July Business Growth Lunch 2014

Connecting people, creating opportunities

July Business Growth Lunch

NatWest, Spinningfields, Manchester

Friday 25th July 2014

12:00 – 14:00


• 12:00 Welcome – Melvyn Levene, NatWest

• 12:05 Derek Swan, UKTI

• 12:15 Guest Speaker – Graham James OBE,

Flexcrete Technologies Ltd

• 12:50 Closing remarks – Sue Barnard, Business Growth Hub

• 13:00 Lunch and networking

• 14:00 Event close


Welcome

Melvyn Levene

NatWest


Derek Swan

UK Trade & Investment

© Copyright 2014 Flexcrete Technologies Ltd

Graham James OBE25 July 2014

FlexcreteStructural Repair & Protection Technology

July Business Growth Lunch


Contents

Setting The Scene

Flexcrete Today

Introduction

The Markets We Serve

Examples of Overseas Projects

International Activity

Challenges We Have Met

Lessons Learnt Along The Way

Starting A Business

Risks That Have Paid Off

Some Useful Tips

Risk & Reward


Setting The Scene

• Joined the Export Department of Liquid Plastics Ltd in 1982

• My job was to establish a global footprint for the business

• Researched many markets, a regular user of government services

• Travelled extensively, experience in over 100 countries

• In 2005, took the opportunity to buy out Intellectual Property

• Started a new business producing mortars and coatings for construction


Flexcrete Today

• Worldwide sales with a global network of distributors

• Technology-driven organisation, 31 employees

• Significant investment in R&D

• Expanded into new product lines in 2010, mostly for export

• Unique formulations, innovative products

• Expert knowledge with experienced technical specialists


• ISO 9001 – Quality Assurance

• ISO 14001- Environmental

• OHSAS 180001 – Occupational Health

• DWI (Drinking Water Inspectorate)

• BBA (British Board of Agrément)

• EN1504 Pan-European Standard for Concrete Repair & Protection

Independent Certification


• Water based products

• Safe – Minimal or zero VOC

• Recycled components widely used

• Flexcrete products fundamentally contribute to sustainability in the built environment

• Long design life• Long term environmental

impact minimised• Development of green & energy

saving roofing systems

Sustainable Technology


• Zero-emission production facility

• Factory powered by renewable energy, 381 solar pv panels

• Significant commitment to energy efficient equipment

• Investment in waste collection and recycling facilities

• Harvesting and re-processing rainwater for second use

• Chosen by NatWest for case study promotional film

Commitment To The Environment


Head Office


Production Facilities


Warehousing


Concrete Laboratory


Coating Laboratory


Core Market Sectors

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

Buildings & Commercial Construction

Utilities

Coastal Structures

Hygiene Sensitive Environments


Innovative Solutions For Construction

Hygienic Coatings for Internal Walls & Ceilings

Concrete Repair & Protection

Concrete Reinstatement & Finishing

Structural Waterproofing & Tanking

Enhanced Durability for Concrete & Steel

Waterproofing of Roofs & Other Deck Areas


Australian International School, Hong Kong


Eco Berrini Building, Sao Paulo


Gorgon Project, Barrow Island, Australia


Stavanger Airport, Norway


Megawide Corporation, Philippines

SM Sea Residences and SoleMare


Locarno Airport, Switzerland


Sano City Water Tower, Japan


• Cash flow and getting paid

• Poor decisions in manufacturing investments

• Language and cultural barriers

• Volatility of markets

• Building relationships overseas on limited budget

• Compliance with legislation

• ‘Unfair’ competition

• Staff motivation

Challenges We Have Met


• Speculate to accumulate, fortune favours the brave

• Stick to what you’re good at and outsource the rest

• Make decisions, don’t sit on the fence

• Multiple routes to market can work

• Your competitors can be good customers too

• Don’t be shy about asking for money

• Only gamble what you can afford to lose

Lessons Learnt Along The Way


• Investing in R&D projects

• Starting manufacture of paints

• Developing products for export markets

• Selling to major competitors

• Employing staff for specific markets (China)

• Technology partnerships with multi-nationals

• Speculatively buying and developing premises

Risks That Have Paid Off


• Ensure that you differentiate

• Do your market research

• Make sure your website is up to date and optimised

• Ensure your marketing messages are clear

• Consider selling under multiple brands

• Exploit environmental and sustainability credentials

• Invest in technology

• Claim your R&D Tax credits

Useful Tips


• Healthy for your business

• Will drive innovation

• Success stories welcomed by the press

• Will enhance your profile in the UK market

• A boost to staff morale

• Can be lucrative

• Evens out seasonal variations

• Good for the economy

• There are people to help you

Why Export?


FlexcreteStructural Repair & Protection Technology

Thank you for your kind attention


Closing remarks

Sue Barnard

Business Growth Hub


Contact us to find out more:

Phone: 0161 359 3050

Email: [email protected]

www.businessgrowthhub.com

@bizgrowthhub

Business Growth Hub

+Businessgrowthhub