Business Profile: JMG Systems
Name: Joann McCaul
Company: JMG Systems
Email: joann@jmgsystems.co.uk
Contact details: 028 8224 4131
Can you describe your business?
JMG Systems is a family run business that’s been around for 40years. Our main business activity is the design, manufacture and installation of engine control systems for specialised vehicles.
Why did you start your own business?
The business was started by my father Joe and his brother Pat McGoldrick, in 1976. They started out as auto electricians, servicing cars and then moved into small scale manufacture of control systems in the 1980’s. From I was 16 I was involved in the business – reluctantly helping out with the book-keepingJ! Once I finished my education I spent a few years working outside of the family business and then returned in 1995 to work full time in the company. I’ve been involved in the business over 20 years now and it’s a very different organisation today.
What are the best things about running your own business?
Since I became Managing Director two years ago we have been on a major culture transformation over the last 18 months. Being part of the change has been a a great learning experience. Our organisation has gone through a lot of changes but we have emerged a better business. We have a great team at JMG and we have worked at creating a positive environment where people enjoy coming in to work.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
We supply our products worldwide, and have noticed a considerable rise in orders in the last 9 months. As with any company undergoing a level of growth, people recruitment has been challenging recently. I think the local community have a different perception of the work we do at JMG Systems. A fact that some people aren’t aware of is that you don’t need to have electrical knowledge to work at JMG – as we have multiple assembly processes there are plenty of roles on the production floor and within our support departments. Further, a career with JMG is not simply suited for males only … currently 25% of our workforce are female, and are present in every department from engineering, assembly, support, sales and administration. We are finding the people dynamic is also changing, so as a result the company is having to adapt our operations to complement peoples’ lifestyles today, by offering a variety of flexible positions covering full and part time posts as well as developing student/apprentice career options – all we look for in recruitment is that people who want to join our team demonstrate a good attitude and willingness to learn.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Keep asking questions and never assume. Know when to listen, take advice and when to challenge. Accept the things you cannot change however understand what you can change, and take action.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
People build companies.
Photo Credit: Ulster Herald
