February News 2009
February is often our busiest month of the year and, luckily, given the state of the economy, this year has proved to be no exception. We have secured some excellent orders and will be fully occupied into the summer at the very least.
BUT the time has passed when we can only think of our own business. Every day, we get more and more calls from foundries, patternmakers, engravers, fabricators, etchers, out-of-work skilled tradespeople, draughtsmen, artists and many others DESPERATE to keep their own businesses alive. Many are working a four day week, short-time, on reduced wages or just working when there’s work and going home when there isn’t.
So the focus of our work-seeking has changed. Now, we’re looking for still more orders, not for us, but to share out with those who are close to the edge, who need work more than we do. In many cases, these are family businesses with whom we have worked for years and to whom quality and service to customers are not meaningless marketing phrases.
Sadly, many British industrialists remain motivated solely by profit and, it’s fair to say, greed. The economy is in a downward spiral but they’re only interested in maximising their own and, perhaps, their shareholders’ income. The prosperity and welfare of the community is of no genuine interest to them.
if we don’t work together to arrest the accelerating decline in manufacturing industry, a great many skilled and loyal people are going to suffer and a lot of small, good, hard-working businesses will go to the wall.
Leander is a minnow in this great pond but we have managed to treble the amount of work we pass on or sub-contract since Autumn 2008 and we will do everything we can to increase that steadily throughout 2009.
Quick summary of February developments
Plaques for Llanelli, Leeds, Westminster, Hawkhurst, Barnsley, St Neots, Weaverham and many more.
A massive stainless steel illuminated entrance feature for the National Space Centre, Leicester
Bronzes for Lloyds of London, the Korean War Veterans, the National Trust and elsewhere
Our first sizeable orders for Ireland - Co Cork and Co Limerick
The history of Brentwood, Essex in a series of six lectern panels - each with acres of text and dozens of images.
…………….and next week we install a new cast aluminium open market for Bedford Council.