DK Holdings: A culture of success

Machinery & Manufacturing chats with diamond tooling producer DK Holdings about more than 60 years of excellence and how the company plans to sustain its successful culture of UK manufacturing.

Manufacturing in the UK is not easy, particularly in recent times with a seemingly endless stream of hurdles created by uncontrollable factors: the Credit Crunch, Brexit, Covid-19, new global conflicts and trade tariffs. SME manufacturers, particularly those that export, need agility, ingenuity and a whole lot of resolve. However, UK manufacturing businesses are resilient, none more so than DK Holdings, which makes equally resilient precision-engineered diamond tooling at its advanced production facility in Kent.

Central to the company’s formula for success is futureproofing through a long-standing culture of skills development and retention. Able to provide suitable testimony is John Emptage, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, who progressed from YTS (Youth Training Scheme) recruit in 1987 to company director today.

“I’m a massive advocate of vocational training,” he says. “I like to make youngsters aware that pathways other than university are available. The education system seems skewered towards university, but alternative routes can prove equally prosperous – and I’m a good example.”

 

Talent pool

DK Holdings currently has a committed group of two apprentices, supporting them through a tailored blend of in-house training and partnerships with local technical colleges.

“I did a City & Guilds Apprenticeship, so I know the value this grounding can bring to a business,” says John Emptage. “Today, we’re even taking on apprentices in professions other than engineering, such as sales and marketing, compliance and CAD. Like many companies in our industry, we’ve got plenty of employees in their 50s and 60s, so ensuring a steady stream of new talent is imperative.”

Professional development is also an active part of the business culture at DK Holdings. Some staff recently completed Level 2 leadership and management courses and now have the possibility of progressing to Level 3. The availability of a career path at the company aids staff retention in support of business continuity and success.

Skills was a topic high up the agenda at a recent business roundtable hosted by DK Holdings. The event was organised by Katie Lam, MP for the Weald of Kent, and chaired by Baroness Stedman-Scott, a current member of the House of Lords. It brought together representatives from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors, alongside regional business leaders, to discuss current challenges for local SMEs. Notable attendees included the Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Trade secrets

Further points of discussion included barriers to trade, notably exporting. DK Holdings exports around 60% of its products to more than 130 countries, serving global customers in key markets that include aerospace, motorsport and renewable energy.

“Brexit has been a challenge, making it harder for both ourselves and our customers in the EU, but we liaise closely with clients to make it work,” says John Emptage. “Now we have trade tariffs, which is clearly unhelpful for UK manufacturers exporting to the US.”

Key to sustaining business in the face of adversity is the value that DK Holdings adds. The company does not compete at the off-the-shelf end of the diamond tooling market. Its strength lies in holistic, bespoke solutions development and serving customers as a valued technology partner.

“We have 70 people here, including many talented, qualified and highly experienced diamond tooling design engineers,” he says. “This knowledge means we can advise and support customers in both new projects and project improvement initiatives, providing savings over the long term. That’s why our customers return to us time and time again. It’s a real differentiator.”

Invest to progress

Continuous investment in R&D and new machines is also vital. DK Holdings designs, develops and manufactures in-house at its four production workshops. On site can found an extensive range of fully automatic, high-precision CNC machines that make products autonomously. Providing high-end diamond tooling to sectors like aerospace and Formula 1 means there is no margin for error. ISO 9001 certification assures customer confidence regarding accuracy and quality.

Of course, business hurdles continue to appear, notably the recent increase in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions.

“We continue to face challenges – just like so many other SMEs – but through robust business models, fiscal discipline and the dedication of our staff, we have weathered them all.”

Taking care of business

Plenty of proactive initiatives are evident at DK Holdings. For instance, the company is an active member of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. In particular, it engages extensively with the chamber’s Kent & Medway Focus Group (KMFG), a networking and business group specifically for manufacturing and engineering organisations. KMFG helps the company gain access to peers, colleagues, sector specific information, advice and support.

DK Holdings has also worked with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield and the National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol. In fact, the company is a member of the Composites UK trade association, which helps it attend the annual JEC World exhibition in Paris – the globe’s biggest trade show for the composites industry.

“Proactive efforts centring on our culture of in-house manufacturing, investment in new technologies, ongoing skills development, and engagement with regional and national business communities mean we continue to sustain our position as a leading UK producer and exporter of high-quality diamond tooling,” says John Emptage. “We’re also providing employment and training opportunities right here in Kent as part of our long-standing company strategy, which is paramount to success.”

Balancing heritage in business involves preserving core values and traditions while embracing innovation to ensure long-term competitiveness and growth.

“We remain focused on innovation, supporting our workforce, and serving both local and international markets with the DK quality for which we are renowned,” he concludes.