Close to 15 successful years in our current format, with a proud heritage stretching back almost 35 years. Our roots founded on real experience of the Operational Excellence principles and practices of true world class operations. We take pride in how we’ve grown and evolved to successfully share and further develop Operational Excellence across a wide spectrum of market sectors and international locations.
To help you understand our pedigree and experience in this field, take a moment to read through our evolutionary timeline…
1990 / 91
Ian Scurfield joins Hashimoto Ltd as a key member of the business start up team receiving extensive training and gaining practical experience, in both UK and Japan, of kaizen principles and practices and world class operations leadership.
Forward Vision founded by Ed Handyside, having been formerly responsible for staff development at Nissan and originator of Nissan’s production management training programs.
1992 – 1997
Forward Vision becomes established as one of the first Lean consulting and people development organisations with a growing portfolio of international ‘blue chip’ clients such as Rolls Royce Power, Daimler Benz, Draeger, General Motors, Alcan and many others.
1997
Publication (Gower) of Ed Handyside’s, Genba Kanri: the Disciplines of Real Leadership in the Workplace.
1998 – 2003
Ian Scurfield joins Forward Vision from Hashimoto Ltd having spent 8 years as an Operations Leader and latterly as Hashimoto’s first full time UK Continuous Improvement Manager. In 2003 Ian becomes Director at Forward Vison and continues expansion of client base with an increasing number of FMCG businesses, including: Geest (Bakkavor), United Biscuits, Hazlewood Foods & Greencore Gp. and Britvic
2004
Forward Vision and PC Henderson Ltd are joint winners of a National Training Award for a program designed and led by Ian Scurfield. The award received in recognition of the effectiveness of the close partnership and engagement between client and supplier and the use of training as an effective driver and enabler for change. The program combined value stream mapping and process design, extensive leadership and operational excellence skills training, and the installation of new operations management practices.
2007
Ian Scurfield leaves Forward Vision to take up a position as Operations Director at an engineering business. Forward Vision purchased by Coriolis; Ed Handyside engaged as Project Director until business handover and contractual obligations are fulfilled.
2009 – 2012
Ian Scurfield establishes Deerness Consulting and engages in Operational Excellence interventions at FMCG businesses with Coriolis, within the financial services sector with OEE Consulting, and also at Martin Baker Aircraft Company. In 2012, Deerness Consulting wins contract to deliver a network wide skills and capability development program for Operations and Continuous Improvement managers within ASDA logistics. Ed Handyside and other former colleagues join Ian Scurfield to further expand the business.
2012 – 2019
Significant expansion of projects within financial services sector through OEE Consulting (GoBeyond Partners), and expansion of manufacturing client base from direct engagement.
Expansion of programs and services offered and notable increase in project/change management work-type; notably the development of Operational Excellence as a supporting driver for effective digital and automation transformation.
Expansion of international working (India, China, USA, Europe); notably program leadership of global program for international bank curtailed by pandemic.
2020 – present
Deerness Consulting respond to urgent requirement for program leadership and delivery support during pandemic when engaged (GoBeyond Partners) as Program Mgr. with largest UK/US industrial equipment and facilities rental company. Ian Scurfield managing the design, launch and implementation of an Operational Excellence program enabling improved business responsiveness and installing sustainable internal capability. The quality and delivery of program gaining recognition in 2021 as MCA awards winner.
Further expansion of Deerness Consulting interim and program leadership services in 2021 with engagement as interim Operations & Transformation Director at world leading brake fluid manufacturer. Leading business transformation enabling c.50% capacity/capability growth and significant EBITDA increase giving family owners much improved Enterprise Value exit option.
Extended engagement of Ian Scurfield in 2023 as interim Program Director to lead launch of own brand specialist racing brake fluid across UK, EU and USA territories.