july business growth lunch 2014
DESCRIPTION
The presentation from the Business Growth Lunch on 25th July 2014.TRANSCRIPT
Connecting people, creating opportunities
July Business Growth Lunch
NatWest, Spinningfields, Manchester
Friday 25th July 2014
12:00 – 14:00
Connecting people, creating opportunities
• 12:00 Welcome – Melvyn Levene, NatWest
• 12:05 Derek Swan, UKTI
• 12:15 Guest Speaker – Graham James OBE,
Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• 12:50 Closing remarks – Sue Barnard, Business Growth Hub
• 13:00 Lunch and networking
• 14:00 Event close
Connecting people, creating opportunities
Welcome
Melvyn Levene
NatWest
Connecting people, creating opportunities
Derek Swan
UK Trade & Investment
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Graham James OBE25 July 2014
FlexcreteStructural Repair & Protection Technology
July Business Growth Lunch
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Contents
Setting The Scene
Flexcrete Today
Introduction
The Markets We Serve
Examples of Overseas Projects
International Activity
Challenges We Have Met
Lessons Learnt Along The Way
Starting A Business
Risks That Have Paid Off
Some Useful Tips
Risk & Reward
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Setting The Scene
• Joined the Export Department of Liquid Plastics Ltd in 1982
• My job was to establish a global footprint for the business
• Researched many markets, a regular user of government services
• Travelled extensively, experience in over 100 countries
• In 2005, took the opportunity to buy out Intellectual Property
• Started a new business producing mortars and coatings for construction
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Flexcrete Today
• Worldwide sales with a global network of distributors
• Technology-driven organisation, 31 employees
• Significant investment in R&D
• Expanded into new product lines in 2010, mostly for export
• Unique formulations, innovative products
• Expert knowledge with experienced technical specialists
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• ISO 9001 – Quality Assurance
• ISO 14001- Environmental
• OHSAS 180001 – Occupational Health
• DWI (Drinking Water Inspectorate)
• BBA (British Board of Agrément)
• EN1504 Pan-European Standard for Concrete Repair & Protection
Independent Certification
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Water based products
• Safe – Minimal or zero VOC
• Recycled components widely used
• Flexcrete products fundamentally contribute to sustainability in the built environment
• Long design life• Long term environmental
impact minimised• Development of green & energy
saving roofing systems
Sustainable Technology
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Zero-emission production facility
• Factory powered by renewable energy, 381 solar pv panels
• Significant commitment to energy efficient equipment
• Investment in waste collection and recycling facilities
• Harvesting and re-processing rainwater for second use
• Chosen by NatWest for case study promotional film
Commitment To The Environment
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Head Office
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Production Facilities
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Warehousing
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Concrete Laboratory
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Coating Laboratory
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Core Market Sectors
Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
Buildings & Commercial Construction
Utilities
Coastal Structures
Hygiene Sensitive Environments
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Innovative Solutions For Construction
Hygienic Coatings for Internal Walls & Ceilings
Concrete Repair & Protection
Concrete Reinstatement & Finishing
Structural Waterproofing & Tanking
Enhanced Durability for Concrete & Steel
Waterproofing of Roofs & Other Deck Areas
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Australian International School, Hong Kong
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Eco Berrini Building, Sao Paulo
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Gorgon Project, Barrow Island, Australia
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Stavanger Airport, Norway
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Megawide Corporation, Philippines
SM Sea Residences and SoleMare
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Locarno Airport, Switzerland
© Copyright 2013 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
Sano City Water Tower, Japan
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Cash flow and getting paid
• Poor decisions in manufacturing investments
• Language and cultural barriers
• Volatility of markets
• Building relationships overseas on limited budget
• Compliance with legislation
• ‘Unfair’ competition
• Staff motivation
Challenges We Have Met
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Speculate to accumulate, fortune favours the brave
• Stick to what you’re good at and outsource the rest
• Make decisions, don’t sit on the fence
• Multiple routes to market can work
• Your competitors can be good customers too
• Don’t be shy about asking for money
• Only gamble what you can afford to lose
Lessons Learnt Along The Way
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Investing in R&D projects
• Starting manufacture of paints
• Developing products for export markets
• Selling to major competitors
• Employing staff for specific markets (China)
• Technology partnerships with multi-nationals
• Speculatively buying and developing premises
Risks That Have Paid Off
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Ensure that you differentiate
• Do your market research
• Make sure your website is up to date and optimised
• Ensure your marketing messages are clear
• Consider selling under multiple brands
• Exploit environmental and sustainability credentials
• Invest in technology
• Claim your R&D Tax credits
Useful Tips
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
• Healthy for your business
• Will drive innovation
• Success stories welcomed by the press
• Will enhance your profile in the UK market
• A boost to staff morale
• Can be lucrative
• Evens out seasonal variations
• Good for the economy
• There are people to help you
Why Export?
© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd
FlexcreteStructural Repair & Protection Technology
Thank you for your kind attention
Connecting people, creating opportunities
Closing remarks
Sue Barnard
Business Growth Hub
Connecting people, creating opportunities
Contact us to find out more:
Phone: 0161 359 3050
Email: [email protected]
www.businessgrowthhub.com
@bizgrowthhub
Business Growth Hub
+Businessgrowthhub