Editor: Where
do you see the main
areas of growth for your company
and what would improve trading
conditions for you?
Hepwood: We have a presence
in
most sectors of the market and
have identified trade counters,
new build and commercial (supply
only ) as areas for growth.
Nevertheless, this does not mean
we are any less committed to our
traditional base of trade. Despite the
static nature of this sector, we are
still targeting growth in this area
and believe there are significant
opportunities for Indigo to expand.
Some of this growth will result
from smaller fabricators ceasing to
manufacture as they realise the
benefits of buying in from a larger
fabricator. There are two factors
which would improve trading
conditions for us. The first is a
upturn in the economy and the
return of consumer confidence that
could be triggered by interest rate cuts.
The other is a reduction in capacity
within our industry that will inevitably
happen as a consequence of prevailing
market conditions. Not that I wish that
on any one but it's an enviable fact of
life in these circumstance and has
already started.
Editor: What importance do
you
give workforce and what novel
ways do you have for getting
them more involved with the
success of your business?
Hepwood: Our workforce
is the key
component in Indigo achieving its goals.
They enable us to provide consistency,
quality and reliability to our customers.
We have a committed, capable
workforce of whom we are proud.
We do not employ 'novel' methods
to motivate them but rely on the tried
and tested basics of good
communication, training, fair and
consistent management style and
making sure they are rewarded
appropriately. This ensures they
have good understanding of what
the company is trying to achieve
and they are involved and share
in the company's success.
Editor: Is there any one you
really
admire in the fenestration sector
or elsewhere?
Hepwood: There
are many people I
admire in our sector without mentioning
names but they range from individuals
who have built large successful
fabrication businesses to people
who have been in the industry
from the beginning and still have
the energy & motivation to run
successful companies in todays
challenging climate.
Editor: Does being a fabricator
preclude you from being human
being? Hepwood:
No ! It is the essence
of what Indigo is all about - people and
it is one of our major strengths.
We are a people business operating
in an industry that has its fair share of
personalities and characters and is
dominated by owner managed businesses.
