Serving SMEs across the North West
The operational expertise your business needs
without the full-time cost.
Fractional MD services covering supply chain, quality, HR, health & safety, finance, and process improvement — for manufacturing and industrial SMEs across the North West.
What we do
Seven disciplines. One experienced pair of hands.
Whether you need to untangle a supply chain, tighten up compliance, or build a team that performs — we bring the expertise to get it done.
Supply Chain
End-to-end supply chain review, supplier management, and resilience planning to reduce cost and risk.
Quality Management
ISO compliance, quality systems, and continuous improvement frameworks that stick.
Human Resources
People strategy, recruitment support, performance frameworks, and employment compliance.
Health & Safety
Risk assessments, H&S management systems, and a culture of safety that protects your people and your business.
Finance
Financial controls, reporting, cash flow management, and the commercial clarity to make better decisions.
Process Improvement
Practical operational improvement that reduces waste and drives throughput.
Research & Development
R&D strategy, NPD process design, and funding frameworks that turn innovation into a reliable driver of growth.
How we work
The right engagement for your situation.
Whether you need a focused project delivered, an ongoing operational partner, or a clear-eyed view of where your business stands — we have a structured way to help.
Ad hoc projects
Targeted. Time-bound. Results-focused.
Sometimes you need a specific problem solved — not an ongoing retainer. We take on defined operational projects with clear scope, deliverables, and timelines. From supplier renegotiations to ISO readiness programmes, we get in, do the work, and hand over something that lasts.
- Supplier review and renegotiation
- ISO 9001 / 14001 readiness
- HR framework build
- H&S management system implementation
- Process mapping and waste elimination
- R&D tax credit preparation support
Business health check
Know exactly where you stand.
Not sure where to start? A Business Health Check gives you an independent, structured assessment of your operations across all seven disciplines. You'll receive a clear written report with prioritised recommendations — no jargon, no padding, just an honest picture of what's working and what needs attention.
- Full operational reviewWe assess your business across supply chain, quality, HR, H&S, finance, process, and R&D.
- Prioritised findingsRecommendations ranked by impact and urgency — so you know what to tackle first.
- Written reportA clear, actionable document you can share with your board, investors, or leadership team.
- No obligationThe health check stands alone. There's no pressure to engage further — though many clients do.
Why fractional?
Senior leadership. Flexible engagement.
Most SMEs can't justify a full-time MD salary — but they still need that level of experience in the room. A fractional MD gives you access to board-level operational expertise on a part-time or project basis, at a fraction of the cost. No recruitment risk. No long-term commitment. Just results.
About
A steady hand that's been in your seat.
The Manufacturing MD is built on decades of hands-on operational leadership in manufacturing and industrial businesses. We've managed the shop floor, sat in the boardroom, and navigated the challenges that keep SME directors awake at night. We don't consult from a distance — we get involved.
Ready to bring in the expertise?
Let's have a straightforward conversation about where your business is and what it needs. No sales pitch — just an honest assessment.
- Supply Chain
- Quality
- HR
- H&S
- Finance
- Process