Twin MDs claim unfair advantage
A
Staffordshire Precision Engineering product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Apr 13, 2006
Very few companies can truly claim to have a natural advantage over their competition, but one engineering firm is entitled to do just that - the MDs are twin brothers.
Very few companies can truly claim to have a natural advantage over their competition, but one engineering firm is entitled to do just that - the MDs are twin brothers.
Phil and Gary Smith, of Staffordshire Precision Engineering, can communicate quicker than any of their counterparts - even with technological advances like the internet and mobile phones - because they have a telepathic understanding.
And the dynamic duo, who have made great strides in company efficiency since taking over in 2003, feel this is one of the reasons they are one step ahead of their rivals.
Phil said: "I think we compliment each other, because we have different skills, and this gives us a distinct advantage".
"We are instantly identifiable, which I suppose is a kind of natural branding - it's better than anything we could come up with".
"And because we are so close, we have the same ambitions and move in the same direction, almost without thinking about it".
"Other firms would have to consult someone else before making decisions".
"I was born with my best mate, so conflict is rare, and even when it does happen it all blows over very quickly".
"It must be strange for everyone else working here - not many of them will have worked for a company where the people in charge are so close".
"And I like to think it gives our customers a better chance of speaking to the people at the helm".
"Most companies have one person at the top - and if they are out it can be a problem if someone needs to speak to them".
"Here we have two people who are the main interface with the customers".
The likeness can create problems though, particularly confusing their customers.
Phil said: "Obviously we look alike, being twins, but we also sound alike, which has caused problems in the past".
"Customers often think they have been talking to you, when in fact it was your brother".
"It has lead to a few crossed wires in the past".
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