Engineering growth

Owner-directors Clare and Mark Love took over Hailsham company Dicker Precision Components two years ago. Since then they have faced the daunting task of pulling together and reshaping the business at a time when UK manufacturing has been feeling the full force of the economic decline.

But pull it together they have. In those two years, the Loves and their dedicated workforce have seen the order book grow from both existing and new customers. A few months ago they took the bold step of expanding into bigger premises by taking over the next door unit. New plant has been installed and there are plans to take on extra staff – clear indicators that Dicker has confidence in the future and a firm belief that its hard work and commitment will be rewarded.

EMC’s Terry Rainback began working with the company earlier this year. He said: “From day one, it was clear that the business had great potential. But seeing potential and realising it are two very different things.

“What has been achieved since could only have been done with the belief and commitment of the owners and staff. Clare and Mark have made some very bold and difficult decisions against the economic backdrop that still prevails.

“I am sure that the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by everyone at Dicker is recognised by its customers and they can take confidence in working with them as key supply partners in the future.”

Mark Love commented: “I have worked at Dicker for over 20 years and know its potential, but I also realised that owning and running the business has different challenges from working for it. That is why we decided we needed to get some extra help on board and Terry has been instrumental in helping us to review what we were doing and to plan and implement the steps needed to take our business forward.

“Some of the smallest changes have already made a big difference to the business and our confidence has grown enormously.  As a small business we don’t have the luxury of a big management team or board of directors and it is reassuring to be able to regularly talk through our plans and run the business with somebody else who understands our business and can provide that experience for us.”

Pictured: Terry Rainback (left) with Mark Love