A theme of innovation runs through this issue, and for good reason. When companies find themselves under pressure it is often the most innovative that survive.
In my first issue as editor of Insider, I had the pleasure of talking to Sheffield plastics manufacturer William Beckett.
William Beckett Plastics has weathered a few recessions and developing as an exporter has buffered it against turbulent times. The niche company makes packaging for cutting tools and is now one of those rare exporters into China.
Beckett’s company is a good example of how manufacturers in Yorkshire use research and development to produce world-beating companies. But innovation stretches beyond research – companies also overcome problems by sharing resources.
Michael Taylor of Fosters Bakery in Barnsley told us an anecdote about how local bakeries were pushed to work collectively to reduce the salt content of their bread. Although Fosters was well within its quota, the company decided it wouldn’t do any harm if it improved the PR of bakeries in general. So it approached some of the smaller bakeries and discussed how they could reformulate their recipes.
The results didn’t affect Fosters’ bottom line directly, but it proved to be a very shrewd move in the long term and restored public confidence in their products.
This is an interesting time to join Insider. The business community has undergone a rapid change in its attitude during the downturn. The media comes under a lot of criticism for seeking the negative slant on stories and talking the nation into a recession. But putting a positive spin on stories isn’t going to change the climate. Rather than seeking the positive spin, it is far more worthy to find the “practical spin” and provide the information businesses need to thrive and survive, despite the recession.
To go with a new editor, this issue also features a new design. The coming months won’t see a revolutionary new approach to Insider’s coverage, but rather an evolutionary one that seeks to innovate and provide Yorkshire’s business community with the tools it needs to weather the storm and produce more world-beating successes.
Richard Stirling, editor
Also in: May 2009
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Down but not out
Economists are predicting green shoots, but will they bloom or wither in Yorkshire? David Casey assesses the health of the region.
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Cream of the crop
James Lambert has proved that the way to a successful business is thinking outside the box.