Meet the sponsors...

Q Why are you backing the Best Factory Awards? Toyota's affiliation with UK factories goes back a long time – in fact, a British factory was involved in business world history when, in 1928, Toyoda Automatic Loom Works sold the rights to a patent to a UK company for £100,000. This provided the cash to diversify into car making and the rest, as they say, is history. So our association with the Best Factory Awards is a natural one and we're delighted to be headline sponsor for the third year in succession. All factories need some type of materials handling equipment, so manufacturing is a core market for us as a provider of world-class forklift trucks and warehousing equipment. It's a critical part of our strategy to maintain and develop strong relationships with the manufacturing sector, and these awards allow us to put something back into an industry that supports our business – and to share some of our best practice in the process. Q What's the best bit about the awards? It's hard to choose – there are many aspects that are best bits! What I really like is that this is a complete package, with three elements all delivering a different dimension for anyone who gets involved. Firstly, there's the assessment process by Cranfield, followed up by the benchmarking report for all entrants. This is a great tool for any manufacturer, enabling them to understand their relative position and what to focus on to improve performance. The awards event itself also reflects the competitiveness and motivation that results from the assessment. There is a great atmosphere on the day and no one can fail to feel inspired by the excitement generated there. And, last but not least, the two-day Best Factory Conference is a fantastic opportunity to share best practice with some of the best businesses in the UK. Everyone who attends takes something away with them to improve their business. Q What is the best business advice you've ever received? I have been fortunate in my career to have worked with some excellent companies and leaders. Working with global brands such as Toyota and Volvo exposes you to world-class processes and people. Over the years, there have been a number of quotes that have really influenced me and affected how I work. Those that come to mind are: 'The only thing that is permanent in life is change'; and, perhaps the best strategy any leader could adopt, 'What do think we should do?'. Finally, and highly appropriate for today's economic climate: 'Expect the unexpected'. Q What makes British manufacturing great? In our line of business we are exposed to a hugely diverse cross-section of British industry and wherever you go there are consistent themes – improving quality and reducing costs through a lean approach. The result is competitive, high quality products which are helping to put manufacturing back in the spotlight as a key contributor to the UK economy. I have been lucky enough to see inside many production facilities around the world and what impresses me most about the UK is our desire to be world class and recognised on the global stage. We are still in the top six manufacturing nations of the world and we produce top quality goods from highly efficient organisations. Q Which manufacturing company do you most admire and why? Obviously, I'm biased! But experience tells me my bias is well-founded, based on exposure to a range of manufacturers throughout my career. Toyota is a phenomenal organisation which really believes in the five values of kaizen, genchi genbutsu, teamwork, challenge and respect, all of which combine to improve quality and reduce waste. Our UK and European factories are renowned as some of the most advanced facilities in the world and they truly drive quality and efficiency, so I'm very proud to be associated with the company. The way we do things is in our DNA and it's a key differentiator. Q Which was the first factory you ever visited? When you have been around as long as I have, I won't be drawn on specifics – although I was around when Volvo owned DAF and I also visited the Reliant three-wheeler factory! Q Which is the most memorable factory you've been inside? There are three operations that have left a lasting impression: the Toyota forklift factory in Takahama, Japan; the Volvo car factory in Gothenburg; and Siemens in the UK. All are process-driven organisations with quality at the heart of their operations and people who are committed and passionate about the business. Q Have you ever won an award? If yes, for what and when? On a personal level, a couple of achievements spring to mind: I was 'Defender of the year' for Harrogate Basketball Club and the youngest person at the time to achieve formal qualification success with the Institute of the Motor Industry. Also, when I worked for Volkswagen Audi in my early career I was runner-up in a Mastermind-style contest on VW Audi – I have the trophy in my home office but every time I see it I am still irritated that I lost on the number of passes. That's my competitive streak coming out! We've also won numerous awards at Toyota Material Handling in the UK and I'm very proud to be part of the team. Q If you could run any factory, what would it produce? Sweets, motorcycles or fast cars – all three are my weakness and passion! Q If you could bestow one gift on UK manufacturing, what would that be? There is not a single business anywhere in the UK that couldn't improve what it does – kaizen, or seeking ways for continuous improvement, should be at the heart of everything we all do. Nothing we do today will be good enough for tomorrow. So involve everyone in order to generate ideas, drive down waste and add value to every business process in every area of the business. I promise you it works.