Milexa Group is a Liverpool-based business designing and manufacturing wallpaper and flooring products. After initial set up 10 years ago it has seen year-on-year revenue growth of more than 40% annually and doubled its staff to 40 since 2017.

Dominic Aldridge, 27 joined the business three years ago from university and within 18 months progressed to become the production manager. With new management responsibility and a department central to the company’s digital strategy, Dominic’s manager, who had completed the Made Smarter Leadership Programme with Lancaster University Management School, felt the Productivity through People (PtP) programme offered him a well-rounded introduction to manufacturing and leadership.

“Milexa is an exciting company to work for,” Dominic said. “It is a place where manufacturing and creativity merge, innovation is encouraged, and where people are empowered to have their say in how the business runs. But the business has grown quickly and there are challenges with infrastructure and standardisation.

“As a young manager in charge of a team of a similar age it has proved the perfect place to learn vital skills to help myself and the business.

Dominic was somewhat apprehensive about how he would be perceived by more experienced delegates but was swiftly put at ease during the residential element of PtP. “From the very start there were no preconceptions or egos, everyone wanted to be there and learn from each other,” he said. “I found there was a genuine interest in our business, me, and how we do things.

“For instance, we have a good culture at Milexa: a strong identity and a collective way of thinking that’s in line with our company values. Culture doesn’t change overnight and it’s certainly not perfect but we challenge ourselves on it constantly. We’re a young SME and this is something we’ve had from the start, so it’s embedded.

“The majority of my peers on the programme come from much older, established companies. Of course, they are absolutely invested in improving culture but find it more difficult due to their size or rooted way of thinking. Therefore, this particular topic is one which I felt I could confidently help my peers with, whereas on the flip side I learned a lot from these larger companies in other areas.

“The openness and support set the tone and created a fantastic peer network, which I am sure will continue long after we graduate.”

Dominic found greatest value from the PtP when the cohort were encouraged to apply what they had learned from resources, lectures and seminars to practical experience in their businesses. “When we talked through what we learned and gained other people’s perspectives, it really brought the theory to life,” he said.

Similarly, action learning sessions, where delegates work through real problems in their companies, were a highlight for Dominic. “The process stimulates rich conversation and insight into potential solutions and then encourages you to take action before the next session,” he added.

But the leadership module was the most pivotal for Dominic. It transformed his approach to his team which proved vital to navigate the impact of Covid-19.

“When the pandemic hit, my department was unable to hire two people we were desperate for to cope with the increasing demand,” Dominic said. “That extra workload and pressure was tiring, and morale was low among the team.

“I was able to implement change immediately from what I had learned in the early stages of the programme, changing my leadership approach to a blend of styles and soft skills to engage with the team as individuals. This meant being tactile and understanding, communicating all the time, and trying to motivate and empower them.

“As a result we were able to cope with increased volume and recover to 98% dispatch on time, which was remarkable.”

As the PtP switched to online delivery, Dominic saw an increase in contact with his cohort and the LUMS leadership team. “The unprecedented situation created by Covid has to some extent benefited our cohort in that it has created unique situations which have tested our abilities to find solutions,” he said. “We wanted to talk to each other more to support each other and share ideas.”

Dominic is now brimming with ideas for change at Milexa, including a fresh approach to project management which was suggested by his mentor, an experienced director from BAE – a PtP industrial partner from the programme.

“The impact of Covid-19 has meant that my priority is to focus on the job at hand and make sure my team is happy, productive and that morale is high. But PtP has helped to equip me with tools to plan for the future.

“The programme is really well balanced between real world business and academia. We were always kept on our toes which is a testament to the way it was delivered and the enthusiasm from module leaders. I’ve never learned so much so quickly.

“I couldn’t recommend PtP more. There’s so much to learn. Regardless of your experience you will come away with something transformative for your business. I certainly have.”

Productivity through People is a ten-month programme in partnership with three world class manufacturers; BAE Systems, Siemens and Rolls-Royce, designed to support and invest in the key decision-makers of tomorrow. Gain access to the latest techniques, thinking and research to transform your productivity and working practices

Contact us on 01524 593583, email ptp@lancaster.ac.uk or visit lancaster.ac.uk/lums/ptp to find out more about the programme.

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