Cornwall motor trade businesses were treated to a VIP guest earlier this month when Mark Priestly delivered a productivity and profitability address to the region’s SMEs. Held at Cornwall College Camborne, the speech was designed to enhance productivity and boost profitability for small businesses.
In the lead up to the speech Priestly said, “I’m really looking forward to the event in Cornwall, a place I’ve always wanted to visit helping SMEs to develop and to understand some of the ways in which Formula One teams are successful as businesses as well as sports teams.”
As ex head mechanic at McLaren F1 and current TV presenter, Priestly is known and respected throughout the motor trade industry. During his time with McLaren F1 Priestley spent a decade working with the pit crew to supercharge the wheels of world famous drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, David Coulthard and Fernando Alonso. As well as sharing his career experiences he was also on-hand to emphasise how small changes can make the world of difference for SMEs.
The organisers behind the presentation were a team of engineering students from Cornwall College. Together they commissioned Priestly to head the specialist conference which was directed at a handful of interconnected industries including engineering, manufacturing, technology and marine.
Amarjit Basi, Cornwall College Group principal was incredibly excited to roll out the event, stating, “This event draws upon the excellent relationships the Cornwall College Group has with employers, schools, universities, local communities and learners in delivering our commitment to ‘Making Learning Work’.
“Our subject specialisms have been developed in partnership with employers to provide career-led pathways aimed at bridging the skills gap across the region,” he added.
While he explored a range of different concepts and ideas the key message to come out of Priestley’s presentation was that small changes can equal big results. Focussing on operations, business plans and employees is important however businesses should never forget to protect their enterprise with complete insurance relevant to the sector. It may seem like a small step but at the end of the day it can mean the difference between full financial support and a business that’s bought to its knees by debt.