Working together for the sum of all parts: Scaleup North East

GMS has come a long way since its inception more than 25 years ago.

Having been established in founder Owen Ingram’s spare bedroom in Prudhoe, the engineered solutions firm is now a global operator.

Walk the first floor of its headquarters, on the Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate, and its growth is spelled out on the wall, eight striking blue arrows pointing to every continent like a blue firework.

So too is it reflected in the large glass and wood cabinet that stands in managing director Andrew Wood’s office.

All of its 16 square cases are full with the different components, parts and pieces at the heart of GMS; from the arm of a unit that fires clay pigeons to castings, forgings and all levels of pressed and machined parts used in agriculture, automotive and construction equipment.

During N’s visit, a container-load arrives from China at GMS’ storage and despatch area, beside the main offices where the majority of its 23 staff are based, including Morgan, a quality technician whose university course is being funded by the company.

GMS supports a range of international and UK clients, which operate in some of the leading industrial sectors including construction equipment, automotive, agricultural machinery and rail.

And Andrew and his team are aiming to keep adding to its list, as well as its cabinet and the blue arrows on its map.

He says: “Working with these businesses, some of which are household names, we presently supply more than five million parts annually within the UK, and exports cover 25 per cent of the business to India, Australia, Latin America and most of Europe.

“We’re on a journey.

“Historically, we’ve been involved in the traditional industries, but we must remain current and have added new sectors to our portfolio, which include customers involved with electric vehicles and technologies that will assist with nuclear power.

“And we’ve achieved strong results in recent times in the rail sector, which is having a new lease of life.

“Having been in business for 26 years, we’re planning to be around for at least the next 26, working with customers in supporting their business through engineering and technological development.

“We have the advantage, as a supply chain management company, of working with some world-class manufacturers across processes such as casting, forging, pressing, machining and a wide range of plastics.

“That has enabled us to prosper, and given us the platform and opportunity to work with some world-class customers.”

Looking to the future, despite its impressive expansion, when Owen recently stepped back from day-to-day involvement, Andrew sought to define a future structure and strategy to enable the business to broaden its ambitions.

After an extensive search, he turned to RTC North, specifically the Scaleup North East programme, which matches owners’ growth ambitions with the knowledge, expertise and insight of entrepreneurial partners.

He was teamed with Angelina Bell, an executive business coach and dedicated Scaleup North East partner, who visited GMS’ site to meet Andrew and his team.

From day one, Angelina made a positive impression on the business and Andrew certainly feels her presence has helped senior staff members Jason Snowball, James King,

Arran Ingram and Dan Ingram, who cover engineering, operations, sales and finance between them.

Andrew says: “When Angelina came in, she worked with the senior team to help develop the criteria and objectives that would assist in facilitating the growth we aspired to.

“The four members of the senior team and I initially concentrated on the key aspects of our business that were fundamental to our future success.

“Angelina helped us focus on our future strategy, which, although remaining involved in the day-to-day, encouraged us to lift our heads above the parapet and begin looking at levels of success we could achieve.

“Angelina’s impact was very effective, and she quickly engaged with the team to support each company department and senior team member to begin the process of working as a collective with common goals.

“She helped us clarify directives with succinct objectives and timescales for growth.

“Angelina came with a different pair of eyes, she challenged our way of thinking and encouraged us to be positive with our outlook, even in slow market conditions.

“This optimism was balanced with realism, but the process has been invaluable in terms of how we approach new and existing opportunities.”

Andrew adds: “When you have operated within the same market sectors for many years, you can easily become a slave to their ways.

“But this thought process was – and will continue to be – challenged as we move forward.

“We’ve been working with RTC North for nine months and have a clear set of objectives as a group.

“We’re fortunate to have a very strong team that has broad experience of many facets of supply chain management in respect to engineered components.

“GMS’ roots are robust and long reaching, which can be seen through our very low turnover of staff; that is testament to the environment in which we work.

“Being part of the Scaleup North East programme has been a very enjoyable experience for all of us, and I’m sure it will have lasting impact on the growth and development we are trying to achieve.”

The Scaleup North East programme is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority acting as lead organisation and RTC North operating as delivery partner. The North East Combined Authority is a partnership of seven local authorities covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland, and is led by mayor Kim McGuinness.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people and skills.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fundprospectus

www.scaleupnortheast.co.uk