Based in Oldham, TP Matrix has been a successful business for over 30 years. It provides engineering, test, repair, and overhaul services for various equipment associated with passenger and freight rolling stock electronics, including mainline trains, trams, and London Underground fleets. The company was acquired by the Amcomri Group in 2021, and Liam McDonnell, a long-time rail industry veteran, joined as managing director.
Most railway companies seek to extend the lifespan of their electronic equipment to more than 10 to 15 years past its original design life due to the cost of replacing it with new-build fleets. As the original manufacturers of these ageing electronic equipment might have moved on or ceased to exist, a huge gap exists in the market for support and repair services.
Over the past four years, TP Matrix has seen a significant increase in inquiries and business, mainly in supporting the UK rail industry with obsolescence issues. Liam sees the demand for maintenance services from the rail industry as a significant opportunity for the company.
Major companies now prioritizing sustainability in tendering process
Another major trend in the industry is the UK’s major rail services are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with more of them incorporating sustainability requirements into their tendering process.
The new government’s introduction of the Great British Railway is expected to make these green credentials even more critical in the industry’s future. Liam knows that TP Matrix must meet these requirements to be better positioned in the tendering process and maintain its competitive edge in the industry.
To suit the requirements of the new age, they need a plan to actively enhance TP Matrix’s capability to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero. But how do you start from scratch with something that will impact the company’s daily operation?
Getting started in your journey to net zero
In early 2024, Liam received an invitation email from Taymer Pugh, a Key Account Manager of GM Business Growth Hub, regarding the Atom Valley development project and the Hub’s available support for businesses in the area. Liam thought that it was excellent timing to bring in an outside consultancy to look into the company’s operation, especially regarding sustainability. After an initial assessment, Liam decided to kickstart the development of the company’s plan to enhance its green credentials with the support of the Hub.
“We are still in the very early stage of our journey to net zero, and those training sessions and professional advice are highly beneficial for us as they helped us understand the problem we faced. We will first categorize different sources of emissions and then work on those low-hanging fruits. With the support from the Hub, our goal is to develop a three-year plan and minimize our scope 1 and 2 emissions,” Liam stated.
The biggest asset is people skills and talent
Besides the plan to enhance the company’s green credentials, the other area Liam would like to improve for the company is workforce development.
“TP Matrix specializes in repairing and overhauling highly advanced and complex electronic equipment. While it may seem highly technical, it is actually a people-driven process that relies on the skills of individuals.
“Although we automate some testing processes, the human interface is still essential in everything we do. The biggest asset of TP matrix is definitely its people, so retaining their skills and developing the people we’ve got is a huge part of what we do as a business.”
With the Hub’s support, Liam is reviewing the company’s appraisal and sickness payment process to improve talent retention.
It is their enthusiasm that helps keep me engaged
Liam valued the services provided by the Hub highly, and it is also the people from the Hub that have impressed him most.
“Everyone has been really helpful in the process, and all the training I have done has been enlightening, and I have learnt a lot. Everyone I have dealt with at the Hub is passionate about their work. It is their enthusiasm that helps keep me engaged because I’ve got a lot of other stuff to do as well.”
“I think the Hub has such a wide range of support to offer, and any SME can tap into and benefit from it. With all expertise in various aspects, it is brilliant to have a resource in Greater Manchester that we can use, and a lot of it’s free as well, which is fantastic.”
“Liam and the wider team at TP Matrix have been an absolute delight to work with over the last few months. He is clearly passionate about ensuring the business’s future success and has been fully engaged in accessing support from The Hub’s different specialist services,” said Taymer.
“With TP Matrix being a part of a larger group of companies, Liam has been instrumental in introducing another local SME of the same group to our network. We are glad to have had Liam’s help in expanding our coverage in Oldham, allowing more local SMEs access to our fully funded service.”
Want to embark on the journey to net zero? Our passionate business advisors with extensive knowledge on sustainability will guide you through the process and help you achieve the green credentials necessary for your company’s future. Visit the following link to learn more: https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/successes/prepare-for-the-next-stage-getting-your-green-credentials-ready-with-the-hub-tp-matrix/
