• 'Look after our SMEs and Apprentices!' aka Highlights from the Make UK Conference
    Apr 6 2025

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    As Series 1 comes to a close #TeamTRIL discuss Russ' recent visit to the Make UK Conference in London. As well as playing 'Word Bingo' and fine craft beers (don't ask!!), some of the key questions, posed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, are shared, providing an opportunity for the guys to offer their thoughts on those very important topics

    Our Japanese word of the week makes another appearance

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    43 mins
  • 'Talking Japanese' aka The merits of using foreign words in your business
    Mar 23 2025

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    The Team discuss the use of non-native words and phrases within your business. Do they help or hinder? #Jugaad makes an unexpected appearance! Do Three-letter acronyms count as a foreign language?


    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below.

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested

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    41 mins
  • 'A Borg Mentality' aka Starting your lean journey
    Mar 9 2025

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    This episode is a real rollercoaster of a podcast!

    The TRIL Team offer their thoughts on a question about how to start your lean journey if your the leader of a business.

    They cover the capabilities required to make highly effective people within your lean organisation.


    Also some great questions to ask when trying to establish how effective your processes are.

    John offers his view on the differences in approach between Toyota and Honda, whilst Russell discusses another one of his Japanese terms, and exposes Alan for being a 'Poster Boy' ;o)

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below.

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe and share with anyone else you know who maybe interested!!

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    55 mins
  • 'The Best Operator' aka Buddy Plants & Creating Pull
    Feb 24 2025

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    This episode is jam-packed with tips and stories from our previous lean exploits. Picking up from an audience question, the team quickly get on to the topic of discussing their 'Best' Operator experiences. Also, how lean (if applied effectively) should helping the operator through making life less painful whilst maintaining safety levels and quality product. John discusses his 'Ingot' experience, Alan his 'calm under pressure' employee, whilst Russell reflects on a 'gliding' Japanese operator.

    The #TRIL Team then discuss the sharing of best practice and where it works well and not so well. From individual to individual, to plant to plant in a global corporation. The phrase "Buddy" Plant is discussed.

    Finally, Russell begins to teach us some Japanese terms that may come in useful!!

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below.

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe and share with anyone else you know who maybe interested!!

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    51 mins
  • 'A Dose of 5S Part 2' aka When is a red tag NOT a red tag?
    Feb 10 2025

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    This episode continues from the great discussions the team had previously on 5S (or 5C)

    Alan, Russell & John reflect on their experiences on 5S activities they've led over the years

    • The purpose of 5S
    • The real intent of the red tag (which may surprise a few!)
    • When red tags are not allowed??
    • Pointers on conducting an effective 5S activity
    • How 5S supports TPM


    Ending the episode with 'Top Tip Time' with Russell.

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below.

    Oh and don't forget to subscribe and feel free to share with anyone else you know who maybe interested!!

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    45 mins
  • 'A Dose of 5S?' aka It's a model not a script!
    Jan 26 2025

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    In this episode, the guys give their views and responses to some of the subscriber questions, including a continuation from our previous episode around 'The Toughest Job'.

    Having discussed what the guys have been up to since they last met, the episode primarily focussed on 5S (or 5C, Workplace Organisation, etc). One of the foundations of stabilising and improving your environment. Including a top tip by John!

    In addition, topics included baseline assessments to know where to improve (know your constraint), development of personnel (especially team leaders), and scaling SMEs to support their growth.

    As ever, the TRIL Team share their experiences on all of the above, and provide some ideas on how to incorporate Lean into all of these to make your business just that little bit better!

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com or drop us a comment below.

    Oh I don't forget to subscribe and feel free to share with anyone else you know who maybe interested!!

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    45 mins
  • 'The Well Meant Intent' aka The Toughest Job (and how to help)
    Jan 23 2025

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    In this episode, the guys give their views and responses to some of the subscriber questions, including the power of perspective!

    Russell also poses the question on what is the toughest role in an organisation.
    Many of you maybe surprised by our responses!!

    As ever, the TRIL Team share their experiences on all of the above, and provide some ideas on how to incorporate Lean into all of these to make a business just that little bit better!

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    49 mins
  • 'Skip Diving / The Live Pareto' aka Data & Digital Transformation Tips
    Jan 23 2025

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    In this episode, the guys discuss Data and Digital Transformation. From the pitfalls of planning and preparation to simple, low cost alternatives to converting data into accurate information quickly, allowing you to make the right decisions fast!

    John tries out his new E-Bike and finds an old photo from his distant past which some of you may recognise!

    Russell talks about 'treating problems as treasures' and Alan mentions the varied industries where lean is being applied whilst fending off Russell's 'love' for his retro headphones!

    Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your own then don't forget to email the podcast at therestislean@gmail.com

    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk

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    47 mins
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