New MD drives digital innovation at third-generation Yorkshire manufacturer

A West Yorkshire family-run manufacturer is entering a new phase of growth and efficiency after a year of transformation under its new Managing Director. The changes have already delivered results, with the business reporting its strongest trading year to date with a 32% increase from the previous financial year.
Michael Gale-Johnson, who took over the running of Shipley-based Servicepower Ltd following his father’s retirement in 2025, has led a shift towards data-driven decision-making, modernising operations and strengthening leadership across the company.

The business, which manufactures cables, condensation pumps and electrical process heating equipment, has been family-run since 1988, when Michael’s grandfather acquired the company. Having worked within the organisation for 12 years, most recently as Operations Director, Michael took on the challenge of leading the 30-strong team and has received tailored business support from West Yorkshire Business Boost and West Yorkshire Business Productivity Service (both delivered by Exemplas) in conjunction with Leeds Beckett University and Bradford Council.

Reflecting on his first year, Michael Gale-Johnson explained: “I inherited a strong foundation, but the business was operating with a traditional, hands-on approach to problem solving. We weren’t capturing enough data to fully understand performance or identify areas for improvement.

“To take the business forward and build on what previous generations achieved, we needed to modernise.”
Working with the West Yorkshire Business Productivity Service, Michael completed a bespoke productivity diagnostic exercise that evaluated output against capital, labour, overheads and raw material costs to identify constraints to growth and develop a structured improvement plan.

Over the past 12 months, the company has reconfigured its shop floor to improve productivity and increase packing capacity, while introducing new systems to better track workflow and performance. Plans are now underway to roll out a digital Enterprise Resource Plan that will integrate core business processes and enable employees to clock on and off jobs using barcodes, giving greater visibility of capacity, labour and pricing.

Michael added: “We had been underestimating labour costs on some jobs by around 30%. Having access to better data allows us to make more informed decisions across the business – whether that’s estimating workforce costs or pricing jobs more accurately, improving workflow, assessing production capacity or minimising material wastage.
“It’s about creating efficiencies that support long-term growth.”

Michael also took part in West Yorkshire Business Boost’s (WYBB) Leading Growth Programme, which is delivered by Exemplas in partnership with Leeds Beckett University to strengthen his leadership approach.

Michael said: “The programme gave me the space to step back and focus on strategy—not just operationally, but how to bring people with us on that journey. It’s helped me align my vision with a clear plan for the business.”

Nick Henderson, West Yorkshire Business Boost Growth Specialist, added: “Michael’s first year as MD demonstrates the impact of combining strong leadership with data-driven operational improvements.
“By embracing modern systems, optimising processes and empowering his team, he has secured Servicepower’s future growth. This is a great example of how targeted business support can help local manufacturers unlock potential, improve productivity and secure their long-term success.”

Looking ahead, Servicepower Ltd is now focused on sustainable growth, with a greater emphasis on sales and marketing, continued operational enhancements alongside improved communication and collaboration across teams.
West Yorkshire Business Boost is delivered by Exemplas, one of the UK’s leading business support organisations, in partnership with Leeds Beckett University. Their business academics offer inspirational, practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.

Servicepower Ltd is one of more than 500 SME’s who have benefited from the support that combines university validated, evidence-based and targeted business advice to secure measurable economic returns. Over the last two years, the programmes have generated £16 for every £1 of public investment, created 350 jobs, safeguarded 940 jobs and co-invested £972k by leveraging public investment with private capital.