HOVIP - Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme

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• Case Study: Littlewood Fencing

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Littlewood Fencing: Systemised Quotation Process Increases Productivity

Having set up a new regional office for Wales and the South West, Littlewood Fencing was keen to bring operations up to speed and increase productivity for the company. A quotations system, performance management system and support through the Workforce Development Programme have produced significant benefits.

Introduction:

Littlewood Fencing is a fencing and barrier specialist offering bespoke perimeter solutions for commercial, industrial and residential applications. An independent company with over 30 years experience in the supply and installation of every type of fencing, Littlewood Fencing has recently set up a Wales and South West Regional Office to provide a more direct service to customers in the area.

The Challenge:

Having set up a new regional office, the challenge for Littlewood Fencing was to bring operations up to speed and ensure a significant contribution to the company’s bottom line. Particular focus was on recruiting and integrating staff, enhancing regional marketing, and implementing a performance management system.

How HOVIP helped:

Initial support from HOVIP was an introduction to the Workforce Development Programme for assistance with operation and process skills, as well as a recognition and reward workshop.

The HOVIP project manager assisted Littlewood Fencing to design a quotation system to help with the formal tender process. This system used Microsoft Excel and was available to staff across the organisation.

Marketing support was also provided with the design and production of a brochure outlining Littlewood Fencing’s capability and targeting the Wales and South West market.

Key Benefits:

• The quotation system has resulted in increased sales through the ability to provide smarter quotations, to speed up the tender process and improve the consistency of approach across all staff. The new brochure has also helped to generate more enquiries and presents a consistent and more professional image of the business to customers.
• Staff awareness of their contribution to the business has been greatly enhanced through the introduction of a performance management system. There has also been an improvement in the learning and skills development of management and site personnel, in particular in the area of safety awareness and safe control of operations.
• Jon Tillott, Regional Manager for Littlewood Fencing, was very pleased with the support received from HOVIP. He explains, "I developed a good working relationship with Mike Warren, our HOVIP project manager. Mike's help with marketing was great and the pricing matrix he set up was particularly helpful. This was certainly a very worthwhile exercise and a benefit to any small business."

To find out more about Littlewood Fencing, visit www.littlewoodfencing.co.uk