Working with the IfM

Innovative solutions for smaller manufacturing companies

Helping SMEs formulate strategy and build capabilities

The Institute for Manufacturing has worked with small and medium-sized manufacturers for many years, developing the understanding and expertise needed to increase their competitiveness and achieve success.Building on extensive research into the needs of smaller firms the IfM has developed a range of innovative tools and techniques to appraise all aspects of a company. Widely tested in industry, the approach offers an unbiased view of each business and identifies possible changes required, making the best use of scarce resources.

Structured processes enable companies to:

• assess their strengths and weaknesses and the changes needed to improve competitiveness
• prioritise the areas that need to be addressed most urgently
• identify the basis on which they should compete
• develop a strategy for the future
• produce a practical action plan to build the capabilities needed to put the strategy into effect

Approach geared to the needs of SMEs

Managers in smaller companies have very little time to spare from running their businesses. The IfM approach has therefore been designed to be straightforward, efficient and results-oriented, using the minimum level of time and resources. The tools are delivered in three ways:

• via web-based questionnaires and analysis software
• by experienced facilitators working directly with the company
• through tailored education programmes

Facilitators take a collaborative approach, working closely with each company in order to transfer know-how and build capabilities. The interventions result in improved financial performance, strengthened capabilities and increased operational performance.

What is involved

An assessment is made of the firm’s strategy and the performance of ten key capabilities (eg delivery performance, quality and specification, demand management, cash management) using a comprehensive questionnaire. This may be conducted online or with an experienced facilitator.

Working with the management team, the facilitator evaluates the results and assesses the implications of the company continuing ‘as is’. Proposals for an improved ’future state’ are identified and a prioritised action plan is developed.

Facilitators then select appropriate tools to tackle particular issues,depending on the prioritised needs of each company. Structured approaches have been developed for a wide range of strategic, capability development and operational performance issues. These include business strategy formulation, new product development and supply chain management

What clients have said

IfM Education and Consultancy Services

Projects and programmes are delivered by IfM Education and Consultancy Services Limited (IfM ECS), a company wholly-owned by the University and established for the purpose of disseminating the IfM's research and education outputs to industry.

Tools

• Prioritisation
• Business strategy development
• New product introduction
• Capability assessment
• Business capability development

Course and Events

• IfM events calendar

Reports

• Enabling economic growth
  effective support for smaller manufacturing businesses, Insights from research and industrial engagements
  Download the report

• Stimulating growth and employment in the UK economy
  This report contends that much can be achieved by simply changing the emphasis of business support. Published by the IfM's industry-engagement arm, IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM-ECS), it draws on engagements with more than 500 small and medium sized businesses.
  Download the report

Case studies

• First Choice Marquees
• Frank Dale Foods
• Quantum
• Syfer
• Biosan
• Harlow Group
• Photofabrication
• Swiftclean

Current Programmes

• Essex Manufacturing Innovation & Growth Programme

Contacts

• Meet the team