News

Agile approach helps businesses smile

(9 June 2005)

In just three years the Institute for Agility and Digital Enterprise Technology (IADET) at Durham University has helped over 140 North East manufacturing and engineering firms to secure £4.5 m in investment and safeguard 991 jobs.

The group of experienced consultants, known as the Agility team has helped local companies to improve their profitability, performance and commercial prospects by increasing their ability to respond quickly to market conditions, reduce costs and increase productivity.

Based at the NetPark Research Institute in Sedgefield, the Agility team works with their clients to identify potential weaknesses and issues across the whole organisation and provide them with a tailor made solution. The team’s achievements to date include helping to create 116 new jobs in the region, secure a combined existing turnover of £73.5 m and a further £10.6 m in new turnover.

Agility manager, Keith Ternent, said: “The competitive nature of modern manufacturing puts pressure on businesses to continually operate more efficiently. “In today’s global market it is vital that everything from production processes to management styles is synchronized if an organisation is to improve and maintain its competitive position. “We aim to provide a complete solution for clients which meets their specific requirements.”

Smiles Engineering Ltd, regional winners (Tyneside & Northumberland) of the environment award at the North East Business Awards, are specialists in the re-manufacture of diesel and petrol engines. The award winning company sought factory relocation and layout advice from Agility to cope with demand after developing a new system for bus engines, which is 10 times cleaner than those usually fitted in buses and meets Euro 5 Fuel emission standards.

The team spent 20 days working with Smiles’ engineers to develop a set of standard procedures for fitting the new engine system and identifying the most efficient layout for the new factory at Brough Park Trading Estate in Newcastle. Brian Smiles, managing director of Smiles Engineering, said: “It was critical when we expanded the business and opened the new workshop that we were able to meet the demand for the new engines whilst maintaining the quality of the end product. “The Agility team was very thorough, documenting procedures and considering many factors such as the level of expertise of the new staff, health and safety requirements and environmental issues. “Through their expertise and the changes we have implemented, we have taken on five more staff, safeguarded seven jobs and created £75,000 in new investment. “I would urge any business that would like to improve efficiency and increase turnover to meet with Keith Ternent and his team.”

The Agility team at IADET is part funded by the European Development Fund and has worked with companies in many sectors, from oil and gas, heavy engineering, offshore fabrication, aerospace and automotive to electronics, precision engineering, rubber & plastics, clothing, consumer goods and handling. As well as its consultation activities to improve efficiency and profitability, IADET is able to offer companies facilities to help them to continuously bring new and improved products and services to market through Durham University’s access to world-class research and development.

For further information about the services on offer by IADET and Agility, contact IADET on 0191 334 4741 or visit www.iadet.org.uk Issued on behalf of Durham University by Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations For further information contact Amy Davison or Clare Maxwell Tel: 0191 281 88 33, Fax: 0191 281 49 54, Email: amydavison@bradleyomahoney.co.uk claremaxwell@bradleyomahoney.co.uk PICTURE CAPTION- SMILES BETTER: L to R, Agility consultant engineers, Julie Swinbank & Karl Paramor with Smiles Engineering managing director, Brian Smiles.