The Metal Guys Talk Business

In this BONUS episode, Pete speaks with Rob Cooper and Eric Partington about the new Stainless Steel in the Food and Beverage Industry event, which will be held on 9th March 2023 at the Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, Leek Wootton, Warwick.The event is jointly hosted by the British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA), the Nickel Institute and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), and will showcase a variety of information and material relating to the use of stainless steel in the food and beverage industry.Rob Cooper, Managing Director of the BSSA, and Eric Partington, Chair of the EHEDG UK & Ireland regional group and consultant to the Nickel Institute, share their thoughts about why the event is important and who will benefit from attending.With so many grades of stainless steel and the rules around hygienic design and food-safe materials being updated, this is essential listening for anyone involved in supplying material or producing machinery for use in the food and beverage industry.For tickets to the event, contact Rob Cooper via LinkedIn or visit this link: https://bssa.org.uk/event/stainless-steel-in-the-food-and-beverage-industry/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff, as well as Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

In this episode, Pete and Mike met Terry Sargeant, the new CEO of SteelBuy and the current Chairman and CEO of ThyssenKrupp UK PLC. We've spoken with a number of e-commerce platforms since we started the podcast, and Terry gave us some great insight into the why, how and future plans for this website. With finance in place, a clear plan and a small but growing team, it will be interesting to see how this platform performs in the coming months and years.The SteelBuy website makes the following statement about the business:"SteelBuy is an easy-to-use online marketplace that instantly connects buyers and sellers to trade quickly and anonymously, without compromising on quality."Buy and sell from anywhere, at any time!"The website goes live on the 2nd of December 2022 and will be officially unveiled at the ISTA Annual Luncheon on that same day.Amongst other things, we talk about:* Why now* Initial funding and the feasibility study * Compliance, anti-corruption and anti-trust* ThyssenKrupp and its involvement* £22 million for the UK and more to come for Europe and the USA* Products at launch, and the next steps* Anonymity for buyers* How the site works* Payments, terms and conditions and credit* Who can sell on the platform, and vetting suppliers* Human vs Digital interactions* Growth Strategy and a multinational, gender-diverse team* If the platform is really a win-win for suppliers and buyersThis podcast was recorded on November 29th 2022 To find out more about SteelBuy, check out the links below:Website https://steel-buy.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/steelbuy/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

In this episode, Pete and Mike spoke with Cathy Bell from i-SPACE - the latest innovative research project by Swansea University.i-SPACE is an acronym, which stands for "Innovative Steel Processing Accelerating the Circular Economy". In layman's terms, they aim to develop an industrial-scale end-of-life material shredding and sorting facility for the UK steel industry, supporting the work towards zero-waste and the elimination of down-cycling.Cathy is the project manager for this WEFO- and ERDF-funded project, with a background of over 30 years in the metal industry, and she shared her insight into the project and the future of metal recycling.Amongst other things, they talk about:* Who are i-SPACE* The reason we need an advanced recycling pilot plant* Why recycling should is the forth best option for steel products behind Re Use, Repair or Remanufacture* The current issues surrounding the recycling of end of life components* Contamination, and how this can cause additional costs for steel makers* The circular economy across the complete steel supply chain* Net Zero in the Steel Industry* What TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) is, and who is involved in the project* When do we think we MAY see a project plant, and what is it likely to cost* Landfill of precious metals and how we can change the throwaway culture* The change from Linear to a Circular Economy* The current UK recycling infrastructure* Who will be able to access the research, development and design at the pilot plant* The future of the UK Steel industry, and how it is positioned globally.* STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths* How Cathy got into the steel industry, and her early career* Not making any career mistakes 😉* Taking on a contract position after being in full time employmentThis podcast was recorded in October 2022To find out more about the i-SPACE project, take a look at the following links:Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/i-space/The Engineer: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/i-space-makes-case-for-advanced-recycling-pilot-plantATF Professional: https://atfpro.co.uk/i-space-maximising-scrap-from-end-of-life-components/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Fractory is a multi-national digital manufacturing platform, enabling designers to obtain instant quotations for the production of parts based on their CAD drawings, and to manufacture and deliver the parts quickly and reliably to anywhere in the world.In September 2022 we met up with Johnny Ly and Mark Kerwin to talk about the Estonian start-up's bold claims and discuss the future of digital platforms in the metal and engineering sectors.Having spoken with the now-defunct digital start-up SteelScout in the first season of The Metal Guys Talk Business, we were intrigued to speak with Fractory, another digital platform with significant financial backing. With more than 33,000 satisfied orders completed and 2.5 million parts supplied, the business is already well set, and after securing more than $9 million USD in Venture Capital funding we were interested to learn more. Amongst other things we talk about:* Who are Fractory?* What is the plan for the business, and why should people care? * How are they onboarding suppliers and customers?* Is this a purely digital platform, or can you talk to the team?* How does the platform work for suppliers?* What technical expertise do they have in-house?* Credit for suppliers* Financial backing and growth plans * Is it 'just another web store' or a 'legitimate digital platform'? * Why suppliers shouldn't fear the platform  * New markets* Quality, and keeping this consistent for customersVisit the Fractory website to find out more about the business, or to become a supplier or customer: https://fractory.com/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Fellow podcaster Adam Bradley of Corrosion Resistant Materials (CRM) joined us this week to talk business. Adam is very active on social media, and champions the metals industry, so it was an interesting podcast to record, and he had a lot to say about the sector in this episode of the show.Having won a host of awards over the last year, it was great to catch up with Adam, to talk about the rapid rise of the business, and how they had recently won the Queen's Award for Enterprise.CRM are a Sheffield-based stockholder who are a relatively new set-up in the market, having only been founded as a business in 2015.Although we spoke in detail about social media, we also covered a range of topics affecting the market.Amongst other things we talk about:* His early days in the industry, and selling abroad* Why people stay in the industry for so long* The appeal of joining a newly formed business* Using social media, strategies for LinkedIn and having the confidence to post * The benefits of using social media for business development* Building a structure in a business, and work-life balance* Podcasts, why we started them, and the struggles of getting guests on them* The Queen's Award for Enterprise and why it is so important for CRM* Getting the best out of trade associations* Technical knowledge in the industry * Why companies need to talk about social media, and let their staff use it* Opportunities in the sectorTake a listen and enjoy the podcast.Visit the CRM website to find out more about the business: http://www.corrosion-resistant-materials.co.uk/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

SteelScout was the digital arm of TATA Steel, and was launched in 2017.With a big budget and a team of Developers and Steel Specialists, the goals and ambitions were clear. What was not clear was how the market would react to this disruptive player in the UK metal sector. Shortly after recording a podcast with SteelScout in 2021 (S01E07) the business was suddenly closed.In this episode, Karl Evans rejoined us to talk about the reasons why TATA Steel pulled the plug on the business.Amongst other things we talk about:* What was SteelScout* What were the initial plans* What did suppliers think about SteelScout, and how did you overcome their objections* What were the big wins and losses during the 2020 CoVID pandemic* Did SteelScout meet its goals and when did you think you could return an ROI* What were the longer term plans, and were you on track* How did you onboard clients who had never used a digital platform to buy metal* Creating a digital platform but keeping people within the buying process* Why SteelScout didn't diversify the range of products earlier* Why was the business ultimately closed* What does the future look like for digital steel platforms------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Flocon Valves and Fittings are a family-owned distributor business based in South Wales. Supplying stainless steel, carbon steel, plastics and everything in between, this business has become a true success story in our industry. In this episode, we were joined by Craig and Andy Phillips to talk through the last few years, with the aim of understanding why this business has had such consistent growth. We featured Flocon, as our cover story on the first Metal Magazine back in March 2022, and at that time, the goal was to hit a turnover of £10,000,000. At the time this podcast is released, that £10 million figure will have been surpassed, but back in 2021, it was still a big milestone number to hit.Craig and Andy are two of the three directors running the business and are the sons of two of the three original owners. So this is a true family business and it was a fun podcast to record.Amongst other things we talk about:* The early days, and how Andy and Craig entered the business.* Succession planning and growing the business.* The opportunities that COVID presented to the business.* Growing fast, and how that affected the team.* Service, and supplying anything, from barn doors to bales of hay.* Working with coaches, and the associated benefits.* Digitalisation, but not losing the personal touch!* What they've learned along the way, and the mistakes they have made.Enjoy.This podcast was recorded in August 2021.To find out more about FLOCON, give them a call or visit the website: https://www.flocon.co.uk/ ------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Quality standards, audits and ISO accreditations are fundamentally important to Metal Producers, Distributors and End Users, but they aren't always top of every business's to-do list.In this episode, Pete and Mike were joined by quality aficionado Andrew Milner to talk about all things Quality and Accreditation. This topic may not fill everyone with the same enthusiasm that Andrew has for the topic, but no business in our sector can work outside of a robust internationally recognised accreditation standard.Having left the UK for Australia in 2019 to become a senior auditor for LRQA (formerly Lloyd's Register), Andrew has recently taken on a new role with Conflux Technology. Andrew also writes for our publication The Metal Magazine, and you can contact him with your questions via the hashtag #AssuranceWithAndrew.Amongst other things we talk about:* What quality is.* Why you should incorporate a quality standard into your business.* How to get started if you don't have a quality standard. * How to select an accreditation body.* Common problems around quality, and how to avoid making these mistakes. * Why he started to write about quality, and demystifying the concept.This podcast was recorded in April 2022.------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

This is a bonus podcast featuring in season 2 of The Metal Guys Talk Business.In this episode we were joined by Liam Conway, head of Business Development at Control Energy Costs https://cec.uk.com With energy prices at the top of many manufacturers agenda this year, Liam talks us through the reasons why energy costs have spiked so dramatically, what today's (21st September 2022) government announcement means for businesses in the UK, and what companies could be doing to best try and protect themselves from the current situation. This podcast was recorded online on the 21st of September 2022 only hours after the government energy announcements. It is yet to be seen what the final or lasting impact will be of the energy crisis that is disrupting European Businesses, but we hope this podcast gives you an honest opinion on today's events. ------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

The BSSA or British Stainless Steel Association represent the interests of the UK's Stainless Steel industry, from manufacturers through to the the end users. In this episode, we were joined by Rob Cooper the MD of the BSSA to talk all things Stainless.Amongst other things we talk about:* The role of Stainless in the UK* Training, an ageing workforce and the challenges within the industry* Areas of growth in the UK Stainless Sector* Associations, their changing role and why companies should get involved with them.* The potential growth of UK manufacturing after BREXIT.This podcast was recorded in 2021, so there have been some changes to tariff barriers that we discussed in the podcast. Significantly the tariff barriers on Chinese Seamless products have been lifted which was one of the topics that we discussed at the end of the podcast. Rob has written the first of a series of regular contributions in the September 2022 edition of The Metal Magazine. Take a look at the website www.themetalmagazine.com to read his article.Visit the BSSA website to find out more about the project, or to speak with the team: https://bssa.org.uk/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

In this episode, we were joined by Richard Curry who is a Programme Manager at the SUSTAIN Steel Project at Swansea University.The SUSTAIN Steel project aims to deliver cutting-edge science and the engineering research required to create carbon-neutral, resource-efficient UK steel supply chains.Amongst other things we talk about:* The circular steel economy* Scrap, and the competitive position the UK finds itself in* Energy and the issue of a green energy agenda* The key deliverables of the SUSTAIN projectThis podcast was recorded in October 2021, so there has been much change since the recording was made, notably with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the spike in fuel and energy costs. It is yet to be seen how much of an impact this will have on UK manufacturing, but it was already an issue to discuss at the point of recording this podcast, and is a topic area featured in September 2022's edition of The Metal Magazine. Worrying times indeed.Visit the SUSTAIN Steel website to find out more about the project, or to speak with the team: https://www.sustainsteel.ac.uk/------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 14th-15th September 2022, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

In this episode we were joined by CEO Danny Fantom and Managing Director Daryl Lowe to talk about:* All things laser* The meteoric rise of their business since 2011* The outlook for laser in the UK* And the business becoming an employee-owned business in 2020This podcast was recorded in May 2021, so the business has moved on apace since we were first on site. Danny and Daryl spoke about growing a start-up business in the UK Manufacturing sector from scratch. Featured in the podcast are subjects including buying the best equipment you can afford, slices of luck along the way, doing every job in the business, COVID, building a strong and reliable team, the future outlook for the laser industry in the UK, and becoming an owner-managed business in 2020.Visit the FC Laser website to find out more about their products and services: www.fclaser.co.ukCheers to Danny and Daryl of FC Laser, and to Matt Tipper for jumping in as a guest host.------------------------------------------------------------------SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:The UK Metals Expo - 14th-15th September 2022, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.comAnglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.ukAmron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk------------------------------------------------------------------The Metal Guys Talk Business is created and produced by Comton Group. Comton Group are a Metal and Engineering Agency supplying Temporary, Permanent and Contract Staff and Media and Marketing services. Comton Group also publish a digital publication 'The Metal Magazine', which features the latest news and information from across the Metal and Engineering sectors.Contact us on our social media channels to discuss the podcast, recruitment and our marketing solutions for your business.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

This podcast has taken a while to release, but it is just as relevant today, as it was when we initially recorded it.If you have any interest in lasers, then this should open your mind to a whole range of possible uses outside of just cutting holes and shapes in tubes and flat metal products.  Edwin has a scientific background in biology, and on seeing a laser in action for the first time, became almost addicted to the possibilities of this technology.  We talked about the following in this podcast:* Laser applications in the aerospace sector* How we can learn from nature and apply those structures to metals* The potential benefits of laser in commercial applications* Why the medical sector could be a huge market for the laser industry* More typical applications and the benefits to industry* The limitations of etching and engraving due to time constraints * Laser technology, and the fastest speeds that we can possibly achieveIf you work in the metal or engineering sector, then join the conversation. Let us know what topics you want to have featured on the show, or maybe YOU could join us as a guest.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

J Heebink are an international logistics company servicing the Benelux, the German Ruhr, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Simon has been working in the freight sector for almost 40 years, so he has a wealth of experience, and gave us a candid view of how imports and exports to and from Europe had been affected since January 2021, and what customers need to do going forward to maintain the flow of materials to and from Europe.We recorded this podcast in early February 2021, just 5 weeks after the changes bought about by Brexit had begun. Take a listen to get a better understanding of what it is like being in the middle of the process, and for a variety of suggestions and advice to help you and your business in this first transition period. We talked about the following in this podcast:* Simon's Early Career, and what J Heebink offer to their clients* How prepared Logistics companies were for the changes that occurred in January 2021* How Brexit impacted services in the first two weeks of January 2021* How things have changed, now we are five weeks down the line* What the government could have done better* The cost implications and the changes to freight timescales* How companies can work to reduce the impact of the new border controls.* COVID and its impact since March 2020Visit the J Heebink website to find out more about their logistics services: www.heebink.co.ukIf you work in the metal or engineering sector, then join the conversation. Let us know what topics you want to have featured on the show, or maybe YOU could join us as a guest.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

SteelScout is a digital platform providing purchasing solutions for metal buyers in the UK. The business was set up in 2017 to address what they saw as inefficiencies in the supply chain for metal. In under four years they now have over 8,000 registered buyers and over 130 suppliers nationally, so it was great to talk to them about how they do what they do and what their thoughts were on the market in the metal sector.We were joined for this podcast late in 2020 by Neil Harvey (Head of Marketing) and Karl Evans (Head of Sales and Operations) and this episode covered the following topics:* Who are SteelScout* The impact COVID-19 has had on SteelScout* The development of SteelScout since 2017* Digitalisation in the metal sector and the changes that we can expect to see.* Transactional Purchases vs Online Purchases.* Bringing a digital platform to market and the challenges this presented. * The goals going forward.Click here to read the SteelScout Benchmarking Report from June 2020If you work in the metal or engineering sector, then join the conversation. Let us know what topics you'd like us to feature on the show, or maybe YOU could join us as a guest.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

This week's episode covers:* Rebecca's early career in telesales* Personal development, and standing out in her early career* Getting an MBA, and how important that has been in her progression* Turning around an underperforming business * Overcoming gender issues in the workplace* Diversity in the metal and engineering sector* Social media, and what the plans are for Hydroscand * Becoming an MD and then dealing with COVID in 2020 * Rebecca's biggest mistake and what she learned from itHydroscand are known for providing a range of solutions for hoses, fittings and related services, but you'll most likely see their Black and Orange vans out fixing hoses on site for customers all over Europe.Visit the Hydroscand UK website if you'd like to find out more about their products and services: www.hydroscand.co.ukIf you work in the metal or engineering sector,  then join the conversation and get in touch with us.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Sue has had a 45-year career in the industry and worked for some of the biggest players in the UK market. From initially working on a sales desk in her first role in the industry, she made more than 26 house moves to benefit her career rising all the way to the top of a number of major U.K. companies.  This week's episode covers:* Sue's early career* Personal development, and investing in yourself* Standing out as a woman in a male-dominated market* Moving 26 times in her career* Progressing within a business* The differences between working in independent and corporate business* The role of associations in developing the skill set of installers and design engineers* Is money the correct motivator for moving job* Making mistakes and what to learn from them* E-commerce in the plumbing and HVAC industryVisit the BSS website to find out more about their products and services: www.bssindustrial.co.ukIf you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

Stephens Gaskets are known for manufacturing Shims, and Gaskets, but they also produce a range of metallic, rubber, high temp, and plastic parts, as well as metal pressings and lasered components.This week's episode covers:* Why he joined the family business* How the business compete on price with far eastern manufacturers* Spotting opportunities to manufacture face shields and face visors to combat the spread of COVID-19* The dynamic of working in a family business, and the plans for the future* Buying a warehouse full of Catering Clothing for no reason any of us could fathom.Visit the Stephens Gaskets website if you'd like to find out more about their products and services: www.stephensgaskets.co.ukIf you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

This is the third episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business but is our first with a guest. This episode is part of our 'Bottom to the Top' series. This week we are joined by Rob Brien of Kloeckner Metals. Rob began his career for ASD Court Steel as a warehouse operative 25 years ago and documents his journey all the up to becoming a board member in 2019.This week's episode covers:* Rob's early career* Personal development, and investing in yourself during your career* Missing out on a job, and how to overcome rejection* The development of E-commerce in the metal sector* The future of the metal industryVisit the Kloeckner website to find out more about their products and services: www.kloecknermetalsuk.comIf you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation.https://linktr.ee/comtongroup

This is the Second episode of The Metal Guys Talk Business.In this episode, Mike makes up a game for Groupon and Pete says "press the flesh."If you work in the metal or engineering sector, join the conversation.This week's episode covers:* The changing role of business development during and post COVID-19* Different approaches YOU could try to keep in contact with your customers new and old* The importance of face-to-face meetings in the metal sectorhttps://linktr.ee/comtongroup