介绍:
... and this morning, we welcome John Winterman, Managing Director of Turners, the sports company which manufactures golf and tennis equipment.
[00:09.05] Morning.
[00:10.04] So, John, you took charge of the company after a management buy out.
[00:14.49] What made you and the other managers sure that it would be a successful move?
[00:19.27] Well, when we bought the business in nineteen ninety seven, we knew there were financial problems to solve, including some hidden debts.
[00:28.02] But we felt the products themselves were really excellent, and a good basis from which to grow the company.
[00:34.27] And, although the brand image was not particularly well known, we felt it was possible to build on it.
[00:40.22] I see.
[00:41.39] I believe the previous owners were not specialists in the field ... That's right.., they were a large engineering group called AFT.
[00:49.35] Did that cause any difficulties?
[00:52.19] Yes.
[00:53.35] Although AFT used the same management systems as in its other - engineering - businesses, and these seemed to be working,
[01:01.48] the production system just was not right for a consumer goods company.
[01:06.28] Turners offers a wide range of products, and has a complex business mix as a result.
[01:11.46] I see.
[01:13.05] And how did their management system affect distribution?
