Developing next generation helps firms keep leading from the front
Planning for the future and developing the next set of leaders is a key task which senior management often shy away from, writes STEWART BARNES of Quolux in his latest Gamechanger column
FOR more than half a century, directors and staff of Barnwood Group have built a business based on quality construction combined with customer care and focus.
Barnwood Construction, Barnwood Shopfitting and Barnwood General Works have become familiar local names.
They have built quality commercial buildings such as St James’s Place HQ in Cirencester, Renishaw’s Innovation Centre, Bakers Quay in Gloucester, the new Gloucestershire College in Cinderford and Prima Dental’s latest factory in Quedgeley, as well as fitting out outlets such as Nationwide Building Society, Vodafone and Whsmith.
The group of companies has a pedigree lasting more than 50 years and have grown from strength to strength in a controlled, organised and sustainable way.
Group managing director Simon Carey and financial director Peter Evans are deeply passionate about developing the organisation. They are looking to the future and investing in both the current directors and next layer of managers who will be the future board of directors and natural successors.
With the planned expansion of the group, Simon and Peter are keen to empower both the existing directors and the future directors so they became more accountable for the development and success of their respective parts of the business.
This was the game changer. Simon and Peter also recognised they needed to involve external assistance and create an organisational development plan to coach and develop the current and future directors.
Their first step was to lead from the front and enrol themselves on the Quolux LEAD programme.
This ensured the vision, direction and support was there from the highest level in the company, which is an important but often forgotten step in a change initiative.
Subsequently, two current directors and two potential future directors have come on the programme and the company plans further participation.
Simon said: “I have developed and expanded my understanding of leadership.
“I now have a tool kit of ideas, techniques and methods to find solutions to the challenges I regularly face as head of a group of companies.”
Barnwood Shopfitting director Ian Brewster added: “As a result of LEAD, we have learned to modify our behaviours.
“Change is now being noted by staff in the business as we involve our people more and delegate more to them.”
I am confident the development of the current directors and the next level of senior managers across all the companies will continue to lead growth in a controlled manner and, in turn, develop a new set of board of directors who will lead the organisation for decades to come.