This is a modern landscape we all recognise. It could be anywhere.
Perhaps even anywhere in Europe. But in fact, it's here in Nottingham.
Zenotec manufactures peripheral things for the computer industry.
With a workforce of 86 people and an annual turnover to match,
Zenotec and the industry on which it thrives,
typify the hi-tech infrastructure that has sprung up all over Nottingham.
The company is run by Peter Wilson.
Sue Rudkin is his personal assistant, secretary and general Batwoman.
- I'll let him know you've arrived. - Just ignore me and carry on.
Mr Mallard is here to see you. And Mr Wilson is seeing you now.
Here's a copy of today's itinerary.
- You've already been greeted. - I want to stay in the background.
- See how things develop naturally. - That's between 11.30 and 12.00.
- You can leave this one with me. - Surely. No problem.
- And you will move your car. - Pardon?
My background was in electronics, so this was an opportunity for me.
- The learning curve was exponential. - Was it? Good.
Peter has been director for six years, though that wasn't always the case.
He was a product manager in Reading, producing integrated mother circuitry,
when in 1994, without warning, he found himself out of a marriage.
Surface mount technology's a stimulating environment to work in.
- The market's in flux. - But surface mount technology?
Sorry, yes, yes. We make thick film hybrids.
Right, I see. Good.
It's the environment where you've got to run to stand still.
- But you don't want to stand still? - No, then you go backwards.
You're running, but you're running... in the opposite?
- We're running forwards. That's the point. - Of course.
Otherwise you'd be running, standing still and going backwards.
- Yes. You can't afford to do that. - No. Hopeless.
Brian Peach is the chief technical engineer.
Excuse my squash kit. I had a game before I came to work.
- How did you get on? - Doesn't matter. That's not the point.
Have you moved your car? I would do, 'cause Sue's...
- What do you actually make here? - Thick film hybrids.
Within the company, Brian has a better grasp
of what thick film hybrids are than anything else.
This is all we're talking about. A simple multi-layered PCB.
Right. Can you describe it in layman's terms?
In layman's terms,
it's a bit of plastic-looking stuff with coloured wavy lines,
some small wire things and knobbly bits around the sides.
OK. What about in scientist's terms? But I mean a normal scientist.
0K.
- The thick film part of it explains itself. - Oh, I see.
The hybrid part is bonding the surface mount components to the basic substrate
using thixotropic pastes, reflow induction masking
and bare dye pick-and-place technologies.
- And that's all? - Yeah.
0bviously in practice there's more to it than that.
What does a typical day consist of for you?
- There's no such thing as a typical day. - What about an untypical day?
- Today, the Japanese are coming in. - The Japanese?
A couple of guys from Yamasushi. A huge company, yeah.
You probably own many things made by them without realising it.
They are very big in precisional thermostrates.
- And ordinary chip-on-board circuits. - I've got one of those.
I try to organise everything, so nothing's left to chance,
and Peter can concentrate on important things.
Today, with the Japanese coming,
everything has to run smoothly, from the minute they arrive.
But I thought I could park there. It said, "Visitors".
It's important those spaces are empty. They're not spaces unless they're empty.
- I'm assuming it's your car. Mazda? - A Nissan Sunny.
- Yeah. Sludge coloured. - Actually, it's Midnight Sand.
0nce that's complete, the surface is encapsulated in phinolic resin.
Then another layer of protective encapsulant, or a glob-top.
So do you play a lot of squash?
- 0nce a day on average. Usually more. - You're pretty good, then?
I wouldn't say good exactly, compared to these young guys.
- Right. Is that your trophy though? - That?
Yeah. I finally won something in the club. I was runner-up.
- Still, that's... - It was the handicap competition.
Sorry, I had no idea. I think that's fantastic.
There can be pressure, but that's 0K. When things go right, you get a buzz.
- Lisa Bell is the sales director. - It pays the mortgage on the flat.
I get a decent car, too. I say decent, it's not a Porsche.
It's just an Audi. Just an A3. You know, 1.8, 16-valve?
(M0BILE RINGS)
- Is that William Tell? - No, it's just messages.
Yeah. And the ringing tone you chose yourself?
This has 40 different tones to choose from.
- I chose that one 'cause it's fun. - Good.
- How many people are under you? - Everybody. All of them.
I see. But in terms of management structure, what is it?
Right. It's basically... Let me draw it for you.
That might be...
Let me move this, I'm sure you don't want to look at it!
It will only be in the way. Let's get rid of it.
- Right. She's a lovely girl. - That's Chrissie, sitting on a wall.
Right. Have you any other children?
- Chrissie's my wife. - Godl Good.
- We were married last January. - Congratulations.
I know.
- Right. Now, this is me. - That's very good.
- What d'you mean? - Nothing.
At 33, Lisa Bell is the youngest member of management to be taken on as a woman.
After graduating in geology from Lancaster University,
she spent five years on an oil rig,
first off Norway, then later, after severe weather, off Denmark.
I couldn't do my job without this.
I'm on the road so much, I probably do 2-3,000 miles a month.
Which is why a 16-valve is so handy. Never go back to an 8. Full aircon.
- No. So... - Clunk.
- So each day is different? - 0h, yeah.
0ccasionally I'm in for a day, but then I'm on a course or hiring and firing.
Kerchunk! Bunk!
- I'm doing a thing for the Japanese. - Doing a thing?
For some reason, Peter's asked me to do the presentation.
Don't ask me why me.
Don't know he wants me standing up in front of everyone.
Is it your projector?
- Finally, our quality assurance manager. - I see.
Basically, you make the decisions, and they make them work?
No, that's a very top-down model of management.
- Top-down? - These days it's more bottom-up.
Would it help if I turned it round?
Ooh, yes, that's completely bottom-up, isn't it?
You see?
Working on the oil rigs was great, well-paid, with time to travel.
In my 20s with an unlimited supply of men! They were virtually queuing up!
What made you change direction?
Living like that's fine when you're young, but you can't do it forever.
- Are you married now? - No. Far better things to be doing!
I can't be doing with all that.
Far too much... (CLATTER!)
- You're not married? - I am, yes.
- Seriously? - Yes.
God.
Oh.
- Is that supposed to? - That's fine.
- I've told him you'll see him at 4.00. - Right. Fine. Am I free then?
- Well, Sue said... - Yeah, I'll be fine. 0K.
We'll just have to tell him.
Back in the director's office,
Peter is meeting his production manager, Tony Morgan.
It's very tough on him. Dean is very good at what he does.
Yeah. Yeah.
He's also a very nice bloke. He's a good man.
Dean Trussler was taken on as the delivery driver
after the previous driver ran over some potential German clients.
But now, in a review of corporate strategy,
the company is radically simplifying its in-house transport by not having any.
It's getting more difficult. He wants to replace the Transit.
- I had to change the subject gently. - What to?
- Not replacing it. - Good.
(PH0NE)
Excuse me, Tony.
I'm a bit busy, can you?
No, Sue! Sue! Sue, it's me!
Sue, stop. It's really me. It's not the answering machine.
That's all right. Just a minute, I'll ask him.
- Have you moved your car? - Yes.
So a clean room is basically a completely controlled environment.
- What you'll see is classed 5,000. - 5,000? Really?
The surplus mount technology process is quite tricky and sensitive...
Thick film hybrids are sensitive to damage by contact with dust particles,
minute amounts of static electricity or large particles of dust.
The classification number of the room relates to the debris in the air.
The lower the number, the cleaner...
- You all right there? - Fine, thanks. It's a bit...
I seem to have trapped my ears.
It goes on your foot not your head.
- Pardon. - It's to go on your shoes!
These are my shoes.
Every aspect of the environment in the clean room is controlled,
from the air to the temperature,
which are both air-conditioned and maintained at a constant 20 degrees
irrespective of the fluctuations inside the plastic suits.
- It's not conventional production? - That mentality wouldn't help us here.
- You can't unzip that, I'm afraid. - Oh, sorry.
- We have to be strict about that. - It's just warm in here.
- I enjoy it here. - Right.
It's clean and safe, and you actually make something.
- We're like one big family here. - Really?
- See that bald bloke? I hate 'im! - Right.
- Best thing that ever happened to me. - That's unusual to hear these days.
- You're not attached to any team? - I don't really work in this area.
0n my lunch hour, they let me wear this suit and watch. It's brilliant!
- What do you actually do? - I'm the delivery driver.
It's great!
It's a young staff. I must be one of the longest serving.
- Did you imagine staying this long? - No, I really have.
- Is that condensation? - Yes.
- It's different from a slaughterhouse. - You worked in one?
No, but it's obvious. Work it out for yourself.
They let me take the Transit home, but it's getting on a bit.
We're getting a Mercedes Turbo soon, with self-levelling suspension, the lot!
- What do you think of Mr Wilson? - It's me.
God!
Here, have this. I think you should.
OK. Thank you.
- Want me to hold your glasses? - Yes. OK, then. Thanks.
Urghl
0h, dear.
That could be baby food. We've got a little one, 11 months, Thomas.
- Really? - You all right?
- It was cheese and lentil this morning. - Or fish perhaps?
Yeah. Tuna and egg. We tried cheese and lentil, but he sicks it up.
Really?
It's designed to extend downwards not upwards.
I went through this last time I used it.
Good job I remembered or I'd be here all morning.
- You 0K? - Fine, thanks.
- Change arms if you get tired. - I'm actually using both arms.
0K. Well, change them anyway. Right!
Peter has a moment to gather his thoughts before the arrival of the Japanese.
Normally, I like to be in the office by 7.45,
but recently, with one thing and another, it hasn't been possible.
- Do you ever? - You haven't got children?
He's a grand little chap, but he hasn't got the hang of sleeping yet.
Does it take its toll having a child as an older parent?
Not old, I mean more mature than very young people... like your wife.
No, no, no. You just get on with it. You just adapt.
I've got more energy now than I've ever had.
The bananas were Chrissie's idea.
Tennis players practically live on these!
Best natural source of potassium you can get.
- Also, these are good. - Yes.
Don't get me wrong, in its day it was a good little engine.
It's just been overtaken by...
- Faster ones? - Exactly.
The Mercedes 312 Sprinter, the new one we're getting,
that is just ballistic.
Well, that's very...
For Dean, on his lunch hour, there's a lot of time to reflect.
Have you had any lunch? You keep staring at this sandwich.
- No, thank you. - You can have the other half.
- Well... - Here, get stuck in!
Bacon. Linda made it.
If you're sure?
It's a pleasure.
- It's good 'ere, innit? - It is nice, yeah.
You hear that being at the top of the tree can be a lonely place.
But in your case, you can never relax or let your guard slip.
Is that a? Do you?
Do you find that at all?
The line between success and failure is always at the margin.
You lose that competitive edge, you're dead history.
I can't remember the last time I stopped for lunch. I run on adrenaline.
It's important to eat.
- That wasn't bad. - Yeah, looks all right.
Right.
0K, let's have a quick run-through.
(MURMURS SPEECH)
0h.
Yes...
- Know what I really like? - Bacon?
I love driving through the night.
Everyone's asleep and the motorway's empty. It's winter.
Just me going to where I'm going. I love that.
- Does that happen often? - No.
- Had to go to Berkshire once. And Surrey. - Really?
It's not easy getting a job round here without qualifications.
I love driving and all this hi-tech stuff, so it couldn't be better for me.
Me and Linda have put down a deposit on a flat.
- Great, innit? - (SPLUTTERS)
- This is supposed to control it. - Do you not point it at the screen?
- Is the projector plugged in? - No, it's not.
- Great! Could you? - Of course.
It's all right.
- OK. - Right. Thanks. 0K.
(MURMURS SPEECH)
For God's sake! We can clone bloody sheep, why can't we invent?
- Has it come out your end? - Yes, it has. Sorry.
Right. No wonder.
- Round the back. - Right, OK. Yes.
0K.
0h, wonderful! Terrific!
Fucking excellent!
...wait out front when they arrive. So Dean's keeping look-out.
Did you read the briefing notes I prepared and put on your desk?
Those? Yes, I... No. I had a lot to do at lunchtime.
Leave them with me, they'll be useful later.
- Do you want icing on your nose? - No, that won't be necessary.
Oh, no.
- It took two hours to load those slides. - They're upside down.
I mean back-to-front. And upside down.
Sorry, can you just shut up? I've got to think!
They are in the correct order at least.
I'll have to change them one by one. I should make it, just.
- What time are they arriving? - 2.00.
So how long have you got?
- Eight minutes. - Right.
It's 2.00 and already the Japanese are on time.
My PA, Sue Rudkin.
Mr Izumuzaki, director of corporate affairs for Yamasushi,
has brought his head of technical development, Mr Namashito,
as well as an interpreter called Yo-Yo.
(HIGH-PITCHED G0BBLEDEG00K)
Pardon? Sorry, I didn't quite understand.
(G0BBLEDEG00K)
Could you say that again slowly?
Liaising horizontally between production, sales and works...
And vertically between those individuals.
Between them and the director is company secretary Tim Player,
who's a key figure.
We like to joke that he's two thirds accountant and two thirds lawyer!
Just our little joke.
Ha-hal Sorry.
Let's move on now to the production process itself.
Ignore that.
Bear with me.
- No, please don't try to help. - Sorry.
Right.
Bear with me.
Nottingham is 150 miles north... south of London.
I haven't finished yet! It lies in the Midlands.
The Midlands are at the very centre of the transport infrastructure
whichever way the bloody map is, hence their name!
The presentation over, it's time for a guided tour.
- How did it go? - Is that a joke?
The Japanese read from right to left so perhaps it was OK.
- What? - Stay away from me!
What are Mr Izumuzaki's impressions of today?
(G0BBLEDEG00K)
Right. So was it useful?
- He doesn't really not want to answer. - Will you ask him?
- No. He dozento. - Right. Thank you.
By 4.00, the visit is over and the Japanese have gone.
But for the man at the top, the most difficult challenge is still to come.
- Dean, come in. Have a seat. - Thanks.
- Hi. All right? - Fine.
Didn't know you'd be here. Great, innit?
- Wow, a cheeseplant! - Just sit down.
Being cruel to be kind isn't easy, and since Peter isn't being kind,
his task to be cruel is more challenging.
Houseplants are great. We just bought a load at B&Q.
We haven't got much furniture so it cheers the place up.
What I want to say to you personally, Dean...
Underneath the civilised veneer, a ritual is played out.
Both men have their role to play,
though Dean's finding his role, to be made redundant, harder to grasp.
We have nothing but praise for your commitment to us.
See what he's like? Not like other places.
Linda's boss at the hair saloon told her she was sacked! Just like that.
She's no qualifications, so it won't be easy for her.
Nobody wants hair these days. Plus she's pregnant.
You haven't quite grasped what I'm telling you.
I want you to bear in mind what I've said,
but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to let you go.
- Smart! Early! - No.
(PH0NE RINGS)
- Sorry, excuse me a moment. - No problem.
Hello? Sue, I know who you are!
No, of course. Put her on.
Hello, darling. All right?
Right. Right.
Just keep calm. Keep calm.
I'm here. I'm here. Just keep talking and tell me.
Suddenly, Peter's day takes a left turn for the unexpected.
He can't have diarrhoea at both ends!
Nice bloke, isn't he?
It's good, 'cause I've got things to do on the van.
When you part-exchange, clean wheels are important.
With wheels, it's like shoes.
Shoes is the first thing you look at on a person to find out...
- Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. - What? Oh.
Everything's going to be all right. I'll be there in 10 minutes.
Yeah, I love you.
You're not fat and useless. 'Course you're not.
I'm going to be with you in about 10 minutes.
About 10 minutes, 0K?
- Dean, I have to go. - 0K. We're about finished anyway.
No, we do need to talk some more. But I'll leave you with this.
I'm parting company with you for good.
0h, I see. Right, right, right.
So what does that mean?
I really do have to go.
We'll continue this.
We'll... I'm sorry.
No, that's fine. I hope it's nothing...
Right.
- So? - I don't understand.
- Is it just me being thick? - Well, he... you...
Can you explain what was he saying to me?
Well, I... I think it's...
- It's just that... - What?
- The thing is... - What's the matter?
What he... They think you're really good, honestly.
For a moment, I thought...
They think you're really good, so... but...
... they're going to have to make you...
... to let you be sort of a bit redundant really.
Redundant?
I'm really sorry.
You bastard!
I...
You fucking bastard!
In the 70s, captains of industry were demonised as demons.
In the 80s, they were lionised as often as possible.
But as the millennium approaches, the challenge for people like Peter,
is the management of change in a world where the only certainty
is that there are no certainties except that one.
- You knew, didn't you? - Well, erm...
You let me give you my fucking bacon sandwich!
Well... thank you, it was lovely.
Don't cry.