Ad Manum Consultants sponsors the 2014 Doggy Dash for life at Hollingworth Lake
Over one hundred dogs and their owners braved the elements on a cold Sunday morning to ‘dash’ the 2.75 miles around Hollingworth Lake near Rochdal...
Our client base features some of the best known branded consumer product manufacturers, major Aerospace corporations and niche software development companies.
Based in the UK, our experience of conducting business internationally includes:
We can offer support and consultancy in Leadership Coaching, Interim Management, Programme Management, Supply Chain Development, Business Development or Organisational Redesign as well as:
What ever your needs make contact with our Managing Director Jon Laughton who will be happy to discuss your specific needs and expand upon the company’s experience and expert team of associate consultants.
“Championing Change, Challenging The Status Quo” is our ethos!
We believe that your business needs to adapt and grow with the ever-changing demands and increasing complexity of the market. Intuitively most senior leaders within modern businesses recognise this fact, but all too often misunderstand or lack the necessary skill set to deliver effective and sustainable change from the top to the bottom of their organisations. This is where we can help…
Buying consultancy is a major investment for any business and all too often is made more difficult by failing to appreciate and articulate the real underlying problems; we do not shirk from asking the difficult questions that help your organisation to become leaner, fitter and better led whether this is through our interim management style (hands on & dynamic) or through a more traditional consultancy assignment. In either case we underwrite our offering by valuing:
In delivering progressive & effective change on your behalf we adopt the following behaviours:
Jon Laughton B.Sc, MA, MIoD, FRAes.
Current Directorships
Jon Laughton has over thirty-three years successful business experience in Senior Executive & Director positions – most notably in the Aerospace, Electrical Switchgear, Leisure Marine & Consumer goods sectors. His international business experience includes working in the USA, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Romania, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Belgium & Germany.
Formerly the Managing Director of Hurel-Hispano UK Ltd, a £75M turnover, French owned aerostructures design & manufacturing company, Jon formed his own company, Ad Manum Consultants Ltd, in 2005 to provide companies with a ‘one stop shop’ for interim management or consultancy support in a range of services. The business has enjoyed significant growth in what is a very competitive market. Clients include blue chip companies such as Dyson, The Baxi Group, Messier Services UK Ltd, The Kilgour Group, GCT GmbH, Fokker Technologies BV, GKN Munich, SABCA Limburg N.V. & The Balta Group.
In 2005 Jon’s company formed an informal partnership with Gary Windas the MD of Hawksland Associates Ltd (see below); this was a strategic alliance to develop business jointly. The partnership was formalised later that year and in early 2007 Gary & Jon incorporated Hawksland Holdings Ltd as a vehicle for acquiring established engineering businesses that can be developed into a ‘world class’ group supplying the aerospace sector. Their vision for this group is to leverage their significant experience and network of ‘world class’ associates to build a capability that will include Production Engineering, Precision Machining, Composite Manufacturing & Large Sub-assembly. This remains a work in progress.
Jon has a first degree in Metallurgy from Manchester University a Masters in Leadership & Management Learning from Lancaster University Management School, is a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Gary Windas MIoD, FRAeS
Gary is a specialist in strategic business development, commercial, programme, operations and supply chain management he has over 30 years of A & D industry experience – 26 years as a consultant.
Gary helps clients with strategy, tactical execution and turnaround situations – leveraging decades of experience and know-how, market intelligence and insights supporting them: grow market share, open-up new markets, improve operational performance, reduce costs and spend. He has managed and optimised global supply chains and whole life-cycle programme managed several technology, aircraft aerostructures, engine and systems development programmes.
Amanda Duggan
Amanda is a world leading specialist coach to Leadership teams helping them excel in delivering success for shareholders & employees alike.
She began her career with the Halifax Bank, during which time Amanda worked supporting the introduction of employee involvement / recognition programmes with organisations in Europe, South Africa and the Middle East.
She then spent 13 years with Dale Carnegie Training working with a diverse range of clients in Leadership Development & building high performing teams. Amanda still retains the position of Master Trainer for Dale Carnegie & Associates Inc. and works on behalf of Carnegie University to develop / assess new trainers across the world. She won the Dale Carnegie Trainer of the Year Award for Europe / Middle East and is a Certified Hogan Practitioner, licensed in the Hogan Suite of Instruments
Amanda’s extensive experience in designing & delivering innovative training / development solutions for the private and public sectors ensure she is the ‘go to’ person for Leadership Development
Ian Bryson B.Sc (Team Leader)
An experienced Operations & Engineering Managing Director / Operations Director with a demonstrable record of business transformation and performance improvement gained in the aerospace and automotive industries. Through the effective use of strategic business planning, Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement he has provided companies with the leadership & direction to deliver cultural change & quantifiable improvements to all aspects of operational business performance
Trained as an Engineer, with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, his experience to date includes the aerospace, defence, automotive and technology development. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and was formally trained in Lean Manufacturing by Kawasaki in Japan.
Recent Assignments
Interim Head of Operations of a Defence contractor manufacturing highly complex Composite structures for Marine, aerospace and defence products during which he managed a complete building refurbishment and site capability enhancement, with an investment budget of £7m
Established the Production Engineering function for a highly reputable aerospace service provider to provide a fully developed team of Engineers with a remit to drive Operational Excellence, Design to Cost and Systems Engineering for bespoke high complexity Multi-million pound projects. This included the optimisation of an auxiliary fuel tank manufacturing cell based on a “Takt driven line” for a complex assembly based on single piece flow. The end customer subsequently awarded the client their supplier of the year.
Delivered a strategy for prototyping and manufacturing development for an innovative technology developer and a full rate manufacturing / supply chain strategy for highly innovative energy recovery and efficiency devices in the on and off-highway sectors.
Professor John Burgoyne B.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
Professor Burgoyne is an internationally recognised leading thinker, author, expert and advisor in the fields of Leadership & Management Learning/Development. From 1987 until 2012 he was the Professor of Management Learning at Lancaster University & Departmental Head and has the author of over 190 publications in his fields.
Professor Burgoyne retired from full time academic roles in 2012 and now combines part-time positions at Lancaster University Management School, University Campus Suffolk, Ashridge Business School & Henley Business School with individual assignments.
Since the early 1980s Professor Burgoyne has undertaken formally funded research on no less than 40 occasions on behalf of clients in both the private and public sectors and.
His main areas of activity and interest include:
In 2014 Ad Manum Consultants Ltd was delighted to welcome Professor Burgoyne as a new senior associate who will be able add real value to existing and prospective clients in this demanding field.
Joshan Mahmud B.Sc (Hons), MMus
Josh is a highly sought after Senior Software Developer / Business Analyst with 10 years experience building an extensive range of applications for both the public and private sectors. Equally at home with start ups & established companies, Josh brings technical knowledge and practical experience to the full development lifecycle as well as agile methodologies including SCRUM & TDD.
Josh is acknowledged for his strong business analysis and technical writing skills within a range of teams and industries; he is equally comfortable in working on solo projects or leading teams of developers and acting as the technical lead on your projects.
Based in London Josh can commute easily to all parts of the UK or Europe.
Suzanne Hill C.Eng IMechE, MCQI, CQP
Suzanne has over 20 years experience in developing & applying Continuous Improvement and Quality solutions in senior management positions within the global aerospace sector across multiple locations. Her portfolio covers Aerospace Manufacturing, Assembly and Logistics.
Suzanne has a reputation for achieving significant improvements in productivity and organisational effectiveness by focusing on Lean ‘basics’ such as problem resolution, 5S, visual management, waste reduction, standardised work and kaizen.
Suzanne has a passion for “all-employee” contribution to Continuous improvement, partcularly through the creation and facilitation of “belt” coaching systems (Yellow and Green Belt).
Suzanne is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng IMechE), Chartered Quality Professional (CQP CQI) with a technical (engineering) and business management education.
Gavin Bridges B.Sc, MIMechE (Senior Associate)
Gavin is a highly experienced performance improvement professional with strong programme/project management skills. His focus is on sustainable profit increases, working capital reductions and service/customer satisfaction improvements. He is able to diagnose root cause problems and rapidly develop appropriate improvements. He is expert in the implementation of simple yet effective Operations & Supply Chain business processes.
Aerospace Experience
Specific Expertise:
Don Landsborough
Don is our expert in the field of airline operations and civil aircraft maintenance (AMRO). He has over forty years experience in all aspects of airline operations, particularly engineering & maintenance. He is widely connected throughout the industry having worked with BOAC, British Airways, Field Aircraft Services, GE, Britannia Airways, Airbus Industrie, TUI, Air Astana, low cost South American Airlines & FLYGLOBESPAN.
His international experience takes in Singapore, Kazakhstan, France, Germany & South America and having spent the formative years of his life in Taiwan, Don has a good understanding of the cultural issues affecting Airline operations. He is also fluent in Hokkein.
Don has been an EASA Form 4 holder and was formerly the Chairman of the European Association of Independent Airlines.
Tony Sansom D.M.S, F.I.Q.A, I.Eng (Senior Associate)
Tony is a former Head of Quality at GKN Aerospace with a career spanning over 35 Years in Aerospace Composites Design, Manufacturing & processing environments. He is fully conversant with the requirements to gain & sustain all relevant aerospace Regulatory and Customer Quality Approvals. He is acknowledged for his excellent range of analytical skills & lean process knowledge.
As an independent Quality Specialist since 2011 with an in depth knowledge of the techniques required to establish statistical process control in aerospace manufacturing and assembly, he has undertaken a number of key assignments including previously working with SABCA Limburg successfully assisting in their NADCAP audits & qualification. Examples of the assignments undertaken since 2011 are:
Tony will be specifically focussed on the resolution of the quality problems associated with the A350 Flap Support Structure
Steve Sykes C.Eng, MIMechE, MRAeS, MAPM, B.Sc (Senior Associate)
Steve has over 30 years experience working at very senior levels in the international Aerospace & Defence Industries for many of the world’s largest corporations including BAE Systems, Goodrich and Marshall. He is an acknowledged expert in Programme Management, Engineering Planning and Organisational Transformation particularly using lean methodologies.
Most recently Steve has been supporting Ultra Electronics leading the MA700 programme and Marshall Aerospace in Programme Director roles responsible for the KC46A Programme, Wide-body aircraft conversions and the P8. He has a reputation for always delivering projects on time and in budget.
As a former Engineering Director for Goodrich Actuation Systems in the UK, Steve ran an EASA Part 21J approved organisation delivering very significant performance improvements and cost savings. Prior to Goodrich Steve worked internationally for BAE Systems on the RJX/BAe 146 programme (Flight Ops, Conversions & General Aircraft Services).
For the A350 assignment in SABCA Brussels, Steve will be particularly focussed on:
I had the pleasure of working for Jon when he was Head of Airbus Business. He fostered an excellent team spirit between his direct reports and also with other key functions including Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program Management. His crisp presentational style and clarity of message ensured that the business objectives were understood at all levels within the organization. As a developing manager I found Jon to be very supportive and an excellent coach. Jon was the driving force behind the successful restructuring of the business to overcome a 300% increase in volume, a 60% increase in product variety, and a 20% reduction in cost with minimal capital spend. In addition, he introduced many progressive materials management initiatives including cut to size material delivered to point of use on a 24 hour call off. This greatly reduced the cash burden on the business and improved cycle time. Jon engendered good planning in his organization which allowed his business to meet its financial objectives and delivery commitments despite constant build rate fluctuation and mix changes.
Keith Matthews – VP Operational Excellence – GE Aviation
I’ve worked with Jon Laughton on a number of different occasions over the past ten years and can wholeheartedly recommend him as an extremely resourceful and committed manager / consultant. Jon has accumulated a considerable amount of experience at a senior level in the aeronautical industry both within and outside the UK. He has experience working at both a strategic and operational level and has strong personal values and an extremely high work ethic.
Gary Denham – Managing Director – Next Step Consulting
This area of the site is where you can download various documents and resources that provide more in-depth information about Ad Manum Consultants, the projects we have worked on and the various services and solutions we can offer.
To view any the documents, click on a category or sub-category, click on the file you want to view and it will open in a new window.
Ad Manum Consultants Ltd can assist you in building, maintaining and flying small UCAV/model aeroplanes compliant with the CAA’s Civil Aviation Publication CAP 658 and the Air Navigation Order’s articles 137, 138 & 166.
Our MD, Jon Laughton is an experienced & proficient flyer, certificated by the BMFA and the company has a small but well equipped workshop to meet your needs.
For great UAV / model flying, Ad Manum Consultants Ltd recommends the RC Hotel in beautiful Corfu….tuition available and there is a substantial range of aircraft to fly that suit all types of ability/experience.
Fill in the enquiry form for more details….
Ad Manum is proud to support two charities on a regular basis: Cancer Research UK and The Dogs Trust.
We support Cancer Research through the corporate sponsorship of two fund raising events each year: the T-off golf competition held each summer at the Pike Fold Golf Club in Bury, Lancs and the ‘Doggy Dash’ held at Hollingworth Lake each April.
In the past our MD, Jon Laughton completed the BUPA Manchester 10K fun run for the Dogs Trust and the company regularly makes donations to support this excellent charity.
Ad Manum is pleased to sponsor BMFA National Centre.
Ad Manum Consultants is also proud to sponsor the Poor 4 Cast free fall parachute team.
Hawksland Associates are aerospace and defence consultants providing Business Development, Operational and Technical Support Services to Aerospace, Defence and Security businesses, improving business performance. For more information click here.
Hawksland Holdings offer consultancy services on Acquisitions, Strategic Business Development, Joint Ventures and Partnerships, Management Consulting,, Technology Development and Insertion, Turnaround Management, and Investments. For more information click here.
Thanks to my good friends Mick & Beryl for allowing ‘Baloo’ to steal the show in some of the photos used in this website!
Over one hundred dogs and their owners braved the elements on a cold Sunday morning to ‘dash’ the 2.75 miles around Hollingworth Lake near Rochdal...
Professor John Burgoyne, one of the world’s leading authors and thinkers on management learning and leadership in organisations has joined our elite...
We are delighted to announce that we have a formal relationship with one of the top industrial Real Estate and Shelter Services providers in Mexico: A...
A former manufacturer of commercial and regional aircraft now supporting a legacy fleet of 400+ aircraft with a full range of after-market services an...
Circa £3.5M turnover privately owned Aerospace SME supplying fully treated complex machined prismatic and rotational parts . Based in the NW of Engla...
A £40M+ turnover major player in the repair, overhaul and servicing of commercial aircraft undercarriages based in the South West of England...