Lindsay Yates Group was a good example of how they changed their business for the better utilising Future Print
There has probably never been a more ambitious and wide-ranging project launched in the Australian graphic communications industry than the Future Print Business Transformation Project, and it’s clear that businesses like the Sydney-based Lindsay Yates Group are delighted with the resources on offer.
With its broad range of information, support and subsidised training options, the Future Print Business Transformation Project has been marketed as an ideal resource to help business owners and decision makers to evaluate their position, identify areas for attention, set strategic objectives and plans in place, and then put their plans into action. It not only looks good on paper – now that the first businesses are getting down to the nitty gritty of the program – it’s clear that the results on the ground are every bit as impressive.
Like many business owners, Paul Richardson and David Shoppee from Lindsay Yates Group knew that they were spending so much time ‘working in’ their business that they were probably failing to take enough time working ‘on’ it. With new a raft of excellent new technology, including a new MIS which had just been introduced throughout the entire company, Mr Richardson says the company was already transforming – but admits they had little idea of how to best plan for and manage that change and bring their experienced staff along with them.
“When you are so caught up in the day to day requirements of your business, it’s often hard to get motivated and to take time out for evaluation and strategic planning,” Mr Richardson admits, “and to be honest, we didn’t really have a clear idea of how to get started. So when we heard about the Future Print Business Transformation Project, it seemed like a good place to start.”
At the initial Leadership Briefing Session, the two heard Future Print Advisors John Clements and Allan Ryan speak about the project – and what they heard impressed.
“Their level of knowledge, and the information, resources and assistance that was available through the project seemed to be just what we were looking for,”Mr Richardson said.
“Importantly, the advisors have a knowledge not only of print, but also experience in the broader manufacturing sector as well as general business expertise, so they can offer a more objective, independent standpoint and have a real breadth of knowledge and experience.”
In view of their individual requirements and objectives, both men elected to start their involvement with a series of ‘one on one’ meetings with Future Print Advisor, John Clements, which have been held regularly over the past three months.
“John is an extremely impressive professional business mentor; he really knows what he is talking about. With his assistance and guidance, we have been able to move forward with evaluating our position and formulating a strategic approach for the future,” Mr Richardson said.
He said that the Future Print program complemented a Printing Industries Lean Manufacturing course the company completed a few years ago and also ties in with their strategies for new technology, the ongoing development of a new marketing platform and internal objectives for staff development.
The company’s involvement with Future Print is now also being extended into training, with the company currently in the process of employing several apprentices under the Future Print Apprenticeship Program.
“To be honest, Future Print has been a breath of fresh air – it’s revitalised us and lifted our levels of motivation while giving us some very useful tools. We’re well on the way to developing new plans which will enhance our business and putting those into action – and Future Print has not only provided assistance along the way, but connected us to important resources which will help us get there.
“Perhaps most importantly, it’s delivered real clarity to the whole team; everyone is now on the same page and we have well-articulated goals to work towards together. I’d recommend it to anyone,” Mr Richardson said.
For more information on the Future Print Business Transformation Project or to register for the next round of introductory ‘Leadership Briefings’ to be held in February 2015, go to www.futureprint.org.au or contact your local Printing Industries office.
Future Print
