Introducing PP Control & Automation
PP Control & Automation (PP C&A) is a leading UK-based provider of electrical control systems to global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). With a proud heritage and a strong reputation for technical excellence, PP C&A supports its customers through the design and manufacture of complex control systems that enhance equipment performance and reliability. The company operates across a diverse range of sectors and is recognised for its flexibility, innovation, and ability to deliver high-quality, bespoke automation solutions.
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The challenge
In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, PP C&A, like many manufacturing businesses, found itself navigating a rapidly changing commercial and operational environment. Global supply chain disruption, semiconductor shortages, and shifting customer priorities presented real challenges, impacting delivery performance and increasing operational complexity. While demand remained steady, these external pressures affected productivity and margins, particularly during a time when the business was focused on scaling up for growth.
Internally, PP C&A recognised the need to enhance its leadership capability, embed more consistent planning and performance processes, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. As the business pursued ambitious targets – including a long-term goal to achieve £60 million in annual revenue by 2029 – it became clear that strengthening operational foundations would be key to unlocking future success. At the same time, shareholder expectations and plans for future investment and acquisitions highlighted the need for stronger governance, tighter financial discipline, and cultural change across the business.
The SiG solution
PP C&A partnered with Sharing in Growth (SiG) to deliver a structured, hands-on transformation programme tailored to the business’s strategic objectives and operational needs. From the outset, the focus was on enabling PP C&A’s teams to develop the capabilities, behaviours and systems that would underpin scalable growth.
A key pillar of the programme was leadership development. Through the SiG Team Leader Academy, seven team leaders completed structured training designed to increase confidence, engagement, and accountability at the front line. This investment in people played a crucial role in driving value-added improvements across the business.
At an operational level, SiG introduced the Lighthouse methodology to accelerate improvements in key areas such as planning, quality, delivery and cost. Dedicated improvement cells enabled teams to trial, prove, and embed new ways of working that could be scaled across the wider business. These initiatives were supported by the introduction of structured governance tools, including daily performance monitoring through SQDCP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People) and monthly reporting, enabling better visibility and data-driven decision-making.
Alongside these operational and leadership improvements, SiG provided coaching and strategic support to help PP C&A align its internal transformation with its wider growth ambitions. Tools such as “Coaching for Excellence” helped to embed the right behaviours, while commercial insight and challenge supported PP C&A in preparing for future opportunities, including potential M&A activity and investor engagement.
The SiG Results
The results of the programme reflect the progress PP C&A has made on its transformation journey. Since 2020, the company has grown its turnover by 43%, from £22.6 million to £32.3 million in 2024. Over the same period, EBITDA has increased by 123%, demonstrating the business’s improved efficiency and profitability. Value-add per person – a key measure of productivity – has grown by 25%, achieved while reducing overall headcount. Notably, PP C&A successfully delivered high-profile projects such as the ramp-up for Fullwood and the Aggreko NPI launch without a proportional increase in workforce, reflecting the impact of the improvements made in planning, leadership, and operational control.
Delivery performance and quality have also seen significant gains. On-time delivery for the company’s top five customers improved from 73% to 96%, while product quality increased from 97.7% to 99.4%. These improvements have helped to strengthen customer relationships and reinforce PP C&A’s position as a trusted supplier in its field. The partnership with SiG has also had a lasting impact on the business culture. With new governance structures in place and a renewed focus on leadership and accountability, PP C&A is well-positioned to continue its growth journey with confidence.
RESULTS DRIVEN. RESULTS PROVEN.
We are the complete business transformation experts. Our passionate team of growth and productivity specialists work with you to develop, inspire and improve every aspect of your organisation. The Sharing in Growth challenge and purpose is to accelerate your business growth and ultimately your bottom line.
To learn more about how SiG can help your business thrive, contact our team today. We are committed to providing the knowledge, tools, and support you need to unlock your business’ potential and drive sustainable growth. Follow us on LinkedIn for further updates from Sharing in Growth.
