SCLE – A Case Study

Business transformations don’t come much bigger than this. SCLE SFE started life 50 years ago constructing electricity lines, primarily for railways. The business grew to include building substations and then telecoms work.

But with one eye on the future, SCLE SFE moved into electronics just over 20 years ago.

The company now works across everything from electrical engineering to algorithms, from high voltage engineering to cyber-security.

In fact, it was how to constantly keep that “one eye on the future” which cemented SCLE SFE’s use of the EFQM model – making them finalists for the EFQM Global Award in 2015 and Global Award Winners in 2021.

When your ambitions are to stay one step ahead of your global competitors, consolidating long-term relationships with your customers, and supporting 300 employees and global suppliers, all in a transparent and sustainable way, what support is out there?

SCLE started working with the EFQM model in 2006 because it aligned with their outlook and culture, but last year’s introduction of the new EFQM model has really helped the business to consolidate its position.

“The new model really helps us to focus on our long-term vision – what will the market be in 5, 10 or even 15 years’ time,” says Jean-Francois Revel, Executive Director of SCLE SFE. “We share a lot of information with our key stakeholders. This allows us to better predict the future.”

It also helps to reinforce the company’s culture – which means that decisions can be devolved with confidence.

“What’s really powerful with EFQM in our organisation is that it’s a company-wide project. All of the managers and all of the teams get involved. Our philosophy means that teams can act almost like small companies within a large group. And it works. We’ve got this agility.”