Primeast

Client

One of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of controls for domestic heating systems and advanced metering equipment

Project

Creating a new vision in manufacturing business following MBO and engaging change agents to make it happen

Results

High employee engagement facilitated ambitious growth plans and move to new facility

Business, Background & Objectives

Following a management buy-out of their business, Horstmann Controls Ltd approached Primeast to refocus the new team of directors and then to embed the change. Not only did the new directors, led by MD Les Woolner, have ambitious new growth plans, they also wanted to move their manufacturing capability from their old factory in Bath to a brand new facility in Bristol. They knew this would not be a popular move for the workforce and that significant employee engagement would be required to effect successful change.

Our role

Following initial consultation with the MD, Primeast ran two workshops for the board of directors, using its PrimeFocus framework to explore purpose, vision, engagement, structures, values, and best use of talent. New company purpose, vision and values were articulated, followed by opportunities for staff at all levels to engage with them.

In order to embed the change, in consultation with the board of directors, Primeast ran a series of workshops, branded PrimeMovers for change agents in the business. The MD set targets with Primeast to improve employee opinion, reduce attrition, improve attendance and deliver bottom line benefit in excess of the programme cost. The PrimeMovers, as the change agents became known, were initially appointed by the directors but as the programme matured they became self-selecting and represented about 10% of the workforce and all grades of staff.

The PrimeMovers met quarterly for about two years and worked cross-functionally to tackle a number of strategic projects, set by the directors. These included customer service, rebranding, review of packaging, internal communications, and stock management.

Results

Les Woolner was delighted that the PrimeMovers programme ticked all the boxes, exceeding the targets set at the start of the programme. The Horstmann directors were able to articulate their vision for the business, communicate it to all their stakeholders and develop a culture a internal advocates capable of getting Horstmann to where it wanted to be.

Testimonial quotes

“We have worked with Primeast to articulate our vision for the business, communicate this vision to all our stakeholders and develop a culture capable of getting Horstmann to where it wants to be. I am delighted with the progress that individuals and the business have made towards achieving our goals, and I am confident that we will get there with the support of the Primeast team.” - Les Woolner

To discuss your leadership and change and how we may be able to help, call Primeast’s Head of Leadership Sarah Sharp or Head of Change and OD Martin Carver at our UK offices (+44 (0) 1423 531 083), or email them directly.