A leading operational improvement consulting specialist has joined the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), strengthening the organisation with the addition of a member focused on driving growth and operational excellence across the UK’s vital maritime sector.
Develop Consulting, brings Toyota-trained Lean manufacturing expertise and proven transformation capabilities to the UK’s maritime community, which plays a critical role in the British economy.
As specialists in low-volume, high-value manufacturing and maintenance, Develop Consulting works with some of the world’s leading organisations across rail, aerospace, automotive and maritime. The company has extensive experience supporting major rail programmes, aerospace operations, automotive manufacturers and vessel refit projects, adopting a practical, hands-on approach to delivering sustainable improvements in complex operational environments.
The new membership follows meetings between Develop Consulting’s Maritime Director Darren Jones and Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive of the Society of Maritime Industries.
Mr Jones said: “Joining SMI is an exciting step for us. We specialise in low-volume, high-value manufacturing and maintenance, working with some of the biggest names globally across rail, supercars and aerospace. The UK maritime sector has tremendous potential, and we’re bringing this proven expertise to support its growth. Our hands-on approach to Lean transformation has delivered significant results on major projects across these sectors, and we look forward to bringing this expertise to benefit the wider SMI community.”
Mr Chant added: “We’re pleased to welcome Develop Consulting to SMI. Their experience in Lean manufacturing and operational improvement is directly relevant to the challenges the UK maritime sector is working through. Members like Develop Consulting bring valuable cross‑sector insight that strengthens the wider community and supports improved productivity, competitiveness and long‑term growth for industry.”
Develop Consulting’s expertise will support SMI’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness and performance of the UK maritime sector on the global stage.
For more information, visit: www.develop-consulting.co.uk or contact Darren Jones at darren.jones@develop-consulting.co.uk
