Brian's Blog

Great people great brands

July 2009

Following on from my guest appearance on the BMJ blog I thought it might be time to publish a new one (given that the suggestion was that I update my blogs monthly).

Despite the fact that we're in the worst recession ever (the government might tell us different but we all know it's true) I'm sure that everyone is working a damn sight harder than ever. We're all trying to manage significantly reduced volumes, a competitive environment and very importantly the people side of our business.

Those who read my blog will be aware that our group (Aliaxis) is going through a significant reorganization and restructuring programme at the moment, which is having a significant impact on our people. Where practical we are asking as many of our Operational staff to move from their current job at Woolwich to the new combined site in Lenham. For a variety of reasons (distance of travel, family commitments etc) a number can't move, which to me is the sad part of change. People who have given their heart and soul to Hunter will no longer be part of the success we've enjoyed. They'll leave with my best wishes for success and contentment in the future.

A large number will be moving as part of the reorganization and hopefully they will be looking forward to being part of a new and exciting opportunity for us.

As part of the changes I will be taking on different responsibilities and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of getting the most from the great brands (in alphabetical order Alutec, Hunter, Marley and Multikwik) I will have responsibility for. We've got some great people as well as great products in all of these companies and I'm sure we'll be well up for the challenges we face.

Talking of challenges there's some great sport happening at the moment with our cricketers doing battle against the Aussies and the world's golfing greats trying to win THE OPEN (please note not the British Open as our friends across the pond refer to it).

Obviously I'm hoping that we beat the boys from Oz convincingly, if only to stop them bleating on about Pommie bashing.

My bet for The Open this year is Jim Furyk. He's been close several times in the past and I'm hoping he wins this year.

On the subject of golf I'm hoping to play this weekend (weather permitting) and win back the small wager I loaned to one of my golfing buddies (Martin Wallace) last weekend. Martin had words with me last weekend as to how disappointed he was that I'd failed to mention him in my past blogs. Well Martin you've now had a mention. Don't forget your wallet at the weekend.