Clitheroe-based Printed Cup Company are the experts in bespoke, recyclable printed paper cups. They are the fastest manufacturer of printed cups in the world, designing and dispatching in under 24 hours.

Following her promotion to Operations Director, Sarah Emery wanted to look at the company’s manufacturing processes. Having previously participated in a LUMS leadership programme, Sarah was introduced to the Productivity through People (PtP) programme. “I wanted to find out how to take my company to the next level” and this programme was just right, with its emphasis on learning in different settings and from industry, academics and fellow delegates, it seemed like the natural progression.

“I had no preconceived ideas about what I wanted to get out of the programme and went in with an open mind. I soon realised there were some key changes we needed to make in the business – such as recording and reducing waste. ‘’I knew the best way to do this was to engage the staff on the shop floor, who are after all the experts and look at the best ways to get everyone on board with doings things differently.’’

Being on PtP has transformed how Sarah sees her business, recognising that making specific, complementary changes to working practices can have major business impacts. For example, following her time on the programme, Sarah set up a regular series of operations management meetings to ensure that no issues get put on hold and that a wider range of colleagues can share knowledge and ideas.

The site visits to large businesses have also inspired Sarah to see how large firm productivity practices can be applied to smaller business. The involvement of the three world leading industry partners was a key attraction, she says. “Seeing how these global companies like Siemens, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems want to support SMEs was truly inspirational. Even though our businesses are world’s apart, I’ve learnt more from them than I could possibly have imagined. The mentoring they provided during the programme has given me huge confidence for the future of my business.”

Sarah has now introduced ways of more accurately measuring and analysing production output, capacity and machine utilisation rates. This has enabled the company to more effectively assess its capacity to meet future orders and to identify capital investment requirements. Sarah has also created a “capacity board”, highlighting areas of high and low productivity. All of this has helped her to identify how to increase productivity as well as optimum staffing levels and training needs.

The programme has also helped to increase Sarah’s ambitions for the business. She has identified some 20 further changes she wants to make to drive the business forward in the longer term and regularly refers to the programme delegate pack to inform her thinking on the changes needed and how to implement them.

In making the changes to her business, Sarah has put into practice the principles embedded throughout the programme, in particular the opportunities for her and her colleagues to learn from other people’s experiences, making them receptive to new ways of working. She adds the peer network is a real lasting benefit. “You get access to 15-20 companies in the North West who are willing to share a wealth of experience. Its incredible how much you get out of it.” Sarah continues to bounce ideas with fellow delegates.

Taking part in the programme has also opened doors to the range of skills and expertise that exists across the wider university. Sarah has worked with the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation to design a product development Masters programme and has successfully recruited a student to work with her to design and develop fully recyclable single-use coffee cups.

Having made improvements to processes and boosted cost efficiency, Printed Cup Company is now better equipped to face future challenges. “Productivity through People just landed at the perfect time for us – I’d strongly recommend it to any manufacturing business.”

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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