Jonny Catto is the Managing Director of Ipac Packaging Solutions, specialists in sustainable packaging, based in Gateshead

Having come from the very different world of corporate finance in London I was fascinated to go through his journey of starting and owning a Manufacturing company in the North East.

Having started out as a small business which consisted of a small family run team, they are now a business of over 60 staff with exciting growth plans.

We discuss in detail the importance of having a USP and the challenges that come with changing the awareness around plastic packaging for the consumer.

This was a great insight into how businesses need to pivot and adapt to the ever changing world we are in.

I really enjoyed this episode and understanding what it takes to take a company to that next level

• 1 min – What is a leader?
• 3 min – How change in people affects managers and their leadership
• 6 min – Johnny’s background and dreams
• 11 min – The importance of managing and forecasting cash flow
• 14 min – Family relationships dynamics when managing a business
• 16 min – How to choose the face of the business
• 18 min – Sustainability in business
• 22 min – Media influence on preferred products and sustainability trends
• 24 min – Recyclability – good plastic vs bad plastic
• 25 min – How to market sustainable products?
• 27 min – Are smaller businesses more agile than large ones?
• 29 min – Creating a different culture as a company grows
• 30 min – Attracting and retaining employees
• 35 min – The importance of good communication and relationships with employees
• 36 min – How helpful are surveys for improvement?
• 39 min – The biggest surprise in manufacturing for Johnny
• 43 min – The role of experience in adversity
• 44 min – How to approach challenges
• 45 min – Johnny’s motivation now