Navigating the Future: An Interview with Adrian Easter of Hayley Group

In a recent sit-down at Hayley Group's Halesowen facility, Jason Pitt of The Made in Group met with Adrian Easter, the new national contracts director of Hayley Group. Adrian, a former mechanical engineering apprentice hailing from Norfolk, is taking over from John Holden as the national accounts director. With a rich history of supporting the branch network and strategic accounts, Adrian is poised to help Hayley Group through its next stage of growth.

Challenges in UK Manufacturing

When asked about the state of UK manufacturing, Adrian was candid. "The challenges for the UK lie in attracting the right companies and the government making decisions on the level of support they'll offer to bring those companies into the UK," he explained. "We need to understand what we're good at, where our skill base exists, and what would make us attractive in various regions of the UK."

Adrian highlighted the workforce's importance, stating, "It's crucial to think about what our workforce currently has and what would make us attractive. We need to train people and bring them through, which is a significant challenge given the gap left when apprenticeships stopped back in the eighties."

Expanding the Branch Network

Adrian also touched on Hayley Group's growth plans. "We will continue to expand our branch network, which means we need more people. Attracting the right personnel is our biggest challenge right now," he said. Reflecting on the impact of past practices, he noted, "The apprenticeship programs from the eighties provided a pool of engineers who are no longer available. We now need to train new people to fill that gap."

Maintaining Company Values

One of the key points Adrian emphasised was maintaining the company's identity and values during its growth and transition. "It's important to embody the values of Hayley. This business is more than just a company; it's an emotional attachment for many of us. Maintaining our identity and values while ensuring our philosophy remains intact is crucial," he stressed.

Sam Noakes, who also attended the meeting, added, "We have some of the best people in the industry, but there's a shortage of exceptionally good people. It's about manufacturing our own talent long term and ensuring they embody the values that Bernie and Lee built this company on."

Rebranding and Training Initiatives

Discussing recent developments, Adrian mentioned, "We're rebranding, with the process starting now and culminating in spring 2025." Addressing the challenges around people, he noted, "We're using the apprenticeship levy as much as possible to bring apprentices through in all aspects of the business. The Hayley Academy has been rebranded as the Hayley Inspire program, targeting various roles within the company to identify gaps and needs for the future."

Productivity and Innovation

On the topic of productivity and innovation, Adrian highlighted Hayley Group's unique approach. "Everything we do is about value for the customer. Our Track-Up program records the value we bring to our customers, not just by selling a product but by providing solutions. We utilise cutting-edge technologies and share best practices across the industry," he explained.

Sustainability Efforts

When it comes to sustainability, Adrian shared significant milestones. "This year, we have achieved carbon neutrality. It's challenging in distribution, but we're looking at reducing our packaging, using more electric vehicles, and building sustainably with solar panels and grey water systems," he said. However, he acknowledged the difficulties, stating, "Achieving net zero is tough because most carbon emissions come from our suppliers and manufacturers."

Looking Ahead

Adrian also touched on future fuels and the debate surrounding them. "Hydrogen is a future tech that should be applauded. The generation process is currently dirty, but it will remain so if we don't focus on improving it," he said, referencing the work of companies like JCB.

Benchmarking and Innovation

When asked about benchmarking against other companies, Adrian had a clear stance. "I don't believe in benchmarking us against our competition. There's a danger of following them instead of innovating. We should look to use new technologies and adapt them to our business," he said. Sam Noakes agreed, adding, "In distribution, you don't often see graduates stepping straight into high-level roles. Understanding the business first is crucial."

The Human Touch and AI

Adrian also emphasised the importance of human interaction, a lesson underscored by the pandemic. "The need for human interaction is essential. The pandemic showed us that isolation isn't good for people. Our customers wanted to see us and have face-to-face interactions, which drove business," he noted.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, Adrian mentioned ongoing projects. "We're involved with local universities on AI programs, which will help us and our customers. We're a long way down the road with AI, but it's not ready to be released yet," he said.

Backing Britain and Personal Advice

Adrian concluded the interview by reflecting on the importance of supporting UK manufacturing. "Backing Britain means protecting our business long-term. As long as manufacturing remains and grows in the UK, we'll have employment, security, and opportunities for new businesses," he stated.

When asked about the best piece of advice he's ever received, Adrian shared wisdom from his past. "Bernie Noakes once told me about 'light touch management.' It's about setting parameters and guiding people gently. It's a non-confrontational way to keep people on the right path," he recalled.

Community and Collaboration

Adrian also stressed the value of community and collaboration. "Engaging with others and understanding their challenges helps avoid ignorance. You can't grow your business or life in isolation; integration is key," he said.

In a final note, Sam Noakes reflected on the role of social networks in business. "Networking is essential. We don't just benefit from our customers but from engaging with other companies and learning from them," he said.

In this comprehensive discussion, Adrian Easter and his colleagues at Hayley Group outlined a clear vision for the future, emphasising growth, maintaining core values, and embracing innovation while navigating the challenges of a changing industry landscape.