Andy Spence
Managing Director & Principal Consultant

With a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Andy is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Engineering Technology

Andy gained 5 years early career experience in the energy equipment sector, completing a sponsorship programme with Brush Electrical Machines before joining GEC Alsthom post graduation as a Project Engineer then Production Supervisor. This early experience, much of it shop floor based, gave Andy a strong appreciation of the challenges in manufacturing business both from leadership and operator perspectives.

Following a ‘light bulb’ moment in 1997, attending an improvement techniques seminar, Andy took the opportunity to join SMMT Industry Forum to complete their unique ‘Jamaster’ training. Twelve months were spent working with a Japanese Master Engineer from Honda, alongside others from Toyota and Nissan), learning how to effectively implement Continuous Process Improvement.

Andy remained with SMMT Industry Forum for almost 24 years, continuing to develop his capabilities:

  • Delivering transformation programmes across many sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, medical, food and drink, construction, chemicals, electrical products and services.
  • Experienced leading programmes in French language.
  • Six years leading IF Aerospace and Defence programmes sector as the leading Lean and NPI expert provider to the UK Sharing in Growth programme. Supporting the development of APQP approaches within the sector.
  • Lead author and Master Assessor for the NMCL / SC21 C&G assessment process underpinning recent UK Automotive and Aerospace National Programmes.
  • Director of Operations from October 2020 to March 2022, responsible for all delivery activities within the organisation.

In April 2022 Andy launched his own consulting company, AS Compete Ltd to provide cost effective consultancy for manufacturing clients, enabling them to drive their competitive performance.

  • Areas of delivery expertise
  • Enterprise-wide assessment and programme development
  • Strategy development and deployment
  • Lean transformation
  • New product introduction and Project Management
  • Total Productive Maintenance
  • Supplier development and improvement
  • Demand management and Inventory planning, Production scheduling
  • Management and control processes, operational leadership development