The enthusiastic boss of a Manchester-based company is celebrating his first year as managing director with one of the firm's best years on record.

Hiroshi Suzuki – or Harry as he is known by his workforce – has worked for Brother UK all his working life and is modest about his achievements.

Dawn Smith, head of corporate planning sang the praises of the only Japanese worker at Brother as the 56-year-old has helped the company's turnover exceed £90m over the past year.

The number one fax supplier in the UK and number two in the laser printer market, based on the Audenshaw site of the Jones Sewing Machine Company it took over in 1968, has not felt any impact of the downturn in electronics and manufacturing industries.

Its parent company is now a world-wide electronics and manufacturing company with bases in over 100 countries.

The UK subsidiary includes sales, marketing, technical support warehousing distribution and a customer call centre for all UK customers. There is also a production plant in Wales.

Renowned

In the '60s, Brother was best known for its sewing machines and typewriters, and is still the market leader in word processors and typewriters.

Despite the rapid spread of the personal computer, there is still a demand, especially by small business and the home market for more humble machines.

There is also a strong market for commercial and domestic sewing machines.

Harry had never set out to be MD, and was thrust into the job at short notice following the early retirement of the previous boss.

One of his key aims has been to create an increasing awareness of the company with its head office in Nagoya. ''That way we will get more understanding and support,'' he said.

It is a 24-hour-a-day job, which he is carrying out with the long-distance support of his wife and family.

They returned to Japan in the mid-nineties for his two sons to pursue their education, but he and his wife talk at length every day on the telephone, and he returns home at least twice a year.

He admits being apart can be difficult, and that they miss each other, but he also has deep loyalty to the firm, and when they asked him to take on the top job he was honoured to do so.

'All-rounder'

Harry says that at Brother he learned to be an “all-rounder” being involved in sales, credit control, administration, budgets and product launches.

He works hard, with pen and notebook by his bedside to jot down ideas that start flowing from the moment he wakes up. But he allows himself time off at the weekends, to play golf, socialise with his many English friends and watch football – he is a Manchester City fan. His main focus is to improve company profits, and ensure customer satisfaction.

He says communication with staff is vitally important so that there are no misunderstandings within the organisation and that they can feel to express their opinions.

Regular strategy meetings are held so that staff can make their views known, and he listens to them very carefully before taking final decisions.

''Harry operates an open door policy,” said Dawn Smith. ''And it is a bit of a company joke that there is never any difficulty in getting to see Harry – the trouble is getting out, because he is so ready to listen and talk to the staff!''

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