WHAT I DO
Graham Webb is the founder 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
I take the time to understand and evaluate your challenges and the outcomes you want to achieve. Then I identify the best path to deliver those results and, unlike many consultants, I personally lead the project and stand by your side as we embed lasting operational improvements.
Partnering Style
I don’t sit in an office like a football pundit, pointing out where you’re going wrong. I join your team, engage at every level of the organisation, and spark engagement, excitement, and ownership of the goals. I work alongside you to make sure we reach them together.
Current Consultancy - Executive Lead, Create Central | Production Services Executive, West Midlands
Graham Webb is a driving force in the UK’s creative industries, spearheading initiatives that fuel economic growth and strengthen the West Midlands’ reputation as a hub for film, television, and media production. As Executive Lead for Create Central and Production Services Executive for the West Midlands Growth Company, Graham combines strategic vision with hands-on project delivery to maximise the region’s creative potential.
He has played a pivotal role in project managing the mobilisation of the Regional Film and Production Support Office, ensuring it operates as a one-stop hub for productions of all sizes. His leadership has been instrumental in attracting major projects, fostering industry collaboration, and creating a supportive infrastructure that enables the region’s screen sector to thrive.
With a track record of building strong partnerships across industry, government, and education, Graham champions the creative economy as a catalyst for regional development, job creation, local pride and cultural enrichment. His work continues to put the West Midlands firmly on the map as a world-class destination for production.
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.