BLF INDUSTRY SURVEY 1995 MAIN FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY 1. INTRODUCTION The UK Headquarters of Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd.


In 1993, the British Lubricants Federation (BLF) adopted a radical new mission and new aims. Its new mission is to become the authoritative lead body for the UK Lubricants industry. Its aims are to become the centre of expertise, relevant to all companies and all their employees, to promote best practice and to extend its influence across the entire industry.


As a part of this process, the BLF has teamed


up with the Lubricants Consulting Company (LCC), a consultancy focused specifically on the Lubricants industry. Together the BLF and LCC are working towards a better understanding of the needs of members with the objective of designing and delivering a range of new services which will promote best practice, widen the relevance of the BLF, and raise new revenues.


The first step in this process has been a confidential survey amongst a cross-section of members. This report summarises the findings from that survey.


2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY


2.1 To understand the current state of the UK lubricants industry, in order to appreciate the long-term needs of BLF members. In particular to understand the key management issues facing the industry and the use of modern management practices by members.


2.2 To determine the views of members about the role of the BLF- current and future. 2.3 To explore with BLF members a range of possible new services.


3. MAIN FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS


The findings are based on research with companies in the sector. By their nature they are generalisations. Every finding does not apply to every company in the sector. 3.1 INDUSTRY PROBLEMS


In the opinion of companies in the sector, the main problem facing the industry is the failure of many participants to compete on quality. Members believe that this problem applies across the sector, with only some niches being excepted.


The main dimensions of this problem include:


• A weak focus by some companies on convincing customers of the technological benefits of their products


• Some companies not spending enough themselves on product and service innovation • Some companies not focusing upon differentiation


(continued/ 10/11/12)


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20