6 minute read
Cover Feature
NEOPERL SALES FLOW IN
Neoperl UK make some of the most in-demand products you’ve probably never heard of. With millions sold globally last year, business is booming for their innovative water solutions.
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Kevin Gates, MD at Neoperl
Not many companies can say the pandemic has been good for sales, but Neoperl – who make flow regulators for use in taps, showers and domestic appliances – are celebrating two record-breaking years. Between 2020-21, production rocketed by almost 20% for the Malvern based company. As MD Kevin Gates explains, there are two main reasons behind this explosion in growth: firstly, increased awareness of sustainability, and the need to use water and energy more responsibly; and secondly, better hygiene practices and changing shopping habits driven by the pandemic. He says, “Our flow regulators control the amount of water that comes out of taps etc, and they’re also used in appliances like home boilers to control inlet water flow, guarantee constant heat and prevent scalding. “For instance, by regulating water flow properly, people can wash their hands more often without unnecessary wastage. And as holidays were off limits for so long, people spent their spare cash on home improvements like kitchens and bathrooms instead, which has led to increased demand for faucets and touchless sensor taps.” Today exports account for 80% of Neoperl UK’s sales: as part of the German-Swiss Neoperl Group, many products go directly to sister companies around the world to be sold on directly or incorporated into items like aerators and check valves. Products are also bought back for UK resale. “You could say that in the early days, demand followed the way that the pandemic moved around the world,” Kevin points out. “It first picked up in China, where Covid originated, before moving West. Now though we’re finding that demand is pretty consistent around the world.”
Speaking of the Chinese, Kevin is pragmatic about their commercial advantage in terms of labour. However, innovation and efficiency keep Neoperl ahead of the game. “While the Chinese are very good reverse engineers, they’re not good at First Principles and product design,” he says. “I sometimes use the term ‘black art’ because everything can’t be designed and calculated to the nth degree. “This is where we hold the advantage: our many years of in-house experience keep us that important step ahead and protect our margins. Innovation and design are our lifeblood.” Among recent exciting developments is Neoperl’s collaboration with the Kingfisher Group (owners of B&Q), to design a dual core regulator with two flow rings for use in both low and high pressure water environments. Where once different flow regulators had to be used depending on country of sale, now the same taps can be used anywhere in the world, with the same performance guarantee.
And it goes without saying that Neoperl’s manufacturing capabilities are up there with the best. While not all assembly can be fully automated (manual dexterity is still needed for intricate products), the company has invested heavily in automation and new machinery to enhance flexibility in terms of production and keeping up with increasing demand.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing – production capacity dropped 30% because of Covid measures. But by continually improving processes and efficiencies, Neoperl remains a vital cog in the supply chain.
Kevin concludes, “At first, I used to say we’ve been lucky, but actually it’s not about luck, we’ve just managed the situation extremely well and continued operating by keeping our people safe.”
MAKING WORK HAPPIER WITH A SMILE BOX
As Smile Box celebrates its first birthday, owner Donna Fisher from Bromsgrove explains how a little pick-me-up at work can go a long way.
Donna Fisher, of Smile Box.
While money is the main reason we roll out of bed in the morning, keeping staff motivated and engaged is a big corporate headache. High staff turnover and skills shortages have led companies to rethink their benefit packages, but did you know that six out of 10 workers are motivated more by recognition from their boss than financial gain? Donna first spotted a gap in the market for a caring, sharing corporate gift service pre-pandemic, and the seed for Smile Box quickly took root when Covid swept in. Smile Box offers a fully branded corporate wellbeing gift for every occasion, from Christmas, to conference goodie bags, hellos and goodbyes … or just a simple ‘thank you’ to boost staff morale. Each ‘perk box’ includes a personalised letter from the CEO, together with a selection of self-care treats and mindfulness products with a great variety of gifts to choose from, helping with everything from zoom fatigue and poor sleep to hydration and healthy eating. As a finishing touch, the box is gift wrapped for the perfect treat. Each Smile Box also features resources to support mental health which is still unfortunately a taboo topic for many, something which Donna is keen to change. The response to Smile Box’s first year has been amazing, says Donna, with over 6,000 boxes sent so far and a high customer return rate of 70%.
She explains: “I’ve always enjoyed the feel-good factor that comes from seeing someone opening a gift, but in terms of self-care, I feel that people are programmed to feel guilty about looking after themselves when actually it should be a priority, especially with today’s busy lifestyles. Donna has started businesses before and worked in the corporate sector, and says the past year has been a real learning curve. “You launch a business with one focus in mind, but then it builds its own momentum and your plans and strategy can change. “Grant aid and support from Enterprising Worcestershire has been fantastic, and I’ve received invaluable funding for business coaching through the Council. When you’re really busy, you don’t always make time to reflect and think about what you need, so the coaching sessions have been really beneficial in giving me some focus time. “I’ve really enjoyed being a member of the Chamber and joined as soon as I launched Smile Box. I had a stand at the Business Expo in Malvern and have attended several of their networking events which has been a great way to generate business contacts and leads.”
She adds, “A lot of people have set up in business during the pandemic, creating a mini community that helps and supports each other. That’s what it should all be about – we rise by lifting others, as they say.” Smile Box is committed to British products and considers sustainability too (for example, the company plants a tree for every 100 boxes sold). Donna has carefully chosen products that match her company values, and continues to swap ideas and support with like-minded startups. Going back to the general theme of wellbeing, how do men respond to Smile Box? Donna says, “That’s a really interesting point. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45, and I really want to help normalise conversations around mental health for men so that can change. “Our core service will always be helping employers support their staff wellbeing culture and improve the emotional resilience of their teams. Long term, we also want to support the education sector, as young people have had a hard time recently. “There’s not enough hours in the day for our exciting plans, but we’re looking forward to continued growth and helping others!” Contact Donna’s team at smile-box.co.uk.
