News 11/3/04

THRIVING ISOTHANE’S FIVE-YEAR TURNAROUND

Five years ago the future for polyurethane firm Isothane looked decidedly bleak.
With the Lancashire, UK-based Company struggling to survive in a competitive market, drastic action needed to be taken to turn its fortunes round.

But turn them around it did.

Today-despite being in a market where others have struggled-the firm is highly profitable, has a growing customer base and is recognized as a leader in its field.

Looking back at the problems, Managing Director Peter Bullivant said “ We were in a pretty desperate situation and going nowhere fast despite hard work from all our employees”

Now the achievements of the company, which manufactures polyurethane systems for a wide range of industries, put it in line for a top business award.

Isothane, with premises on the Huncoat Business Park, was a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category at the “Be Inspired” Business Awards, which took place at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

“There’s a real buzz around the factory that we reached the finals and it is a tribute to everyone here that we have got this far,” said Peter.

“We are lucky to have a loyal workforce who stuck with us through the bleak times, and it is the hard work that they put in day to day which saw us turn the corner. We were also fortunate that our Parent Company, Stirling Lloyd, continued to support us through all the changes”

The company’s revival began with a cost cutting programme, but Peter said that was only the beginning of the changes adding, “Saving money is a short term measure but what we needed to do was to improve the way the whole business operated”

Craig Treanor, Business Development Manager said “We introduced a number of initiatives to improve relationships with customers and staff, introduce training and development and re-organise the way the site operated”

Peter believes the help the company has received through Business Link has played a significant role. He said “We have had good advice on a wide range of business areas”.

For further information contact:

Dr Peter Bullivant
Isothane Ltd
Tel: 01254 872555
Fax: 01254 871522
E-mail: peter.bullivant@isothane.com