The newly appointed MD of VEKA plc, Neil Evans, has a clear strategy for 2021 and is leading the business to ensure VEKA, and its customers, continue to thrive in challenging times, not just this year but in the years to come.
Squaring up to the challenges of Covid-19, Neil took the helm of the business in January 2021 and has this week revealed his intentions for the year ahead for the business.
VEKA placed people at its heart in the challenging trading year of 2020 – customers, suppliers and employees – and this, combined with a trusted brand, strong heritage and strong relationships will form the backbone of 2021’s strategic approach.
According to Neil, although 2021 was seen by many as marking the beginning of recovery, he is a little more respectful of his opponent.
Neil explained: “We have begun the year with record breaking sales. Our order books are healthier than ever. We are in a good position facing the future with fearless optimism, but a newly earned respect for the need to be able to flex our strategy and be nimble in these extraordinary times. We are committed to supporting our customers as the ripples of the pandemic continue to provide after-shocks not only for our industry, but for the economy as a whole.
As a business, and as management team, we have a shared ruthless focus on where we want to be by 2025 and how we’re going to get there, whilst remaining mindful that there will be some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Our plans are ambitious, but sustainable, as we will never put the stability of the business or people at risk.”
VEKA has done a great job of maintaining a good level of performance despite difficult circumstances, but there is always room for improvement. The year ahead will see VEKA concentrating on further innovation and driving improvement for the industry, not forgetting continuing to ensure the business is a great place to work and always keeping customer service at its heart.
The pandemic has forced all businesses to embrace digital technology, whether that be to facilitate communications, collaborative remote working or driving process efficiencies through greater connectivity. VEKA is continually investing in its products and services to bring customers innovations and digital solutions. The company has prioritised some projects that will make it easier for our customers to do business in a new way. This includes the development of ‘WinDoPlan’, VEKA’s new and exclusive online specification, planning and virtual presentation tool currently available to fabricators and soon to be available to specifiers.
CSR is a key objective for the business and the company will further demonstrate its commitment as it transitions from its eco-product ‘Infinity’ to a long term commitment to introduce an increased recycled material throughout its product range.
VEKA will also be exhibiting at the 2021 FIT show; continuing to support the industry and embracing face to face connections once again.
Neil added: “Standing still is effectively going backwards, and that has never been an option for me or VEKA. We operate in a competitive environment and to remain a leading business in our sector in these challenging times, we must be flexible and nimble in our approach. We know where we are going, we have learnt from the events in 2020; we know what we are going to achieve and as a team we will tackle 2021 as part of our 2025 strategic plan not only with energy & positivity, but with a clear call to action.”
