St Ives (Cambridgeshire) based contract electronics manufacturer Prism Electronics Limited (www.prism-electronics.com) continues to invest in high level vocational training intended to develop highly motivated staff focussed on supporting customer needs.

Customer service and marketing communications officer Lindsay Webb has completed the government-funded Business Improvement Techniques NVQ Level 3. The NVQ teaches lean manufacturing business improvement and project management techniques, focussing in particular on reducing the eight wastes of Lean Manufacturing.

Describing the course Lindsay said: “I led three separate projects designed to reduce waste within the company. This meant carefully documenting the stages of each project including brainstorming ideas, undertaking root cause analysis, implementation and sustained improvement.

“I presented each project to the board of directors and they were then approved by the MD for implementation.”

 The NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques provides Prism staff with the necessary skills to improve business performance to benefit customers –- Lindsay Webb with her certificate.


The NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques provides Prism staff with the necessary skills to improve business performance to benefit customers –- Lindsay Webb with her certificate.

Prism business development director David Dickin said: “The objective of the NVQ in Business Improvement Techniques is to provide staff with the necessary skills to improve business performance as a whole. Lindsay has developed the ability to seek out and manage projects that are actively improving Prism’s core values of customer focussed flexibility and responsiveness.”

The course is an ongoing process of improvement for the company facilitated by a consultant through Cambridge Regional College (www.camre.ac.uk).

Course modules include developing 5S workplace organisation structures, creating visual management systems, applying problem solving methods and Kaizen continuous improvement techniques.

David Dickin added: “By implementing the acquired skills staff are better able to identify and eliminate waste, create flow and improve quality leading to greater efficiency, increased profitability and reduced risk for customers through better programme control.

“As well as the direct business benefit generated by quality, cost and delivery improvement the NVQ programme also demonstrates our commitment to provide rewarding employment for Prism staff through training. With her enhanced leadership and communication skills Lindsay plays a key role in ensuring the company continues to develop and grow.”