
I
have known members of the
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


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
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
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


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
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


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


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


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
this would not have happened.
Richard Wall, Director - Ferndale Foods


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


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
;
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
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

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 (
)
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
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
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
;

'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


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