ArcGen Hilta Highlights Challenges For 2013

As 2012 takes its place as a momentous year for Great Britain, Chris Morris, Chief Executive of ArcGen Hilta, calls on business leaders to use the energy, passion and drive of the past year’s achievements to inspire us to take UK businesses forward into 2013.
"Following a year of such positivity, we had all hoped for a much needed boost to our economy to match the high spirits we were feeling as a nation. It was disappointing from a general business perspective that the economy stubbornly refused to shift, delivering negligible growth. We begin a new year in 2013, therefore, with many of the same challenges but the experience of just what can be achieved through a can-do attitude and evolving to meet new market opportunities and succeed.
The recession has changed the face of so many markets and in the onsite power sector we saw increasing numbers of rental business moving away from the traditional method of purchasing goods to a more flexible rent-to-rent or rent to purchase model. Whilst this may only be short term, we have proactively remodeled our operations to cater for this shift in demand.
As part of a fifth generation family business, diversification has been a key driver behind ArcGen Hilta’s continued growth. Our strategy to build on our existing trade in traditional market places was critical, but so too was our expansion into new markets. In Australia for example, we saw the opportunity to grow and strengthen our customer base through not only supplying our renowned lighting towers, but we are now innovating and adapting the range to tailor and deliver bespoke solutions. This approach has not only led to significant new contract wins but broadened our horizons and is creating new opportunities which we will be maximising in the year ahead.
Our unstoppable NPD team flexed its 'know how' to address the growing demand for economical and environmental new products this year. In conjunction with our Japanese partner, we have developed and brought to market a new welder generator offering unparalleled versatility compared to competitor models on the market today.
But innovation is not just confined to product development. It must shape and colour the business as a whole. At one level, it is about investing in the right technology to enable progress. At another level it is about investing to develop the best people to deliver new ideas and hence outstanding world class products.
Bucking the general trend of the past year, we have actually grown our workforce and output at a time when many businesses are implementing shorter working weeks or indeed reducing employee numbers. We made key appointments in 2012 to enhance our new business development but equally important invested in more fresh young talent to join the team. As a passionate champion of apprenticeships, this is at the heart of our skills development programme and an integral aspect of our drive for constant improvement.
This investment in young blood, alongside our experienced team, ensures we offer the right blend of fresh thinking and proven experience. Future proofing the business safeguards our knowledge base and informs our new product priorities. This strategy has allowed us to bring new concepts to market helping to diversify and expand our reach. Our Softlite mobile lighting solution, for example, opened up fresh opportunities in television and film markets and even got the 007 seal of approval featuring on location on the set of James Bond’s Skyfall. Impressive steps are currently being made towards a more efficient future with alternative power sources and LED continues to be on our agenda for 2013.
Closer to home we saw an increase in the supply of our ultra silent generators and mobile lighting towers to the vibrant events market with our brands proudly powering up royal occasions, celebrity summer festivals and even lighting the way for the games makers at the Olympic Park!
Within a context of expansion and diversification, customer service however, must remain king. It is only through an uncompromising dedication to delivering first class products and services that businesses will thrive. 2012 saw us achieve sole supplier status for lighting towers to the Ministry of Defence, underpinning our credentials for industry leading standards and customer service.
As an independent operation with the financial security which our parent business Morris & Company brings, we have exercised our ability to flex more than most to not only build our own sales in tough economic times, but help customers build theirs. Partnerships remain a vital lifeblood as companies become more informed on the difference they are able to make through their purchasing decisions and by collaborating with suppliers, can play a dynamic role in evolving products and markets.
The UK economy will continue to be unpredictable as we move into 2013 but as business leaders we must harness the energy, passion and drive of 2012 to propel our businesses forward. We should look to identify new markets and opportunities and not be afraid to actively evolve our business models. Future planning remains critical and requires investment in people, products and technologies to ensure that British business is seen to be leading the charge and meeting tomorrow’s challenges."
www.arcgenhilta.com