Who Facilitates the ABDN?

The ABDN support Group specialises in providing consultative support to West Midlands based networks of companies with a focus on achieving improvements in business performance. The emphasis wherever possible, is to encourage companies to do it them-selves, through a transfer of skills. However, in many cases companies don’t have the skills and resources to deal with a particular situation, which is where ABDN consultants take a more pro-active approach on behalf of the company.

The evolution of the ABDN

The Genba Kanri programme

Members of the ABDN support group were involved with developing the Welsh Development Agency Genba-Kanri programme, some 12 years ago. This programme highlighted the need to cost-effectively fund the right kind of support on a large scale, into the small to medium sized manufacturers, initially in South Wales . In the case of the WDA it had a problem to convert a mining industry into companies trained to address more conventional manufacturing requirements. The approach was to develop networks or groups of manufacturers who would receive support at a company level but who would share experiences through a workshop approach. In this case the emphasis was entirely on shop floor related problems. The programme, which has seen many companies benefit, is still running and supported by the WDA today.

The Continuous Improvement Programme

The Continuous Improvement Programme is another ABDN support group designed and supported network programme, with up to 10 West Midlands companies taking part each year. This network has been project driven, with individual consultancy support provided on site. In addition, companies share experiences through a workshop programme. The difference between this programme and the Genba Kanri programme is that it tackles all aspects of a manufacturers business. – A more strategic approach. A trophy is awarded to the winning supplier, judged by all members of the network, at the end of the twelve-month programme. The next programme is the eighth of its type.

The Supply Chain Improvement Programme

The Accelerate based Supply Chain Improvement Programme, is yet another network, which involves a number of ABDN consultants. These programmes involve consultants working with a large host company in its supply base and helping each supplier to meet the overall business requirements of the host company. At the same time the programme helps the suppliers improve their overall business capability to all of their customers, not just the host company. A real win–win situation for the host and the suppliers.

The ABDN support Group has extensive experience of the many third party support organisations that are available to SME’s in the West Midlands . These organisations provide support for University collaboration, Product Development, Exporting, Telemarketing, not to mention a wide range of support options through the Business Link and the Manufacturing Advisory Service. Many of these are unknown or not easily accessible to an SME, who is mostly focused on today’s issues, rather than what might be achievable in the future. They certainly will not proactively collaborate unless strongly supported, encouraged with a clear winning opportunity at the end of it. It is not surprising that the average manufacturer takes this stance often with extremely limited resources.

The Advanced Business Development Programme

The ABDN is the logical extension of the three networks, drawing heavily on the experience, commitment and capability of the supplier group and the relationships generated over the last few years. It is opportunity driven. That is, once work has been secured through the many ABDN marketing initiatives, The ABDN support Group, together with the appropriate third parties will provide a solution. At its simplest level it will signpost a customer to the most appropriate manufacturer. In other cases, it will help to co ordinate the manufacture of the total product, to provide all necessary levels of financial advice and manufacturing support.

The network reflects the growing need for Buyers to source even lower cost, high quality products delivered on time.

In addition it caters for suppliers who need to:-

·         Market themselves more effectively, both individually and collectively through collaborative working practices.

·         Produce more added value solutions.

·         Co opt the countless third party support organisations, who are only too willing to get involved in new ventures and are often funded to do so.

·         Have someone to initially facilitate this situation until such time as the group is sustainable.