BTA brings industry know-how home

A North East consultancy is helping local manufacturers boost productivity and cut costs using techniques honed on the international stage.

Cramlington-based Business Transformation Associates (BTA), led by directors Kim English and Colin Hastings, has worked with manufacturers across the US, Canada and Europe to improve production efficiency and profitability. 

Now, the duo is focusing their efforts on supporting firms across their native North East.

Kim said: “We don’t just tell people what to do – we work with the teams who make things happen. 

“When staff are involved in identifying the solutions, the results are far more sustainable.

“Many people assume working with us will be expensive. 

“But time and again, the savings we uncover dwarf the investment required to bring us in – it pales into insignificance.”

Founded in 2012, BTA takes a hands-on, shop-floor-first approach to tackling inefficiencies, applying systems and process improvements that deliver rapid, measurable results. 

The team’s background includes intensive training with Toyota in the USA and Japan, alongside leadership roles in engineering and automotive manufacturing.

Their recent work with Expert Precision Engineering, in North Tyneside, saw improvements in workflow, implementation of ISO 9001 standards and the introduction of key performance indicators to support growth.

Kim and Colin, left, with some of the Expert Precision Engineering team

Colin added: “We’ve saved businesses from closure, prevented redundancies, and delivered operational efficiency gains in excess of 40 per cent. 

“That’s millions of pounds in value – at a fraction of the cost.”

As part of their local commitment, Kim and Colin now serve as experts in residence with the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC), operating in libraries throughout the region and offering free advice to regional firms navigating rising costs and operational pressures.

Colin added: “It’s a fantastic initiative that opens doors for smaller businesses who may not have thought expert help was within reach. 

“We’re proud to be part of it and we look forward to helping many more businesses in the region.”

Kim added: “We’re passionate about supporting North East manufacturing. 

“We want to help local businesses become leaner, more resilient, and more competitive, especially in tough times.”

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