How to find your competitive edge

Brian Eaton, a business advisor in both the public and private sectors, has visited many companies over the years and seen his fair share of success stories. Here he tells us how Northwest manufacturers are managing to stay one step ahead of the game.

Despite the current global recession, 2009 has seen new business start-ups in all major sectors. Sadly, many of these will fall by the way-side. Yet, at the same time there are other enterprises that consistently achieve success in highly demanding market areas, not least within the Northwest’s manufacturing sector.

So what characterises these outstanding performers? The answer is simple: they all possess a competitive edge.

There are many firms in our region that are noted for their innovative, leading edge technology, from defence industry suppliers to experts in the field of bio-fuel burners. But, added value isn’t just about “rocket science” technology. Many firms also improve their bottom-line by simply improving efficiency and methods of production. A number of enterprises have prospered in fiercely competitive global sectors through a niche market focus, even in areas as intense as footwear and apparel.

A successful firm is one that continually adapts and/or diversifies by anticipating market developments. Securing knowledge is an essential part of a competitive edge company, particularly where firms have obtained a foot-hold in an emerging market. Diversification takes many forms. For instance, one company that started life in the garment industry is now a global leader in heat treatment technology. Elsewhere, the ability to produce a diverse product range enabled one firm to meet the demands of both Wimbledon Lawn Tennis and the Ashes Test Cricket this summer. Click here to see the case study on Stuart Canvas.

http://www.thisismanufacturing.co.uk/case-studies/diversifying-into-new-products-generates-150-profit-increase/index.html

Competitive edge success in Northwest manufacturing can only be achieved through the dedication of its personnel. The industrial history of this region is the story of its entrepreneurial skills, ingenuity, and technical expertise, as demonstrated by the number of successful long-standing family-owned companies. The Northwest also has a significant presence of multi-national groups which contain some of the most efficient plants in the world. Nevertheless, hardly a month goes by when there isn’t news of an SME breaking into a key market area and adding yet a further name to the Region’s Industrial Hall of Fame. Ultimately, success is determined by how businesses meet the requirements of the customer and it is here that many Northwest companies shine, by offering bespoke production and rigorous after-sales service.