October 2003


Black Country firm Ash & Lacy Building Systems have won the award for the Most Improved Company at the prestigious 2003 Midlands Excellence Awards only 18 months after adopting the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Excellence Model. The award, which recognises the company's commitment to continuous improvement in all areas of its business, underlines the outstanding progress the company has made over such a short period of time. Three times Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart presented the awards at the spectacular Midlands Excellence Awards ceremony and gala dinner held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on October 20th. Attended by more than 1,500 people, the event, which is the largest quality event in Europe, celebrates not just the achievements of the winners and finalists, but also those of the region as a whole.

Midlands Excellence was set up to help all types of organisation to improve their all round performance and competitiveness, adding increased value to customers through a process of self-assessment. The EFQM Excellence Model provides a robust framework to pursue and drive continuous improvement in all key areas of an organisation, including leadership, processes, people and customer results. Through self-assessment the Model enables organisations to measure their progress on the route to excellence, to identify strengths and areas for improvement and then develop and deliver prioritised action plans.

Commenting on the use of the EFQM Model within Ash & Lacy and winning of the award, Bryan Carey, Managing Director commented:

"The Model has helped to give us greater focus to concentrate on the areas that drive our business results. A better understanding of our customers needs has enabled us to introduce many new product and service initiatives, which in turn has helped us to win and retain profitable customers. Also we have identified huge improvements that could be made in our approach to satisfying of our own staff. Through a greater commitment to HR management, less absenteeism, reduced staff turnover, fewer quality issues and much improved morale are tangible benefits that are helping drive our business results.

Winning the Most Improved Company award in simple terms provides confirmation that we are making significant 'progress' in our journey towards excellence. But most importantly it means external recognition for the people that matter i.e. those who have been committed to identifying and then implementing the improvement ideas. The taste of success associated with being a winner will only strengthen our appetite for continuous improvement and increase our momentum even further".

Ash & Lacy Building Systems are one of the UK's leading manufacturers and distributors of cladding products and accessories to the construction industry. The extensive product range includes the recently launched Ashzip standing seam roofing system, the industry standard Ashgrid spacer support system and the Ashjack lightweight structural frame for flat to pitch roof conversions. The company also offers a comprehensive range of Ashfab bespoke fabrications, Ashflow rainwater goods, Ashfix fasteners & accessories together with the Ashtech rainscreen cladding range.