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I have known members of the Libra Europe team for a number of years and each time I have worked with both new and old members of the team provided I have found them to be highly committed, well briefed, practical and flexible in approach.

Their ability to integrate with site teams quickly, operating at any level is a key to their success. From initial discussion to close out of the project they provide an excellent service and have no hesitation in recommending their services to both large and small businesses.

 

Simon Cowdroy, HR Director - Heinz

 


 

Libra Europe were engaged to review material variances across our site, after the analysis process they uncovered significant savings way above our stated financial variances. Through the project phase the Libra Europe team engaged and challenged my team at all levels and delivered in excess of the analysis savings numbers.

 

It was a process that not only delivered in the year but my team was left with processes and procedures coupled with relevant training that will allow us to deliver year on year. All of this was done alongside my team with a patient, challenging and coaching approach from the Libra Europe team.

 

I would recommend them wholeheartedly if you are looking to be challenged and engaged along the way to delivering significant financial benefits.

 

Pete Williams, General Manager - Fletchers Bakery

 

 

Libra Europe completed a thorough review of all our manufacturing systems, processes and people. They presented a structured unbiased picture of how the factory actually operated coupled with a clear road map for improvement.

 

 The Libra Europe team spearheaded the change program through coaching, mentoring and challenging almost everybody in the management team, bringing in specialist resource as and when required. The project delivered cost benefits, efficiency improvements and became the catalyst for cultural change at the site.

 

Jason Ramsay, General Manager - Burtons Biscuits, Edinburgh

 


 

Libra Europe actively participated in all aspects of the analysis, development and roll-out of the business process change associated with the Data Sharing project, and acted with integrity and no small amount of flair as Sainsbury's representatives to engage both internal colleagues and suppliers and deliver in a constantly evolving environment.

 

During the project they worked with suppliers, trading and supply chain colleagues and our IT team, including external solution providers, to derive a business process to meet the needs of the programme and took a central role in the project management process.

 

They were also responsible for all aspects of the accompanying training, including; managing supplier invitations, ensuring systems permissions had been granted prior to training, producing training materials and delivering a comprehensive training programme, initially to 20 pilot supplier organisations and then subsequently to over 200 supplier organisations and over 300 internal colleagues.

 

The process was successful in delivering bottom line benefits along with the ability to pinpoint the root cause of unacceptable performance providing suppliers with the means to drive improved profitability through improved availability, reduced waste and improved promotional execution.

 

John Hall, Programme Manager - Sainsbury’s

 

 

Libra Europe demonstrated an understanding of the issues, an ability to work with people at all levels to develop solutions and most importantly a willingness to work with those people across all shifts to implement the required changes. And from his team of Flexible Area Managers;

 

An increased awareness and ownership of line performance.

A greater understanding and focus on systems and procedures.

Been supported to understand and address the emotional issues associated with cultural change.

Challenged line issues that have traditionally been avoided.

Gained experience of developing and empowering others.

 

Greg Suzor, Manufacturing Manager - United Biscuits, Harlesden

 

 

Libra Europe helped us both with problem definition and solution delivery, giving us timescales, costs and benefits for both. The project involved working with both Ferndale and Asda employees, they provided the focus to ensure both parties delivered their parts of the solution, were able to provide specific resource for key problems.

 

It was a success, waste is down, availability is up, the customer happier and richer than before, without Libra Europe this would not have happened.

 

Richard Wall, Director - Ferndale Foods

 

 

Libra Europe have very good calibre, experienced people who understand how a business works in real terms, from factory floor through logistics to the retailer and their systems and processes.

 

They deliver what's written on the tin, there were no nasty surprises, but it was an exacting, challenging process which delivered real value to the business.

Get intimately involved in the business and have a flexible approach to solving issues.

Are as tough (probably tougher) on their own people as they were on mine.

Have a clear strategic/tactical division, whereby the troops deliver the goods, and Geoff and Tim stand back and look at the bigger picture.

Yet they still managed to keep a sense of fun throughout a potentially difficult process.

 

Andy Wadley, Managing Director - Fresca Group

 

 

Libra Europe are a team of highly experienced operators - I use the word operators and not consultants deliberately. They understand factories and the people in them inside out and they will not take the route of giving you easy advice but will actually help you to implement real and sustainable change.

 

They are hard and efficient operators and make no mistake that they will stand no nonsense in delivering for you.

 

However they have sound values and a genuine desire to treat people properly and with respect. They will reinforce and strengthen any manufacturing team in attaining their objectives whatever they may be.

 

Alison Suttie, Director - AM Partners

 

 

Thoughts and comments pertaining to Libra Europe;

 

Get under the skin / leave no stone unturned.

Will challenge the hell out of you and your business – really get you thinking about aspects of your business that are often taken for granted – guess what, they are very often right.

Talk a language I can really understand – simple and uncomplicated.

Really know what they are talking about.

Will sit and listen about your people and your business.

Well structured and keep things simple.

Have delivered real benefits (cash) to the businesses I have run.

Have greatly helped in the development of both me as a Business Manager and as a person – thanks.

 

Pete Williams , General Manager - Youngs Bluecrest

 

 

My views on Libra Europe are as follows;


Know what they are talking about.

Provide simple but well thought out cost effective solutions.

Always available to provide ongoing advice.

Well networked with both manufacturers & retailers.

Knowledgeable team especially within chilled.

 

Richard Harper, CEO - Blueberry Group

 

 

The Libra Europe project team has delivered in excess of the analysis prediction with an enthusiastic and experienced team of 'real hands on' people interacting with my local management team to drive management by numbers. This has proved to be a great success in 2005, and with the structural changes we now have a sustainable platform for growth into 2006 and beyond.


 

John McCormick, Managing Director - TDG Logistics

 

 

To anyone asking, my spontaneous feedback would be along the lines of;

 

Great salesmen, very convincing arguments that are backed up with detailed knowledge and substance.

Energetic and enthusiastic.

Entrepreneurial.

Achieve all set client targets.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, I am a big fan!

 

Simon Jennings, Investment Manager - Hermes Private Equity

 

 

Bob Heward (Libra Europe) grasps business 'brief's' very quickly and is able to come back with very well thought out and practical solutions. We are now using a number of his systems within the business to good effect.

 

Bob is extremely personable and is able to get on with everyone within the business. This is a major attribute when doing detailed 'change' work as he gets staff on board and makes investigative work very effective.

 

Bob's work is thorough and detailed and he is able to communicate his ideas and solutions very effectively. His advice is always ‘down to earth’, rooted in realism and practical. I would recommend Bob to anyone looking for a consultant specialising in FMCG or the food sector.

 

Patrick Bastow, Managing Director - Swedeponic

 

 

I would say that Libra Europe were a professional bunch who certainly did a good job at Mack.

 

Hard hitting yet able to see the nub of the issue and the possible solutions.

Structured approach with constant feedback.

After sales service and ongoing dialogue is invaluable and most appreciated.

Your recruitment sideline, placing candidates in excellent positions is most impressive.

 

Jon Usher, Operations Director - Mack Multiples

 

 

The key points that spring to mind when talking about Libra Europe are;

 

Directness of approach.

The directly relevant experience of the team.

The drive to deliver a result for the client.

Their ability in contracting with the CEO and his reports.

 

Tony Shaw, Human Resources Director - TDG Logistics

 

 

Thoughts and comments pertaining to Libra Europe;

 

Libra Europe's business systems are kept simple but effective, and are delivered by an experienced team.

Thought provoking, life changing and an honest approach to difficult situations.

 

 

Mark Bright, Operations Director - Seafood Company

 

 

I have dealt with Geoff Smith and his colleagues in two previous corporate roles. On both occasions I have been very impressed throughout with the quality of their understanding, analysis, and forward recommendations; on both occasions they were able to make significant positive contributions to the future progress of the respective businesses, and they achieved it in a way that fully engaged the existing employee base to ensure long buy in within the organisation.

 

Peter Milsted, Food Services Director - Young’s Bluecrest

 

 

Libra Europe has a thoroughly down-to-earth approach to deliver what your business actually needs, not what they think they can sell you. They have a very personable style throughout their company and I would recommend them to anyone who wants a straight-forward approach to aiding performance improvement in their business that can clearly be measured.

 

 I have successfully used their expertise on two occasions and would not hesitate to use them again.

 

Gordon Chetwood, General Manager - Gran D’or Bakery

 

 

Practical methodologies which are adapted to meet real business needs.

Able to interface at all levels of the organisation from operatives to Chief Executive.

 

Transferred knowledge that has become embedded in our business leading to sustained performance improvements.

 

 

Dave Thomas, Finance Director - TDG Logistics

 

 

I worked with Libra Europe on a major standard costing project within my division. Libra Europe worked with me to project managed the change process and coordinated processes and input from all areas of the business.

 

Unlike other Consultants that I have worked with previously, Libra Europe were hands on. They quickly understood our business and worked with us. They were consultants who helped rather than hindered. They also worked with us to make the process sustainable. I would certainly utilise Libra Europe again should a suitable opportunity arise.

 

Bethan Scaife, Finance Controller, Savoury Business Unit – Premier Foods

 

 

We used Libra Europe to help us manage a major re-costing exercise for our division, standard costs had not been updated for at least 4 years, and a series of acquisitions had led to inconsistency in how we calculated standard costs.

Libra Europe project managed the change process, working closely with a business lead from our company. They helped design a process to monitor and review changes, and were a crucial part of the team that delivered the change successfully. They also worked well with all levels of people at both our factories and our Head Office, coordinated input from all areas, and demonstrated knowledge of our business and business in general.

In my view, this sets them apart from some other consultants who can take a less practical, hands-off, textbook approach. I do prefer the Libra Europe approach, and would certainly consider them again where I have a project which needs driving forward but where I am short of in-house resources.

 

Richard Capaldi, Head of Operations Finance - Premier Foods, Grocery Division

  

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