Business Unit Manager for Marshalls Landscape Protection on why he got involved with AMF
Brian Tait, business unit manager for Marshalls Landscape Protection, discusses his role on the board of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) and how his firm has benefitted from being a member.
Working globally across 20 countries, the Landscape Protection division at Marshalls, has a design, engineering and specification philosophy that enables highly effective protective and non-protective street furniture to blend seamlessly into urban landscape design. It offers an extensive collection of everything from bollards, planters and seating in various material options, as it develops urban areas with both public safety and aesthetic appeal at the forefront of its activity.
Brian, said: “Marshalls joined the AMF in 2015 because business practice and technology is constantly evolving and we wanted to learn more about best practice and to share ways of working with other members. We saw the AMF as the natural environment for that and it has proved to be the case.
“It was also important for us to be part of our industry body, to contribute and gain an insight into developments within the wider manufacturing sector.
“I was invited to join the AMF Board in 2017, primarily as a health and safety specialist, and when the COVID pandemic hit, I was able to share the controls and practices we had put in place, to help keep operations at Marshalls running as safely and efficiently as possible. Indeed, ensuring our team felt safe during this time of great uncertainty was our top priority.
“Being part of a collective membership body was crucial during the pandemic, as members had a readily available support system on offer, so we never felt alone or isolated.
“The AMF has proved beneficial to us in numerous other ways, with many of the team participating in training and learning events, and some of our colleagues have achieved formal qualifications, such as Level 2 diplomas in team leading.
“We have also benefitted from a range of invaluable introductions to potential customers and suppliers, all of which has led to stronger connections within the sector.
“There is also the social side which we all enjoy, more so now that we can once again meet in person, sharing challenges and successes with other likeminded business professionals.
“In September of this year, four colleagues and myself cycled from Lands-End to John O’Groats for MacMillan Cancer Support. With the help of the AMF we raised over £6,000 from this event alone and our partnership with MacMillan Cancer Support has seen us raise over £225 thousand for the charity since 2019.”
Our JustGiving page is still open so please feel free to leave a donation: Marshalls Lands End to John O’Groats cycle challenge – JustGiving
