Blog

  What a year 2020 has turned out to be.  The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies around the world has been massive – and manufacturers have not been spared their version of the experience. The best description I’ve heard for 2020? ‘Well, that certainly was a year not to be expected!’ Over the…

John Costley, Business and Operational Excellence Practitioner with Lead C.I. knows a thing or two about achieving excellence in manufacturing. He’s spent 35 years in the industry, including holding senior roles in BHP and Alcoa.  He attributes his passion for excellence to three key experiences: going through BHPs leadership programs; having good mentors in his…

Australian manufacturers have faced many different challenges and opportunities in the months since the COVID19 pandemic hit Australia. Locking down our economy has impacted demand for many sectors, along with creating shortages in others as international supply chains failed. Australian’s famed ingenuity has come to the fore with many businesses pivoting, shifting their capabilities to…

The emergence of COVID19 has challenged most businesses and business owners, as they attempt to react and respond to a sustained situation of uncertainty and ongoing change. One of the insights I can share from working across a wide range of industries and different businesses over many years is  that having a plan is extremely…

During a recent conversation with the owner of an innovative small manufacturing business, I was struck by what I believe highlights a road block many manufacturers in Australia face. Whilst discussing the opportunities for significant growth over the next year –  and the imperative to increase output by 40% –  the conversation focused on the…

As published in The Newcastle Herald, April 2020. The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent strict controls to protect the community have highlighted the consequences of significant decisions and events - or lack of them - in the history of Australian manufacturing.