I am married to Janine, we have two grown up daughters one of whom works in a Nursing Home and one who has just Graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in Creative Advertising
My background from leaving school at sixteen is serving in the Royal Air Force, moving into the Automotive Industry and now the Rail industry.
I work for VTS Track Technology Ltd a leading supplier of Railway Switches, Crossings, Concrete Bearers, and other ancillary equipment to Network Rail, Tramways, London Underground, and many others.
I first met Colin in 2005, since then we have worked closely on company strategic development and my own skills and knowledge development.
I operate in a Strategic Business Improvement Role, and having just spent 2 years working in a senior procurement role covering for maternity leave, my current focus is on Change Management, Managing Strategic Change and Lean Principles within the organisation.
I have a vision to create a safe working environment and culture, creating exceptional Value Stream throughput, with a workforce dedicated and committed to a Right First Time & On Time delivery philosophy, resulting in an immensely satisfied Client that has a belief that the Critical Success Factors which they value and see, and which set the organisation apart from our competitors,
Creation, Communication and development of Clear Business Strategies and Objectives creates focussed value added employee & engineering development, which when aligned to Strategic objectives & principles creates more efficient processes, which reduce waste and improve efficiency and customer service.
Creating clear metric recording and opportunities for continuous improvement with true measurable and tangible results, Cost reductions and Return on investments which is establishing the organisation as a true market leader offering a premium service, retention of market share & development of new product streams, which in turn creates stability and security for the organisation, employees, families and supply chain alike
I am establishing a firm foundation within the business environment, where the Cultural and Engineering philosophy of the organisation at all levels, is focussed and committed to an environment that challenges waste at all levels and at every opportunity.
Which is creating a Customer base with a firm View, Belief, in what the organisation is Achieving, and a Customer who Needs, Supports, Works alongside and Trusts the organisation to deliver true Core Value & Competencies within their own business environment and requirements
I use and adapt academic principles in cross-functional and practical ways, using a mixture of proven Lean tools and Techniques, Academic Research and Learning, measured with Work based experience and practicality, these are adapted and adjusted to give best value results in line with a real time business environment,
Change Management is very easy to talk about the practicalities of implementing it are very different however and I strive to recognise and work with individuals with potential, and challenge those who resist, block change, I look for key indicators: Things people say, Things that I see, Body language, Attitude, Involvement, Reaction to given tasks Who’s Advocating change? Who’s resisting change? Who’s blocking change? What’s blocking change?
Coaching & Mentoring for a far better understanding of the consequences of change or not changing to the business, and that of failure are key to promote and sustain any change. I try to challenge and surface any issues, frustrations, conscious or unconscious blocking, whilst also Looking for and tapping into and developing the undiscovered skills, enthusiasm and potential within the organisation
I try to work to a point where change is accepted at all levels, understood and part of employee confidence and culture, measuring by underpinning and monitoring change as required with process controls, metrics, responsibilities and ownership
I try to focus on and use the skills and knowledge of engineers or those with differing experience to myself to enage them in ways of looking at investment in machinery and equipment that moves away from doing it better, but also doing it in a different way, ways that may give a competitive advantage
I have Introduced and am underpinning Key Performance Indicators, Measures, Accountability and Responsibilities
I am aligning employee and cultural development, alongside the engineering development of the organisation
Provoking and Challenging current processes that break down barriers, surface assumptions, reveal hidden blockers, build on populated skills, I try to encourage and develop those with potential to become change agents or have a positive impact on change, whilst also challenging employees who show signs of resistance, blocking or reluctance to change By advocating, Leading by example and encouraging the organisation into becoming a more focused Learning Organisation & Environment without threat or concerns
I have an inner drive and want to be successful, self motivation and enthusiasm for doing something that is challenging and produces tangible results,
Results which make a difference to Client perception, Business Performance & Stability, Others and my own Work Life Balance,
I take so much pride in being told ‘well done’ and not being financially motivated, breeds a natural want to be successful and appreciated,
My ability to focus on situations inside and outside of my comfort zones, retain focus and faith that success will be achieved, no matter what barriers or resistance is encountered, to confront the situations head on in a diligent, honest, truthful and predominantly un-confrontational manner, without prejudice. I find this intellectually challenging, stimulating, and ultimately rewarding,
I recognise that I am only as successful as those with skills, knowledge around me, all of who contribute to my own success, I take enormous satisfaction from seeing somebody develop their own potential and personal successes, with the help of my own coaching, mentoring or direct support, and I take pride and satisfaction in celebrating in their own success, and I do not view their success as any threat to my own position, as I continue to be successful, and strive for further successes, I need a successful team around me, to drive and achieve that success
The Strategic Business Improvement work I undertake start from a clear and shared Objectives, Including Quality, Delivery On Time and Productivity which all contribute to the problems facing any organisation, I have both the Academic Knowledge, Personal Profile, Experience, Drive and Ambition to deliver such Strategic, Operational & Cultural Change, in what can sometimes be a very frustrating and lonely role.
- Winner of the Humber Education Business Partnership Award, Learner of the year 2009
- Hull University Professional Award Advanced Practitioner In Continuous Business Improvement
- Hull University Professional Award in Continuous Business Improvement
- Hull University Level 4 Managing Personal and Professional Development
- Hull University Level 4 Strategic Work Based Improvement Projects
- Hull University Level 4 Shared Learning
- Hull University Level 4 Work Based Improvement Projects
- Hull University Level 4 Best Practice In Team Membership
- Hull University Level 4 Workplace Coaching, Mentoring, Motivation Skills & Theory
- Hull University Level 4 Leading and Managing World Class Organisations
- Simpler Lean Techniques A3 Thinking, Effective Team Management, Rapid Improvement Events, Standardised Work, VSM
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- City & Guilds Level 4 Occupational Health and Safety Practice
- CRIS Auditor BS EN ISO9000:2008
- First Aid At Work + CPR AED Defibrillator Trained
- CIEH Professional Trainer