune reported, "Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to deploy about 900 university-educated first-year employees who entered the company this spring to its factories for about three months beginning in January," While "university graduates usually are sent to factories as a part of training, it is extremely rare for them to join assembly lines in full operation." However, the company's "production sites are facing a labour shortage because its hybrid cars such as the Prius model are in great demand" even as "it is difficult to employ new workers due to cost-reduction efforts and because future demand for such cars is uncertain."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Lean helps business weather the recession

2009-11-02T13:31:00.011Z

A report in USA Today states "Thousands of manufacturers that have remained profitable during the recession by using a practice called lean manufacturing to become more cost-efficient." The practice involves "making each widget in an uninterrupted flow, rather than as part of unfinished batches; producing only what customers order; and ruthlessly chopping billions of dollars in inventory." Cliff Waldman, an economist at the Manufacturers Alliance, says that the changes mean that "some jobs will be lost permanently as manufacturers use their new cost efficiencies to wring more output from fewer employees," but economists say the practices "are helping them maintain profits and ultimately hire employees."

Story courtesy of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. We are proud to be members of this society.

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Advice for garden maintenance & garden design company

2009-10-22T11:06:00.018+01:00

One of our ongoing projects is giving business advice to a gardening services company based in Kent.

With services such as grass cutting, hedge trimming garden makeovers etc the business is very new and needs help to find the best way to make the business grow.

Phil at Weald Business Solutions, together with Virtual Assistant Sussex, is giving the owner advice on how to plan his strategy for the coming months, including ideas for his budget, where to concentrate his priorities and the best way to market the business. We are also creating new copy for the website, doing keyword research to help with SEO and creating a blog to attract more customers.

With ongoing support we are confident the customer will see an increase in business over the coming months.

For more information please call Phil on (01825) 761890 or email phil@weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

epi - Business Improvement Solutions

2009-10-22T09:54:00.005+01:00

Are problems in your business causing a lot of hassle? Why not ask for totally independent advice?

Phil at Weald Business Solutions can help with business improvement solutions. Call us now to find out more (01825) 761890 or email phil@weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Business Improvement Experts... weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Latest Energy Saving news from NetRegs

2009-06-04T12:05:00.001+01:00

Saving energy can:

save your business money, eg reduce lighting bills
help you offset escalating fuel costs and environmental taxation
enhance your business’s competitive edge.

Most energy in the UK comes from non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas. However, these resources not only cause pollution but are also running out. Burning fossil fuels contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and to global climate change. Taking steps to improve energy efficiency is not currently a legal requirement. However, the government has introduced incentives and support to encourage businesses to save energy.

Read the full details care of NetRegs here

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Time Management

2009-05-15T09:07:00.002+01:00

We were recently asked to publish an advice column in South East Business Times, the leading journal for business owners and managers. The first article focused on time management, and you can download a copy of it here...

Time Management

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Strong nerves needed by estate agent

2009-05-15T08:57:00.005+01:00

Most people would think strong nerves were needed by anyone opening an estate agency in these troubled times but Nick Coffin did that a few months ago and remains upbeat about his decision.

Business consultant Phil Edwards surely felt a little trepidation about the move too because his advice gave Nick the confidence to restructure his company but he looks ahead with calm confidence.

Both men are happy with what has been achieved. Mortgage broker Nick is ready for action when the housing market creaks back into action and consultant Phil believes Nick’s business is operating efficiently and able to take full advantage of any improvement in trading conditions.

Phil, of Uckfield-based Weald Business Solutions, was approached following a presentation at a meeting of Tunbridge Wells BNI where he talked about common problems faced by business owners which, with just a little help from him, could be alleviated.

Nick identified with the symptoms. He was spending a lot of time outside the office and would get back to find his desk full of Post It notes and people desperate to ask him questions. He knew changes were needed, bit the bullet and asked for help.

Phil spent two afternoons talking to staff employed by Nick’s business, Mother Goose at Southborough, and quickly identified areas which worked well and those which could be improved. Part of the problem was that when Nick set up his mortgage brokerage he opened a separate administration centre which became a drain on resources and made communication difficult.

Phil’s report spelled out what Nick already suspected and provided the impetus for him to take action. Now the admin office and associated staff have been integrated into the Southborough shop. On top of that space has been found within the building at 144 London Road to accommodate an estate agency and two additional members of staff following closure of an agent’s a few doors away.

‘The infrastructure was in place and opening an estate agency was a natural extension of our mortgage-broking business,’ said Nick.

Phil said sometimes all that was needed was a fresh pair of eyes to review business procedures and highlight ways of improving efficiency and service to customers. ‘Some of the people I work with have been turning problems over in their minds for years without finding solutions little realising that an outsider can help them make simple changes which lead to a much improved business.'

Nick said he was very pleased with all that had been achieved since Phil was called in. ‘If we had carried on the way we were going we would have been in a much worse position financially than we are now. It would have cost us thousands of pounds. We took the advice at just the right time.’

Nick Coffin of Mother Goose Estates : Cathy Watson of Cathy Watson Associates.

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Business Mentoring package - small and start-up businesses

2009-05-15T08:45:00.002+01:00

For example, we have Business Support packages available from just £60/month - giving you 4 hours of personal and dedicated support every month. See our Mentoring download for details.

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Low Cost Business Support packages released

2009-05-13T09:18:00.004+01:00

If you would like to know how the worlds leading manufacturers continually reduce cost, increase throughput, improve quality, and manage to deliver just-in-time, call now on 01825 761890 to book a no-obligation meeting, or read on for low-cost systems that can benefit you...

Business support packages are available from just £60/month - giving you 4 hours of personal and dedicated support every month. See our Mentoring download for details.

A one-off payment from just £75 could save at least 60 hours per year per employee. How much would it help if that time was productive? Take a look at our Housekeeping download.

You really ought to know how many errors suppliers make on your invoices (believe me, it can be a big problem). From a simple check, through to a full analysis comparing what you pay against the market rates; take a look at the Invoice Auditing download.

For details of each service click on the links below, or call 01825 761890 for advice.

Business Mentoring – regular advice and fresh ideas. Click HERE
Invoice Audit – make sure you're not being overcharged. Click HERE
Housekeeping – cut down on wasted time. Click HERE
Business Tracking – managing growth and productivity. Click HERE
Quality Management – systems to manage your business. Click HERE

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Press and PR articles - part 2

2009-05-13T08:20:00.005+01:00

Further to the article last mentioned in Business Edge, we also had an article published in the Kent & Sussex Courier showing how we work hand-in-hand with our sister company Virtual Assistant Sussex. The article can be read HERE

We have great support from a local PR company to write and distribute these articles. If you're looking for friendly, professional, advice speak to Cathy Watson at http://www.cwassoc.co.uk

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Press and PR articles - part 1

2009-05-13T08:15:00.003+01:00

It's been some time since I last blogged so I'll go through a bit of an update over the coming weeks as there's a lot going on. I'll start with a short article from the journal of Sussex Enterprise, which you can download here...

http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/downloads/businessedge.pdf

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Further Retail Worries

2008-10-06T09:30:00.004+01:00

A grim trading update from Marks & Spencer compounds the gloom on the High Street as the UK retail sector heads into the all important Christmas trading period and some analysts are predicting the worst Christmas for 30 years.

The UK’s biggest clothing retailer announced sales in the three months to the end of September, including newly opened stores, were down 1.6%. Like-for-like sales, excluding new floor space, were down by 6%. Poor sales of food and fashions mean that the chain will be cutting back on its store refurbishment programme and other overheads in an effort to protect profits and the dividend payout to shareholders.

M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: "Shoppers are worried about inflation, they are worried about interest rates, they are worried about their house price and they are worried about the safety of their money in their bank."

The decline in M&S food sales is in contrast to the experience of rivals. This week Tesco reported almost 4% rise in food sales. Consumers are said to be trading down to cheaper ranges and defecting to discounters such as Aldi and Lidl. (see story on Waitrose)

As has become increasingly common with the large retail chains, the good news in the trading statement was an increase of 34% in online sales. The retailer is cutting expenditure on refurbishment and new store openings. Some 70% of old stores have already been refurbished. Planned investment of up to £900m this year has been slashed to £700m and next year's outlay has been cut to £400m.

The retailer has seen its fortunes take a serious turn for the worse. This year it reported its first £1bn profit for a decade. Now analysts expect about £640m next year and as little as £500m the year after. Similarly John Lewis, the other bellwether of the retail sector, reported last week that its sales were down by 8% over the year and they too had seen large increases in internet activity. If this was stripped out of the equation, sales would be down by over 16% in most of its stores.

Source - Brighton Business Forum : www.brightonbusiness.co.uk

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Should you cut prices to survive?

2008-09-22T09:12:00.002+01:00

While many businesses are pulling in their horns and cutting back in order to maintain profitability. Waitrose has made the decision to cut its prices so reducing margins. This could be just what's needed to keep the company on top of its game. The result of cutting prices has been an increase in sales (3.6%) albeit in step with a fairly hefty fall in pre-tax profits (26.6%).

However, the thinking behind the strategy is that evidence has clearly shown that the pending recession is causing a shift in consumer loyalty toward down-market brands. If further evidence were needed Primark has just announced another growth quarter and is expanding its total sales space.

By reducing prices Waitrose will improve its chances of retaining its existing customers who may spend a bit more as they are attracted by the bargain prices. And it stands to attract new customers who previously thought Waitrose was out of their price range.

Sales have increased suggesting that the plan is working. Waitrose will now sit tight until the economy stabilizes while also cutting unnecessary expenditure and it may come through with a bigger client base than before.

Article courtesy of Brighton Business Forum

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Is the Retail sector picking up?

2008-09-22T09:03:00.002+01:00

The Office for National Statistics has reported that, against all expectations UK retail sales increased in August but others don't agree.

According to the ONS high street sales rose 1.2% in August and now stand 3.3% higher than this time last year. Analysts had expected a drop of half a percentage point after gloomy surveys of major retailers throughout the month but ONS suggest that clothing and shoe sales seem to have led the increase. Food sales fell 0.2%.

Recent surveys from the CBI and British Retail Consortium had painted a considerably darker picture of prospects for retailers. The BRC survey suggested sales were only 1.4% higher than last year and much of this was generated by deep discounting.

Stephen Robertson, Director General of the BRC, said: "These unexpectedly resilient figures fail to convey how tough conditions are for customers and retailers. Plenty of retailers would be delighted if their sales values were up over three per cent on a year ago".

"Fundamental conditions are weakening, not improving, and recent banking industry uncertainty can only make customers more nervous about spending. Yes, clothing and footwear sales growth has risen but that growth is modest and driven by discounts. It cannot be called strong and cannot explain ONS' high overall figures".

"We respect the ONS's process but the Bank of England is right to treat these figures as only one measure of retail performance."

Article courtesy of Brighton Business

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Retail Survey - please help

2008-09-11T18:51:00.003+01:00

Retailers:

We are keen to understand the issues you face to help you steer clear of the problems that a credit crunch might bring.

You may not be able to do much about the crunch on your customers, but you can improve your chances of surviving if you address all areas of waste and inefficiency in your business.

To help us help you, your opinions are needed...

For details take a look HERE

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Tougher times ahead for retailers ?

2008-09-11T18:45:00.004+01:00

As the threat of recession mounts more consumers are seeking out factory outlets and charity shops for their retail fix. Top end retailers also continue to do well as credit was never an issue for the majority of their customers. It is the middle range stores that are losing out.

One success story from the low end market is The Original Factory Shop, which saw pre-tax profits rise by 16.4% to £7.6 million for the year ending March 31. According to The Daily Telegraph The Original Factory Shop saw sales climb 17.4% to £82.1m for the year. Like-for-like sales rose by 4% over the period. This performance has continued into the new financial year, with like-for-like sales over the last four months up by 3.2% and total sales up 17%.

Similarly charity shops such as Oxfam and the The Salvation Army stores have benefited from significant hikes in sales. Top charity chains, like the Salvation Army have seen profits rise by as much as 64%. While Oxfam at the top of the league made a profit of £21million.

For mid-range shops the challenge couldn't be greater. They need to buy efficiently and effectively yet still excite the consumer to spend money they can't really afford. They are walking a tight rope between playing safe and risking everything.

Article courtesy of Brighton & Hove Business

Retailers - this means that your opinions are really needed to help build our survey. For details take a look HERE

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

July / August Newsletter now available

2008-08-06T16:34:00.002+01:00

Our latest newsletter has just been released so click HERE for your copy,

Creating Healthy Business... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Are you or your bank liable for on-line fraud?

2008-07-21T17:16:00.005+01:00

A quiet rule change allows British banks to refuse to compensate the victims of online fraud if they do not have "up-to-date antivirus and spyware and a personal firewall".

A new section of the Banking code (which dictates how banks do business with customers) changes the balance of risk between customers and banks.

Read the full article here

http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Want to retire and sell the business?

2008-05-14T08:23:00.002+01:00

OK, so it's not too far away now. You've built up your business and you're thinking about putting all your personal finances in place so you can walk away and live that life of luxury and leisure. But the personal finance is only one part. You must now maximise the value of the business so you realise it's true value. So how do you make it worth far more?

Well you could build up a much larger customer base, but you'd have done that already as you're not turning away customers are you. so that's not so easy.

What you need to do is make the day-to-day business the saleable asset, not just the products, or designs, or your customer database. How do you do that?

Now is the time to put in place systems and processes that mean the business operates, in the way that you know works well, regardless of who's running it. Suddenly you are not just selling your 'features', but you are selling a working system that can continue to operate. And the biggest bonus for you, aside from the increased value, is that you can sell and walk away. Because everything is in place and documented you won't need to be on call 24 hours a day to explain where things are, how this works, and where to get parts for the machinery.

Yes, you could sell your designs, products, or customer list, but take a few days to make the whole process saleable. You created it; you know it works; why not get that value back?

Ask yourself this: could you sell up today and walk away, or are YOU the business. It's hardly retirement if you're on call every day to help run it - that wasn't what you dreamt about all those years ago, was it?

Get in touch to see how little it will cost to add real value.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Measuring performance - why you should do it.

2008-04-05T16:05:00.004+01:00

You may have read earlier that we take care to measure everything we do so that we, and you, can see the value being added. The 2 videos below give you some idea as to the logic behind this. (both are about 1min 30seconds each)

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Latest Newsletter now out.

2008-04-04T21:49:00.001+01:00

Want a copy of our latest newsletter? No problem, download a copy here... March/April 2008

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

What do our customers want?

2008-04-04T19:22:00.002+01:00

Have you wondered what it is that our clients are trying to solve? Watch this video (2mins 20secs long) and see if you recognise any of the issues that they are struggling with...

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Time and money - do you need any?

2008-03-31T17:46:00.005+01:00

Do you need more time or money in your business?

Check out the latest copy of the newsletter HERE. For news, ideas, and best practice tips that will save you hours and £££'s sign up to the newsletter - see box to the right.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

And another thing we do...

2008-03-31T17:35:00.003+01:00

We get asked for help with some 'odd' things - well, not odd to our customers. Recently we were talking to a potential client (a golf club) about saving money, and when we asked our usual question "given another pair of hands in your business, what would you really like to do?" they said

"... well, our real problem is growing the membership. Can you help?"

Now that's not core to our business but we are here to solve problems. If this is the one that's going to add most value, let's have a look at it. So we are. With assistance from some connections in the marketing world, we will solve it for them.

If you have a problem in your business ask for advice. If we don't do it we WILL know a reliable source who can.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

See us at the FSB Expo, 9th April

2008-03-10T09:52:00.003Z

If you can't make Kent2020 at The Detling showground on 3rd April, we'll also be attending the FSB Expo, organised by the East Sussex region.

This will be held at the East Sussex National Golf Course on 9th April. Come and have a chat,

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk

Getting more business is easy!

2008-02-15T15:08:00.002Z

Yes, that’s right - it should be easy to increase your turnover by 20% to 50% - and you have control over it.

Every activity in your business that isn’t focused solely on providing the highest quality goods and services to your customers is a lost opportunity.

And it shouldn’t cost you any more to raise standards and exceed their expectations - in fact, by having just one clear focus in everything you do you could SAVE money as well as time. Why not make it your goal?

Sign up to our newsletter to receive insights that YOU can apply right away. Or call NOW on 01825 761890 for a free review.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Help your favourite Charity

2008-02-11T17:37:00.001Z

Sign up for our on-demand support and you not only get access to ideas and actions that will help minimise your administration, cut your costs, increase quality, improve delivery times, and simplify life for you and your customers.

Alongside investing in making your business run smoother, we will donate 5% of fees received to the charity of your choice! Help yourself whilst helping your companies chosen charity. See, you can get win-win solutions.

Call to find out more - contact details are HERE

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

See us in Kent

2008-02-11T17:32:00.000Z

If you are in the area we'll be exhibiting at Kent2020 this year. This is the largest b2b exhibition in Kent in 2008 and is held at the Detling Showground on the 3rd April. Come and say hello. Show details are HERE

Further shows will be announced very soon.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Environmental Waste is YOUR waste!

2008-02-07T11:33:00.000Z

If you've had a look at the links on our website you'll see that one of them sends you to Netregs, the agency that provides free environmental guidance to small businesses in the UK.

They recently put out a list of links that can help different industries. We've summarised it in a document on our site - take a look HERE for your copy.

If you're looking for help to put this into practice, or to identify opportunities to streamline your processes and remove waste, call us on 01825 761890

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk/

Suppliers - you have to read this...

2008-02-06T14:37:00.000Z

Suppliers - have you seen the countdown of the Top 20 hassles that frustrate your customers? It makes good reading, and is a simple and quick check that you can apply to your business processes to make sure you aren't annoying your customers.

Have a look here for the full rundown. If you recognise too many give us a call.

exceed customer expectation, here's how... http://www.weald-business-solutions.co.uk