There is only so much you can learn about a manufacturing business from behind a desk.
That is why George has recently been spending more time on the factory floor at Burbidge, swapping the office for a hi-vis and setting the alarm a little earlier than usual.
For us, understanding how our products are made is an important part of understanding Burbidge. Spending time alongside the people involved in production gives you a much clearer picture of the craftsmanship, knowledge and care that sits behind the finished product.
Understanding the Process First-Hand
George’s time in the factory has given him the opportunity to follow the manufacturing process first-hand.
That means seeing materials arrive, understanding the different stages of production and following the journey through to finished products being prepared to leave the factory.
It is knowledge that will be particularly valuable when George is out speaking to Burbidge retailers.
Knowing the ranges and specifications is one thing. Understanding what actually happens behind the scenes gives you a different level of appreciation for the work involved and makes it much easier to explain that value to the people we work with.
Helping Our Retailers Understand Burbidge
The factory floor is not only a useful learning environment for our own team.
We also encourage new Burbidge retailers to spend time at the factory as part of their onboarding with us.
We do not put them to any hard labour, of course.
Instead, it gives retailers the chance to see how Burbidge operates, observe the manufacturing process and speak to the people involved at different stages.
That first-hand experience provides context that is difficult to replicate in a brochure, presentation or product training session. When retailers understand how our products are made and the work that goes into them, they are better equipped to share the Burbidge story with their own clients.
Learning From the People Doing the Job
There is another important reason for getting out onto the factory floor.
Some of the best ideas for improving a business come from the people working with its processes every day.
Something that appears straightforward when written down can look very different in practice. Spending time with the team, asking questions and listening to their experiences can highlight opportunities to make a process simpler, more efficient or easier to manage.
Often, it is the small observations that make the biggest difference.
That is why learning at Burbidge is not simply about understanding how things are already done. It is also about looking for ways we can continue to improve them.
150 Years of Experience, and Still Learning
Burbidge has been a family business for 150 years, but experience does not mean standing still.
There is always more to learn, particularly as the next generation becomes more involved in the business.
For George, spending time on the factory floor is an opportunity to build that understanding from the ground up. For our retailers, it provides a closer connection with the people, processes and expertise behind Burbidge.
And for the wider business, it is a reminder that sometimes the most useful place to learn is simply alongside the people doing the job every day.