Brian's Blog

Best In Class

February 2009

I apologise to my regular reader (please note singular not plural) that this is my first blog since returning to work after the Christmas break. The break itself was fantastic with plenty of time spent with family and friends; however it does seem like ages ago.

Since returning to work everyone within the business has been putting in lots of hard work and skilled effort to ensure that we cope with the economic downturn.

Unfortunately the economic situation has led to Aliaxis (who own Hunter) taking the decision to relocate the manufacturing facilities of three of its businesses onto one site in Lenham. This relocation includes Hunter manufacturing. The project to complete the move will take approximately two years and the manufacturing side of the Hunter business will relocate before the end of 2009.

Obviously the decision didn't go down too well at Hunter, which came as no surprise given the "can do" culture that we have in the business and the desire that people who work here have to give their best at all times. Since the original announcement I've been encouraged by the way that employee representatives have sat round the table with me and other senior managers and agreed a consultation framework that works for all concerned. Their attitude has been first class despite the uncertainty they face in the future.

The Hunter brand will remain and we will maintain responsibility for its other activities. We're certain that we will continue to give our customers the best service in the industry. Talking of the best service in the industry we are very proud to win another fantastic award. Buildbase have recently announced Hunter as their best supplier in 2008.

Announcement of the award came two weeks after we had begun consultations with employees regarding the move of manufacturing. It would have been very easy for those affected by the relocation to treat the award with some disdain. I haven't seen one instance of that, in fact the total opposite. People who work for Hunter are extremely proud of our and their achievements.

The people who work here are no different to the company they work for - BEST IN CLASS.

Finally and changing the subject totally. Sunderland will be doing their utmost to send the Premiership title heading towards Old Trafford should we get positive results in our next two games - Arsenal away followed by Liverpool away. I wonder what price the bookmakers will give me for a double on two Sunderland wins. Must go I need to ring my bookmaker.