Spotlight on David Parkman, commercial director of Exmoor Trim

17th Oct 2008

David Parkman is commercial director of Somerset-based Exmoor Trim - manufacturer of leather and leather products

1. What excites you about your day-to-day work?
The interaction with our customers as this keeps me focused on what we do – making quality products which our customers value and, on the retail front, exceeding customers expectations. Our military arm of the business often receives some demanding enquires, which are good for the business as this encourages us to look at new production methods and products.

2. In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Receiving a call from a customer who is bringing back to life an old Series Land Rover and is looking for original style seats and Soft Top Hood. It’s hard not to share a customers passion when talking about their pride and joy, particularly when they send me images of the finished vehicle with our products fitted.

3. What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Being awarded the 'Tithonus Project' Contract from the UK MOD back in February which will see up to 3,000 vehicles upgraded with new seats and interior trim. During the tendering process we promoted our new adaptive comfort seat trim fabric 'Outlast', and won the contract against strong competition. Since starting the contract, we have maintained a supply rating of 100% which has resulted in additional contracts being awarded.

4. On a day-to-day basis, what do you find frustrating about your work?
We operate 'Lean' manufacturing and work very closely with our suppliers, so it can be frustrating when a supplier cannot provide components on time, as one small component can delay production and ultimately disappoint a customer. Often we manage without too much disruption, but it can be very frustrating for all concerned as it distracts our focus away from getting products out the door.

5. What inspired you to work in manufacturing?
There is something very satisfying about taking lots of components and making an end product which is valued. I have always enjoyed the process of making things, from concept to product. Manufacturing offers tangible, physical conclusions to a process, with lots of aspects in between which require lateral thinking. Basically, it's great fun!

6. What makes your company stand out from the rest? How do you beat the competition?
We have a number of unique products which we have developed over the years for particular applications, such as Ballista-Tek seats. However, I believe our strongest asset, which sets us above the rest, is our 'Can do' attitude and bringing added value to everything we do. We are fortunate that we have good staff prepared to go that extra mile to look after our customers.

7. What hopes / concerns do you have about the future of manufacturing in the UK?
We are similar to many manufactures who source components from around the globe, but have found that quality of parts and supply are hard to maintain, utilising more and more time managing suppliers. We have now started the process of sourcing component suppliers based in the UK that can support our business with on time deliveries, and offer innovative improvements to the supply chain, in our experience quality from these suppliers is improving all the time, and we see strong indications that UK PLC is on the up. The unit cost may still be lower in India, China and the far east, but when taking into account transport, cash flow, and continuity of supply, we can source from UK suppliers at similar costs.

8. What piece of advice would you give to any manufacturing newcomers?
My advice to any newcomers to the manufacturing sector, is to offer products/services with added value and innovation. Brand recognition is also important, as customers often will pay more for products which are associated with quality supported by good service. All products are price sensitive, but being competitive does not mean selling at the cheapest price. We have seen substantial growth in our markets in recent years, even though we are at the higher end of the price bracket, when some of our lower price competitors have fallen by the way side.

9. Who is your hero?
I have many hero's, but one that stands out is Simon Weston the ex-Welsh Guardsman who was injured on the Sir Galahad during the Falklands war. He received terrible burns to his face and hands which will stay with him for the rest of his life, but has worked tirelessly since then helping others and supporting many charities, proving that people can overcome adversity, and contribute to society.

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