Years on the ground
From running production lines to sitting on boards — I've done the job, not just studied it.
Lean Manufacturing Consultant · UK Midlands
25 years of lean expertise — from the shop floor, in the boardroom, and everywhere in between. Practical solutions that stick.
Why it works
Most consultants hand you a report and leave. I work alongside your people — understanding your operation, your culture, and your constraints — then build solutions that your team can actually own and sustain.
From running production lines to sitting on boards — I've done the job, not just studied it.
I work with businesses of every size, from family-run manufacturers to large corporates.
ProcedureFlow, manufacturing engineering, training, lean consultancy, interim services, and NED support — all under one roof.
No off-the-shelf programmes. Every engagement is built around your specific challenges.
What I do
Inconsistent processes, variable quality, and increased reliance on individual operator knowledge? Let me detail video SOP's that capture critical know-how, make training clearer, and help teams follow the best way to do the job.
Poor manufacturing engineering creates inefficient, inconsistent and poorly controlled processes, resulting in higher costs, quality issues and production delays. Let me help with process improvement, waste elimination, and operational efficiency — from the production line up.
Building lean capability in your people — from team leaders to senior management.
A lack of lean practices creates waste, inefficiency and process variability, resulting in higher costs, longer lead times and poor customer service. Let me help engage your teams, identify and eliminate waste, boost productivity, and build processes that run smoothly every day.
When a critical role becomes vacant — through resignation, illness, or sudden growth — the cost of leaving it unfilled quickly outweighs the cost of bringing in experienced interim cover. I step in fast, hit the ground running, and deliver results without the overhead of a permanent hire. There's no lengthy onboarding, no long-term commitment, and no agency fees.
Everyone can benefit from an external perspective. As a manufacturing NED I can help facilitate strategic direction, provide constructive challenge and practical insight to identify and deliver improvements in your productivity, quality, cost and operational performance.
My approach
I spend time on the floor and in the room — listening, observing, and asking the questions others don't.
Surface symptoms rarely tell the full story. I dig into root causes before recommending anything.
Solutions are designed around your people, your budget, and your timeline — not a generic playbook.
I don't hand over a report and disappear. I stay involved until the change is embedded and working.
"I've spent 25 years making manufacturing businesses more efficient, more sustainable, and more profitable. I've worked on the shop floor, led engineering teams, and sat on boards. That breadth is what makes the difference."
Colin Copeland — Lean Manufacturing Consultant, UK Midlands
Tell me what you're dealing with. I'll tell you honestly whether and how I can help — no sales pitch, no obligation.
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