HMG Paints is the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer, producing more than 3m litres each year.

During its 90-year history it has developed an expertise in wet paint, powder coatings and aerosols, and created pioneering coatings for a myriad of industries.

Rebecca Falder, a Senior Quality Analyst, is the fourth generation of her family to join the Manchester business established by her great-grandfather.

She is leading the company’s digital strategy and a colleague, who is studying a PhD at Lancaster University, believed Rebecca would benefit from the Productivity through People (PtP) programme.

“As a company we are at a crossroads when it comes to adopting technologies which could help the business,” Rebecca. “We want to improve productivity, but approach change in the right way. Our people and our culture are our biggest assets and we need to put our workforce at the heart of all decisions.

“The PtP programme tied in perfectly with that ethos and has made me think differently about managing, motivating and engaging with our people.”

The two-day residential which kicked off the programme furnished Rebecca with one of her most impactful lessons about the value of good communication.

“I’m definitely one for throwing myself into opportunities, so I got a lot out of the exercises and it made me hungry to learn more,” Rebecca said. “The residential really achieved what it set out to do: bringing together complete strangers from different backgrounds and industries and creating the basis of a trusting and supportive environment.”

The workshop on Culture, Employee Engagement and Communications run by Dr Robyn Remke had the biggest impact on Rebecca.

“Learning how to measure culture and manage it and spot the red flags was really useful,” she said. “The workshop gave me the tools and strategies to set about preserving the best bits of our current culture, and the tacit knowledge of the workforce, as we develop our digital strategy. There is a great passion in our business. It makes us stand out from competition and we want to keep that.”

Covid-19 had a significant impact on HMG Paints supply chain and order book, and the business took the decision to furlough half of its workforce. Agile and flexible production meant it was able to switch its factory around to make hand sanitisers which were sold and donated to local police, hospitals and hospices, and ramp up output of its decorative portfolio to meet increasing demand.

“With a 90-year history HMG Paints has survived some tough economic situations,” Rebecca said. “What the experience reaffirmed was the strength and resilience we have in our employees. We have repaid that by focusing on the individual to understand their situations through what has been a horrible experience.”

Rebecca found support through the programme team and her cohort when PtP switched to online delivery.

“Help was always available, and we actually had more regular contact during an unprecedented situation,” Rebecca said. “Moving online was challenging for everyone but highlighted the flexibility of the programme. It was clear that our feedback was valued by the Lancaster University Management School and the programme was cohort-driven. If something didn’t quite work in our new circumstances it was adapted to ensure we were all comfortable. While the academic syllabus is set, the application of what we learned is refreshingly flexible and personalised to our business - more than any course or training I have experienced.”

While Rebecca is yet to apply what she has learnt on PtP, she is confident that she has a firm basis to use her new insight on leadership, strategy and communication to drive her family’s business forward.

“As a young female leader in manufacturing I see my position as an opportunity to inspire other women, to blaze a trail,” Rebecca said. “While it is a family business, I am expected to earn my place.

“The programme has given me more confidence to take the next step in my career and drive forward our digital strategy.

“In some ways I have too many valuable things to put into practice, which is a great problem to have. “But I am certain that I can now reach for the right tools at the right time.”

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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