by manex | Aug 21, 2017 | Success Stories
Manufacturing Excellence has just finished a thoroughly successful business improvement project with Richard Western Ltd, an agricultural trailer manufacturer in Suffolk. At the start of the process Managing Director Angus Western highlighted his main goals were to...What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The feeling of being part of a team, supported. Having the ability to make change happen.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When the wind blows, build windmills, not walls.
What’s your favourite drink?
Crystal Head Vodka
Normally- Coffee
Where were you born?
Birkenhead, Merseyside.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ultimately, Australia to watch the Boxing Day Test Cricket.
Likes
Genuine people, time with family,
Dislikes
Getting clothes caught on handles.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
See no Evil, Hear no Evil.
Who’s your favourite artist?
Bee Gees, DJ Graeme Park, anything 70’s Disco.
Described by a colleague
Rob has a passion combined with a strong practical knowledge for business improvements. He engages with staff at all levels with his happy personality, can do attitude and sense of urgency to get things done.
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Having the opportunity to be a change guide and mentor to help staff become more engaged and upskilled within their companies.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Two ears, one mouth. Basically, listen more than you talk.
What’s your favourite drink?
At the moment Irish Oil, the Guinness.
Where were you born?
Newcastle – Under – Lyme, in Staffordshire.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Back to the Maldives specifically the island of Komandoo.
Likes
Motorsport, watching and participating in my track car on track days especially Oulton Park and Cadwell Park, watching my team the mighty Stoke City FC, holidays!
Dislikes
Eating Fish and seafood.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Pulp Fiction or falling down.
Who’s your favourite artist?
Music it would be James, or The Cult
Described by a colleague:
Rob is very thoughtful and friendly, he always gets stuck in and offers a helping hand
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
It’s so people centric
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Believe in yourself / you can do it
What’s your favourite drink?
Americano
Where were you born?
Lytham St. Annes
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Japan (Study Mission)
Likes
Humility
Dislikes
Arrogance
What’s your favourite film of all time?
12 Angry Men
Who’s your favourite artist?
Monet
Described by a colleague
Neil is very conscientious, incredibly knowledgeable and very caring
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
An affable company with an innovative outlook on Lean
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Have confidence in your knowledge
and – You won’t always win everyone over, just try your best
What’s your favourite drink?
Southern Comfort and Lemonade
Where were you born?
Leeds, Yorkshire
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Reykjavík, Iceland to see the Northern Lights
Likes
I have a passion for flying and currently in training for my PPL
Dislikes
Bad manners and ignorant people
What is your favourite film?
American Made with Tom Cruise
What’s your favourite artist?
I like all types of music from Ministry of Sound to Heavy Metal
Described by a colleague
Organised and positive
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Having the opportunity to be a change guide and mentor to help staff become more engaged and upskilled within their companies.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Two ears, one mouth. Basically, listen more than you talk.
What’s your favourite drink?
At the moment Irish Oil, the Guinness.
Where were you born?
Newcastle – Under – Lyme, in Staffordshire.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Back to the Maldives specifically the island of Komandoo.
Likes
Motorsport, watching and participating in my track car on track days especially Oulton Park and Cadwell Park, watching my team the mighty Stoke City FC, holidays!
Dislikes
Eating Fish and seafood.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Pulp Fiction or falling down.
Who’s your favourite artist?
Music it would be James, or The Cult
Described by a colleague:
Rob is very thoughtful and friendly, he always gets stuck in and offers a helping hand
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
It’s so people centric
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Believe in yourself / you can do it
What’s your favourite drink?
Americano
Where were you born?
Lytham St. Annes
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Japan (Study Mission)
Likes
Humility
Dislikes
Arrogance
What’s your favourite film of all time?
12 Angry Men
Who’s your favourite artist?
Monet
Described by a colleague
Neil is very conscientious, incredibly knowledgeable and very caring
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Everyone is really friendly and helpful
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always be honest and treat people as you expect to be treated
What’s your favourite drink?
For the heavier stuff its Rum with ice or just Herbal Tea
Where were you born?
Halifax in West Yorkshire but I moved down south in 1995.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Australia
Likes
Music, Singing, Travel (when we’re allowed), Curry
Dislikes
Corned Beef
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Cool Runnings
Who’s your favourite artist?
Two Door Cinema Club, Foo Fighters, Maximo Park
Described by a colleague
Liz is supportive, bubbly, caring & very funny
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Everybody is so friendly and helpful, somebody is always there if you need advice or have any issues. Family atmosphere, great team events and good food
Professional attitude and great teamworking by all.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
What’s your favourite drink?
I go through phases – at the moment it dark fruit cider and gin & lemonade.
Tea
Where were you born?
Swindon Wiltshire
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
New Zealand
Likes
Good food
All types of sport
Getting together with friends and family
Dislikes
Rude people
Lateness
Rain
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Oliver Stones JFK
Who’s your favourite artist?
REM
Ricky Gervais
Described by a colleague
Tony is very approachable, warm and friendly
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The People and their work ethics in trying to help companies achieve and not just selling a training programme.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up, and look after your family
What’s your favourite drink?
Tea
Where were you born?
Birmingham
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Alaska
Likes
Music, Guitars, Travel and People interaction
Dislikes
Lateness and Rudeness
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Shawshank Redemption
Who’s your favourite artist?
Bruce Springsteen
Described by a colleague
Energetic, caring and Loyal
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The people! Feels like a family who work together as a team.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“If you stand still, you are already behind”. In other words, always keep moving forward don’t rest on your behind. Always focus on what’s ahead to achieve your goal and objectives. Keep an open mind to new ideas, listen with both ears and respect the views and opinions of others in your team.
What’s your favourite drink?
It has to be a cool refreshing pint of larger in the summer heat and a whisky in the depths of winter on a cold night.
Where were you born?
Birmingham or Brummie if you prefer.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
That’s easy, It has to be Arpino Italy, in the province of Frosinone. The birth place of my wife’s father and family. Why? Because it is like winding back the hands of time, peaceful, great food and loving people. Just like home from home.
Likes
Football, rugby, squash, golf. Getting together with family and friends.
Dislikes
Anyone who is nasty to people or a bully.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Jason and the Argonauts from 1957.
Who’s your favourite artist?
Michael Angelo or Leonardo DaVinci
Described by a colleague
Clive always tries to get along with everyone and is always smiley and happy
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Feeling that I am part of a family, not an employee.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Make memories now, you will need them when your old!
What’s your favourite drink?
RED WINE
Where were you born?
Scunthorpe
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Vietnam
Likes
Sunshine, Good home cooking, Red wine!
Dislikes
Negativity, Housework
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Gone with the wind
Described by a colleague
Debbie is warm, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
My brilliant colleagues and feel valued
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If people are trying to bring you down, it only means one thing, that you are already above them
What’s your favourite drink?
Coffee
Where were you born?
Aylesbury
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Scandinavia
Likes
Hiking, Climbing and Food
Dislikes
Dark Nights
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Pulp Fiction
Described by a colleague
Clare is ambitious, fun, supportive, and always has time to help others
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
You are made to feel part of an amazing family business, all working as team. A good working life balance with plenty of fun based activities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
If in doubt, leave it out
What’s your favourite drink?
Hibiki 21 year old Japanese whisky
Where were you born?
Birmingham
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Maldives
Likes
Thai food
Dislikes
Bad manners
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Glengarry Glen Ross
Who’s your favourite artist?
Robert de Niro
Described by a colleague
Don is easy going, a team player and tenacious
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
It is not work; it is a family!
team meetings and lunches 🙂
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You snooze you lose
Where were you born?
Poland
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ithaa restaurant in Maldives
Likes
Listening to loud music
Reading books
cakes
Dislikes
Dishonesty
Lateness
selfishness
Who’s your favourite artist?
LP
Pink
Described by a colleague
Bubbly, energetic, determined and fun
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The food and the humour
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
You only regret things you didn’t do
What’s your favourite drink?
Coke (in a can), Mojito
Where were you born?
Wolverhampton
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
South Africa
Likes
Dogs, travelling, Sunday roasts
Dislikes
Rats
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Described by a colleague:
Molly is easy to get on with, fashionable, smart and interesting
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Relaxed environment with a professional attitude and a great team ethos
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Never say never
What’s your favourite drink?
Japanese Malt Whisky – Nikka Coffey
Where were you born?
Sowerby Bridge
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Thailand
Likes
Being involved in rugby
Dislikes
The M62
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Love Actually & Philadelphia
Described by a colleague:
Jon is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a first class communicator
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
We are part of an amazing team and together we make the company a success
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Tell someone when they look nice, you might just make a difference
What’s your favourite drink?
Tea
Who’s your favourite artist?
Agnes Obel
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Canada
Likes
Winter, Autumn, Snow
Dislikes
Onions, hot weather, lazy people
What’s your favourite film of all time?
The Matrix
Described by a colleague:
Rhianne anchors the whole business
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
We make peoples’ lives better
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always ask ‘why?’
What’s your favourite drink?
9-5 Tea, After 5 Sloe Gin
Where were you born?
Ashington, Northumberland
Who’s your favourite artist?
Alive – Brian May, Dead – George Michael (Sorry……teenager of the 80’s)
Likes
Chinese Food
Dislikes
Garlic
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Some Like It Hot
Described by a colleague:
Clare gives 100% support, supports all employees, and brings unique skills to the business
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The element of fun
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Go for it!
What’s your favourite drink?
Diet Coke
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Australia
Likes
Football, cars, socialising
Dislikes
Filling out questionnaires
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Pulp Fiction
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
James Bond
Described by a colleague:
Paul cares deeply about all of his employees, making sure they’re all happy and enjoying their work
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The wonderful people who are like family. We support each other, offer advice ad also have lots of fun
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
All the advice in the world won’t help you unless you help yourself.
Give yourself a break, don’t break yourself up.
Sleep well.
What’s your favourite drink?
Gin & Yorkshire Tea (Not together)
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
New York or Bora Bora
Likes
Disney, travelling, cheerleading, stationary, cheese, giraffes, cake, Christmas
Dislikes
Frogs, birds, bad manners, Kylie Minogue
What’s your favourite film of all time?
It’s a Wonderful Life
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Russell from Up! & Chandler Bing
Described by a colleague:
Hannah is good at many things and has a great sense of humour
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Meeting lots of interesting people in varied environments and getting the chance to be part of their learning journeys
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Sell the benefits not the features
Where were you born?
Nantwich, Cheshire
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Monaco F1 Grand Prix
Likes
Music
Dislikes
Quiet
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Uncle Buck
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Described by a colleague:
Steph radiates positivity
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Having a talented group of people I can call on for support
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Think about money – never worry about it
What’s your favourite drink?
Wine, preferably Malbec – a large one please!
Who’s your favourite artist?
David Bowie
Likes
Football – Leicester City!
Dislikes
Tottenham Hotspur
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Any Laurel & Hardy Film
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Harvey – The White Rabbit
Described by a colleague:
Wayne has lots of enthusiasm and is very positive.
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Working with exciting people, being able to pass on my knowledge and experience
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
You will always be forgiven for asking, but never forgiven for not.
What’s your favourite drink?
Beer
Who’s your favourite artist?
Placebo
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Myanmar
Likes
Pies
Dislikes
Hypocrites
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Guardians of the Galaxy
Described by a colleague:
Stephen is a trainer who has lots of experience working in manufacturing
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The family atmosphere
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Don’t ever get to my age (94) wishing you had done something (From my dad)
Where were you born?
York
Who’s your favourite artist?
Elvis
Likes
Animals, Gardening, Travelling
Dislikes
People who are not genuine
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Shane
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Tom & Jerry
Described by a colleague:
Alan is a very kind, generous and knowledgeable person
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
All the food
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Treat people as you’d like to be treated
Where were you born?
Hospital
Who’s your favourite artist?
The one formally known as Prince
Likes
Hot Tea
Dislikes
Iced Tea
What’s your favourite film of all time?
True Romance
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Forrest Bondurant (Lawless)
Described by a colleague:
Nina is professional, fun and fantastic to work with
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The great people I work with in our company first and client companies second
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Be kind to the people you meet on the way up, you never know who you will meet on the way down
What’s your favourite drink?
Red stuff
Where were you born?
Scunthorpe
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
New Zealand
Likes
Food – usually anything on a plate
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Avatar in 3D
Described by a colleague:
Dennis’ positivity is infectious, he lights up the room
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Working with lots of different companies and helping them be more successful
What’s your favourite drink?
Tea
Where were you born?
Plymouth
Who’s your favourite artist?
Braque
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Casablanca
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Captain Picard
Described by a colleague:
Jon is passionate about what he does
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
They make you feel welcome and part of the family from your first day. If you work hard you can also play hard, we always have fun.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
It’s nice to be important but more important to be nice.
What’s your favourite drink?
Rosѐ or Tea
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
The Maldives
Likes
Chatting, Christmas Films, Baking, Food & Holidays
Dislikes
People with no manners
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
The Grinch
Described by a colleague:
Grace will always go out of her way to help and assist others
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The people and the customers
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Don’t put your head in there
What’s your favourite drink?
The local beer
Where were you born?
8 Chichester Avenue, Ruislip – but now I live in Yorkshire
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
New Zealand for a long time
Likes
Things that make me laugh
Dislikes
Spider Crabs
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
A competent and trustworthy politician
Described by a colleague:
John is easy to talk to with great ideas and enthusiasm
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
Being part of the family atmosphere, everyone is so supportive and we have the best team building days ever!
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
You only get one life, live it well.
What’s your favourite drink?
Pink gin and lemonade
Where were you born?
Ingleby Barwick, Teesside
Who’s your favourite artist?
Tom Walker
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Hawaii or Dominican Republic
Likes
Food, gym, spending time with family & friends
Dislikes
Rude people
Described by a colleague:
Grace always offers help and is easy to chat to and have a laugh with
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
It’s a fun, professional company
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Let some things drop out when you are trying to take on too much
What’s your favourite drink?
G&T
Where were you born?
Catterick
Who’s your favourite artist?
21 Pilots
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Fuerteventura
Likes
Running, sunshine, the beach, the sea (but not going in it)
Dislikes
Cold weather
Described by a colleague:
Emma is supportive, calming, enthusiastic and a great runner. She is always willing to help whenever she can
What’s the best thing about working for ManEx?
The work/life balance
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Be Yourself
What’s your favourite drink?
Champagne
Where were you born?
Middlesbrough
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
The Maldives
Likes
Dogs
Dislikes
Rude People
Described by a colleague:
Liz is enthusiastic and a great listener – an unusual combination – she takes care to really understand customers. It’s like she completely ingested ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’.