It’s time for manufacturers in Greater Manchester to enhance their problem-solving skills

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, whether you are an employee on the shop floor or a senior manager leading the team, you will inevitably face various challenges. Those equipped with the skills to identify, analyse, and efficiently resolve these issues will have a significant edge over their competitors. This ability to solve problems effectively can be a game-changer in your career and business success, while a lack of such skills can be a hindrance.

GM Business Growth Hub's manufacturing experts will launch a new fully funded workshop in Bury on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, open to all manufacturers in Greater Manchester. The one-day Problem-Solving workshop is designed to equip them with practical tools and strategies to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring smoother operations, higher productivity, and increased profitability.

“Unexpected problems are common in today's fast-paced manufacturing environment, ranging from production bottlenecks to quality control issues,” said Anne Campion, Head of Manufacturing at GM Business Growth Hub. 

“To stay ahead of the competition, it is essential to have the skills to address these challenges effectively. The workshop offered by the GM Business Growth Hub provides hands-on training specifically tailored to the needs of manufacturers. This training provides real-world solutions to common issues encountered in day-to-day operations.”

Effective problem-solving entails a systematic approach that peels away the layers of an issue to reveal, comprehend, and resolve its root cause (s). Our workshop is designed with the primary aim of permanently eradicating the issue and its various iterations from the manufacturing process. We strive for a future where the same problem never recurs, and where we develop the ability to understand process issues and resolve them systematically, one by one.

During the workshop, attendees will learn tried-and-tested problem-solving tools developed specifically for use in real factories. This workshop isn’t an academic tour of techniques but a real-life ‘how to’ versus ‘when to’ apply the most pragmatic method to suit the question best. By understanding root causes and implementing lasting solutions, attendees can say goodbye to temporary fixes and “firefighting.” This will lead to smoother workflows and higher profits in the long run. Expect a combination of theory and hands-on practice. During the workshop, attendees will be shown techniques that have saved manufacturers £ million and will continue to be a foundation of profitability in manufacturing businesses long into the future.

“Getting the GM Business Growth Hub involved in helping us improve our manufacturing processes was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made,” said Pete Connor, Director of Pure Fabs Limited. “Geoff and the team have helped on several occasions, and we are now starting to use some of the FREE training sessions for our new managers.”

Manufacturers can utilise the problem-solving skills acquired in the workshop to enhance various aspects of their business. This includes improving the quality of their products by promptly identifying and addressing any quality issues, thus meeting or even exceeding customer expectations. They can also increase productivity by streamlining processes, eliminating bottlenecks, and boosting throughput. In addition, minimizing downtime, reducing waste, and optimizing resources can help them achieve significant cost savings over time.

“This workshop is perfect for manufacturers who are dedicated to establishing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation,” said Stephen Booth, a Manufacturing Advisor at GM Business Growth Hub, who will lead the Problem-Solving workshop. “As manufacturing involves numerous levels and departments, each encountering different problems, this workshop is tailored to cater to everyone, from the shop floor workers and senior management to a team searching for practical solutions to common manufacturing challenges.”

The one-day workshop and optional follow-up onsite support with a specialist Manufacturing Advisor are both fully funded.

Eligibility is limited to GM manufacturers only, meaning there will be opportunities to network with people like yourself facing the same real-life problems that need solving from other manufacturing businesses. Manufacturers in Greater Manchester who are interested in attending the workshop can sign up for it on the website mentioned below:

Problem Solving for Manufacturers | GM Business Growth Hub | GM Business Growth Hub