DecTek, the Treforest-based resin and print technology specialist, has come a long way since it started supplying products to the trophy industry in 2002. Today, the company produces more than a million products a month, including market-leading domed resin labels, name badges and stickers for some of the world’s most recognisable brands, such as Google, eBay, Sky and BT.
With turnover increasing by around 15 per cent each year, and an ambition to expand the workforce and the capabilities of the business, managing director Mike Beese successfully applied for Welsh Government innovation funding for a new cutting and routing machine to support the company’s name badge process. The Welsh Government also paid for a consultant – an industry expert – to provide DecTek with three days of support, aimed at increasing the company’s competitiveness.
The diagnostic report provided by the consultant gave an independent view of the way its processes were set up. The report was compiled between January and March 2017, with the consultant having access to staff and full visibility of the manufacturing processes – even following a project from start to DecTek managing director, Mike Beese, pictured at the firm’s HQ in Pontypridd finish – in order to complete a comprehensive review and develop a series of recommendations. It analysed DecTek’s efficiency, highlighting what was working well and pinpointing areas that could be enhanced to meet its ambitious growth strategy.
Just two months after the report was completed, and as a result of the newly-installed cutting machine, the company took on four new members of staff – supporting the economic well-being of Wales, in line with the 2015 Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Since 2015 the company has continued to grow and by mid-2017 had around £9 million worth of opportunities on the table. Mr Beese credits the diagnostic review with contributing to the company’s success. It provided a fresh perspective of the business and what could be done to boost its productivity, as well as independently verifying the company’s strong infrastructure, disaster and recovery systems – important information for existing and future clients.
Applying for Welsh Government innovation support, for both the new cutting machine and the diagnostic review, was a quick and efficient process that has led to additional, phenomenal opportunities for the business. I would wholly encourage other ambitious companies looking to grow, to seek Welsh Government support. Gaining a third-party view of the business through the review has provided great insight and given me the courage to strive for more. We are all guilty of getting a bit complacent and complacency can prevent you realising your company’s potential.
Mike Beese, founder and managing director of DecTek.
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