InsideOutsourcing issue #18
PP Control & Automation
World-leaders in strategic outsourcing solutions for machine builders.
Another year draws to a close. And what a difference a year makes!
Whilst not exactly totally home and dry from navigating the cocktail of disruptions that have surfaced over the past couple of years, and in particular, post-covid supply chains; there has been a feeling that the UK manufacturing community has become more accustomed to planning in this new reality, and some stability on parts availability has driven confidence up.
As a result, it is fair to say that 2023 has been a transitional year, and UK manufacturing has enjoyed a relatively strong 12 months.
At PP Control & Automation, we have seen significant growth after riding the challenges of 2022 and can be very satisfied that we’re on an exciting trajectory.
The year has still thrown up challenges for manufacturers, notably the crisis that has been evolving over years of underinvestment in skills, education, and technology: manufacturing still has a people puzzle to solve. But despite this, some significant opportunities in other areas have come into focus.
One common theme was that of sustainability and more determination to better understand the impact we’re having as an industry and where we can improve against ESG measures.
12-24 months ago, awareness of the topic was certainly high, but 2023 has felt like a turning point for understanding its relevance and relativity. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see ESG factors in manufacturing, and particularly sustainability create and sustain the same industry-wide noise and buzz that industry 4.0 has enjoyed in recent times – that can only be a positive thing.
Much of the themes of the year, and specifically, the stories that made our year at PP C&A have been carefully curated into a unique year end campaign.
In this, our final InsideOutsourcing of the year, we break down all the things that you can enjoy from the campaign. Join us in rewinding and pressing play on 2023…
PP REWIND23
Rewinding 2023 and reflecting on a year in UK manufacturing that moved the dial on sustainability, looked to solve the people puzzle, and leave supply chain disruption in the dust.
PP REWIND is back for a second year. Top PP Control & Automation stories published between January and December 2023 are displayed as chart-topping records, with this year’s campaign theme a homage to the cassette album and Walkman era.
Campaign exclusive podcast episode
Enjoy a conversation between Richard Spears (Marketing Manager) & Tony Hague (CEO) of PP Control & Automation in this REWIND23 campaign exclusive podcast episode, as they discuss the most pertinent themes of the year.
Top 10 chart!
The REWIND23 top 10 chart is a collection of stories that made the year memorable, depicted as chart-topping cassette albums.
It’s an end of year list with a difference…?
1) The Shock of the New
“The shock of the new” highlights the dynamic relationship between innovation and the human response to change. It acknowledges that whilst change can be challenging, it can also lead to profound advancements and opportunities for societal and sustainable development.
2) The 50/50 Principle
PP Control & Automation ensures secure outsourcing for machine builders by employing the “50/50 principle.” This divides the process into two halves: creating a conducive partnership environment (50%) and establishing trust in the partner’s competence for a confident outsourcing decision (50%).?
3) The Perfect Storm
UK Manufacturing TV’s third program addresses the critical issue confronting SME manufacturers in recruiting necessary skills amid Brexit and Covid-related workforce challenges. Years of underinvestment in skills, education, and technology pose an imminent existential threat.
4) Solving the People Puzzle
CEO Tony Hague suggests that outsourcing non-core competencies could address the industry’s skills shortage. As companies grapple with recruitment challenges, Tony sees this as an opportunity for efficiency and risk reduction amid low unemployment rates and Brexit-related employment crises.?
5) Winning Hearts & Minds
The Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) prioritises people in its MANifesto to enhance UK industrial performance. Malcolm Condon , PP C&A HR People Partner, emphasises the need for a collective effort to alter perceptions and influence at the grassroots level.
6) Sustainable Progress
UK manufacturers prioritise sustainability amid ESG concerns, regulations, and changing consumer preferences. Aligning machinery with sustainable practices not only ensures compliance but also opens doors to market growth and innovation, positioning them as leaders in an evolving economic landscape.
7) Winning the Race
Shorter time-to-market is crucial for machine builders, offering financial advantages like lower development costs and competitive edge. Despite barriers, strategic planning, wise investments, and agility are essential for overcoming obstacles and ensuring efficient time-to-market.
8) To Be Frank!
PP C&A proudly displays an installation in its reception, featuring 80 faces of the company’s longest-serving employees, ranging from six to 43 years of dedication. The board symbolises a remarkable 1,163 years of combined service, with Frank Cox at the pinnacle.
9) And the Winner is…
Tony Hague won Industry Leader of the Year at the Engineering & Manufacturing Awards . and apprentice engineer Sophie Young , was celebrated as the ‘Rising Star,’ not long after being placed into The Manufacturer Top 100. The company has been shortlisted for another award to be announced in 2024.?
10) The Act of Letting Go
The idea of outsourcing can challenge OEMs, as ‘letting go’ can feel difficult. But the right strategic partner instills confidence, turning letting go into gaining more. Making outsourcing easy underscores the company’s commitment and emphasising the importance of thorough due diligence.
Like the artwork? Win a framed poster of your favourite sleeve and download the e-book.
The REWIND23 poster competition is a chance to get your hands on an A1 framed print, designed to order and based on your favourite artwork from the campaign. This year we have artwork depicting key topics such as sustainability, people, skills, and winning the hearts and minds of the next generation of engineers.
All you have to do is fill out the form on the campaign landing page to be in with a chance.
You can also download The Stories Behind the Sleeves, a free 40+ page e-book with the key stories from an eventful year in manufacturing, all conceptual REWIND23 artwork, and a forward (and fast forward) from CEO, Tony Hague.
The Spotify playlist returns for a second year…
Because UK manufacturing needs its own soundtrack.
Welcome to the working week… Listen now!
Fast Forward
Manufacturing PMI in the UK increased to 47.20 points in November from 44.80 points in October of 2023. Still below 50, this would signify that there are still concerns amongst the community and whilst positive that it is not in decline, perhaps it would be fair to conclude that there is an element of ‘treading water’ across the industry.
High inflation, interest rates, and a cost-of-living crisis essentially putting the economy to sleep, it is going to need a certain ‘catalyst’ to awaken the potential of UK manufacturing, and what already has the capability and resilience to be the UK economy’s guiding light. What that catalyst may be at this point would just be guesswork, but any number of external factors, a general election, or other event could move the dial and that may just ignite consumer confidence.
2024 may just be the year where restoration in this confidence makes us all feel better about our economic future and make planning for growth easier. Manufacturers still need to invest; in people, processes, automation and all the things that will future proof our industry competitively.
At PP Control & Automation, we have celebrated the end of 2023 with a significant ￡500,000 investment in further automation for cable preparation: a signal of intent, belief, and long-term planning for growth. We will always encourage the manufacturing community to take a similar outlook.
The sustainability agenda will intensify further too. This is an exciting time, make no mistake. The UK is still a powerhouse of exemplary capabilities in manufacturing and boasts some of the world’s leading universities taking ‘green’ seriously. The drive towards sustainable manufacturing and net zero will drive innovation. The opportunity there is huge, and perhaps that will spark true collaboration across public-private sector and across disciplines and markets, whereby working better together will be the success story we reflect on 12 months from now.
Thanks for your support this year
We would like to say thank you for your engagement this year, and sharing in our stories. We do our utmost to keep your informed, but also entertained!
We hope you enjoyed this issue of InsideOutsourcing. Your comments and engagements are welcomed, and we look forward to sharing more from inside PP C&A, the UK's leading and award-winning strategic outsourcing provider to machine builders and OEMs.
If you don’t hear from us before, have a great Christmas and New Year break. We will be closing for the holiday on December 22nd and returning January 2nd.
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