Unleash the full potential of your Business Operations
Innovative solutions to drive success and growth.
Unleash the full potential of your Business Operations
Innovative solutions to drive success and growth.
The Operations People
Driving Business & Operational Transformation
The Operations People bring operational leadership, transformation and performance enhancement from multiple sectors. We've learnt the lessons and we've held the accountability. We understand the demands of leading an operational team and we can help your team unlock their potential, enhance your customer service delivery and support your key stakeholder relationships
Unlock Your Business Potential
Who are we?
This is Graham Webb, MD of The Operations People.
Graham has worked across sectors including aviation, manufacturing, construction, the built environment, the third sector and the creative industries. Click on the link below for Graham's LinkedIn profile
Project Leadership & Delivery
We take time to understand and evaluate your issues and the outcomes your are looking for. Then we identify the path to deliver that result and, unlike many consultants, we can lead that project delivery and stand by your side as we embed those operational improvements
Partnering Style
We don't sit in our office like football pundits, telling you where you are going wrong. We join your team, we engage at every level of the organisation and drive engagement, excitement and ownership for the goals. We work with you to get you there.
Case Study: 4Wood TV & Film
Graham joined 4Wood TV & Film Construction at the start of 2023 as interim MD, tasked with professionalising the business and introducing operational best practices. The company, with a 20-year history, specializes in set construction for major productions, notably in Wales. Credits include "Doctor Who” (BBC/Disney), "His Dark Materials” (HBO/BBC), "Sex Education" (Netflix) "A Gentleman in Moscow" (Paramount) and "Willow" (LucasFilm). Following a PE-backed MBO in 2022, the business was struggling to make the leap from family business to professional private equity backed operation
Challenges and Response:
- In summer 2023, the US writers' and actors' strikes halted the traditional Film
and High-End TV production market, worth £6.2bn in the UK in 2022, significantly
impacting the business. - At the same time, traditional commercial broadcast television experienced
dramatic changes in viewer behaviours, resulting in a12-15% in ad revenue,
directly impacting production commissioning in the UK. - Resulting in an existential drop in revenue
In response:
- Implemented stronger risk-based revenue forecasting.
- Pivoted to target traditional (Band 2) TV scripted and unscripted productions.
- Developed new revenue streams in theatre, live music/events, and immersive
experiences, including projects for the Met Opera, Gucci, and live tours for Drake and Fall Out Boy.
Operational Efficiency: - Transformed the operating model to build sets in our Cardiff workshop, rather
than on set/location, enhancing efficiency and reducing studio hire costs. - Managed subcontractor use strategically and improved revenue per man day by
25%. - Strengthened communication with Production Designers and Art Directors.
- Secured supply chain discounts of 12-15% and reduced payroll by 29%.
Brand Awareness: - Enhanced brand awareness through PR, trade events, and media appearances.
- Improved social media strategy, significantly growing our audience quantity and
quality. - Joined trade bodies and gained significant recognition in the industry notably
with the Secretary of State for DCMS referencing our company in a flagship
speech to a major Creative UK summit. - Opened an office in Birmingham alongside a major studio development and
relocation of BBC productions
Continued Challenges:
Despite efforts, the return of production was prolonged post-strikes. With forecast revenue still below break-even and no further financial backing available, the company was placed in administration in July 2024.
Achievements:
- Maintained workforce morale and engagement.
- Successfully transitioned the company from family-owned to a professionally
operated, PE-backed business. - Improved operational efficiency and flagged financial pinch points well ahead of
time.
Reflecting on the experience, the team adapted admirably to market changes, diversifying into new areas and maintaining professional integrity, despite the industry's seismic shifts.
Graham Webb
July 2024