Over time, many factors can contribute to the deterioration of even the most durable metals. Similarly, many elements can cause the decline of profit and business efficiency for even the most resilient and expert of companies. This latter point became an important area of concern for Colourite Anodisers Ltd: a specialist group who deal in the treatment of aluminum by an electrolytic ‘anodising’ process to improve its appearance, colour and weathering properties.

 

In a bid to improve their industrial prospects, Colourite sought to infuse their business with the fresh enthusiasm and skills of an undergraduate via the highly regarded Shell Step student placement scheme. Thanks to Knowledge Dock, the company welcomed the opportunity to work with Damla Mehmet, a diligent Business Studies and Finance undergraduate from the University of East London (UEL).

 

Amidst the late stages of an acquisition phase for the company, Damla confronted Colourite’s falling profits and rose to the challenge. Over the course of eight weeks, she engaged with their problems and successfully produced not only solutions for the company’s financial costing and staffing, but improvements for the plant conditions and business technology.

 

Mike Byrne, Managing Director of Colourite, was so pleased with the outcome that he even offered Damla a permanent position: “Miss Mehmet has met our expectations with her determination to succeed. She is a very capable and trustworthy person who has been offered continuing employment by us.

 

“Being an emissary between head quarters and the new company – she often voiced her concerns as well as compliments towards the quality of technical staff and managers; analysed financial statements with observable depth and provided constructive criticism in regards to the company environment.”

 

Damla was also very versatile and adaptable in her approach, never letting the weight of any problems break her resolve: “At one point during her placement, Damla encountered a very tough problem outside of her responsibilities and beyond her control, yet remained steadfast and pragmatic and was able to resolve the issue.”

 

The company is keen to continue the working relationship with Knowledge Dock and UEL: “We have already arranged with the UEL Business School to use our new company for future projects over the next year. It is a rare opportunity for students to be let loose on a real live company.”

 

Thanks to Damla, Colourite can now boast a brighter work environment, a positive business process and an industrial grade future that is stronger than ever before: “The tasks she was given and completed called for considerable maturity in her approach and she met our expectations beautifully. The performance and achievements have given her valuable experience on how a company is run and she has even taught us a thing or two!”