I was a manufacturing consultant specialising in production control, IT consultancy and computer systems implementations and developments across a broad business and applications spectrum. Much of the work featured computer systems analysis and design and feasibility studies, supplier sourcing, evaluation and selection and implementation support for SMEs, including MRP / MRPII / ERP systems.

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) consultancy was given to improve procedures and systems integration. I advised and taught other TEK consultants and devised the internal methodology to be used in such consultancy projects to be undertaken by TEK.

I provided hands-on assistance to a numerous manufacturing companies to get them grant aid for new systems and developments, training and the design and production of innovative products. This included writing and presenting the technical and business cases for the propositions/applications. One such project was the successful application to the Dti for the largest grant ever awarded to an East Midlands firm (£2m) for the building of a new Nottingham factory incorporating the very latest in lean manufacturing techniques (inc. JIT), plant layout, personnel management and integrated IT systems.

I also helped promote, design, support, train users and managed the software development of a new, TEK-developed software suite and system for sewing operator skills management and planning in the clothing industry (particularly for Courtaulds plants in the UK and Northern Ireland).

In quality systems (BS EN ISO 9000 & ISO 9000-3 (TickIT - for computer software)), consultancy was given in the design and documentation of procedures, systems assessments / audits, implementation and auditor training for those working for or having achieved accreditation. This often included production of all the necessary QS documentation and on-site training in the application of quality assurance techniques and principles and Total Quality Management (TQM).

Client businesses covered a very wide range of manufacturing and process industries, service organisations and the clothing and textile industry - as well as warehousing and transportation.

I was individually approved to provide consultancy under DTI grant-aided schemes (inc. MAPCON, AMT, SFTES, BTAS, BIS, MBC, Enterprise Initiatives), with TECs and South Yorkshire Enterprise, etc.) for SMEs and larger businesses.

TEK sold out their management consultancy operation to PA Consulting, who only wished to buy the customer list and absorb the business into their existing operations. This left all TEK's existing associates to find work other than through TEK. I continued to do work independently and then was invited by one of my client's suppliers, IMS, (whom I had impressed in the course of my consultancy), to join them as their Consultancy and Training Manager. I accepted the position on contract.