Fit for the Future
Fit for the Future
The future might seem an uncertain place, but at Boehringer Ingelheim, the outlook is healthy. We take a look at the company that is focused on providing ‘value through innovation’.
The future can be worrying and unpredictable for many businesses at the moment. The threat of a continued recession could mean that companies are at risk.
For the pharmaceutical industry, pipelines that had once flowed abundantly seem to be drying up, and major industry players are feeling the loss of their blockbuster products as lucrative patents come to an end.
However, it is by investing in the future that companies can have a more optimistic perspective. Boehringer Ingelheim is a company that has a real focus on the future, which is brought to life by its investment in its people and in research and development (R&D). Through its vision ‘value through innovation’, and recognition of the need to adapt and work sustainably, the company can offer a brighter outlook for both its employees and the UK pharmaceutical industry as a whole.
A long-term approach
What really makes Boehringer Ingelheim stand out from other companies is that it is one of the few major pharmaceutical firms that is still privately-owned. Regional Business Manager (RBM) Mike Kenny explains: “Being family-owned has an important impact on our values. Having no shareholders allows us not to be distracted by short-term issues and allows the company to have a longer-term approach.”
“We are already a great company to work for and we have some great products coming in the future. Our training is always future focused – with emphasis on the changing needs of our customers. We are given the ‘tools to do the job’ so I feel that our future is secure”
This longer-term approach is reflected in the company’s strong focus on R&D. In 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of 10.9 billion euros, while spending one fifth of its net sales in Prescription Medicines on R&D.
Boehringer Ingelheim seeks to help people by researching diseases and developing new medicines and therapies. In addition to the development of prominent substances from its own research into the treatment of cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory, urological and virological disorders, the company has successfully advanced its research in oncological, metabolic and thrombo-embolic diseases.
This constant development means that Boehringer Ingelheim has a solid portfolio in its Prescription Medicines business segment, with effective products for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attack, secondary stroke prevention and treatment, high blood pressure, thromboembolic disease, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and pain relief in cancer.
‘Value through innovation’ prepares the company to adapt to its customers and the changing NHS marketplace.
According to its website, Boehringer Ingelheim ‘recognises that in a competitive and fastchanging world, the values of products, services and companies are constantly changing. Real customer value can only be created by the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies constantly finding ways of doing new things well, or doing the same things better.’ Jo McCarthy, Brand Manager, expands: “The NHS is changing and so must the company. This means really understanding who our customers are and creating new and/or more efficient ways of working that allows our medicines to reach patients who can benefit from them.”
Exceptional people
Boehringer Ingelheim encourages initiative and is constantly finding new ways to meet the needs of customers. As RBM Mike Kenny explains: “Boehringer Ingelheim sets milestones – but the individual chooses the route. This means that we do what is best for our local business, giving us greater flexibility. Boehringer Ingelheim’s internal processes support, not stifle, innovation. Boehringer Ingelheim takes an account management approach to working with our customers and this means that we effectively engage and support our customers. Understanding their needs in turn makes us more effective.”
Boehringer Ingelheim’s investment in people does not end with its customers. A proud moment for the company was being voted 41st in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for 2009 – the seventh time the company has made it into the Top 100. The company acknowledges that it is only through its people that it will be able to continue to offer the value it promises customers; as the company website says:
‘The spirit and teamwork of our global family will remain the key to our continuing success’
Jo McCarthy adds: “I believe that Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to its people – we are the company’s most vital asset.” Because of this, Boehringer Ingelheim invests in the development and continued success and innovation of its employees through various training programmes.
One way that this is achieved is through rewarding exceptional performance internally. In 2008, Jo McCarthy was recognised as Marketer of the Year, Mike Kenny as RBM of the Year and Alexis Hage as Territory Sales Manager of the Year. Alexis said: “Boehringer Ingelheim has always valued innovation – something we celebrate each year through these awards. One of the great things about Boehringer Ingelheim is being given the freedom and support to work in new and innovative ways. But I always keep focused on delivering value for my customers and the company.”
Healthier environment
Boehringer Ingelheim also places emphasis on maintaining the environment and the need to work sustainably. During 2008 the UK company recycled a total of 1151 tons of material, including approximately 888 tons of plastic and 135 tons of paper and cardboard which saved around 1800 trees. They are also working in partnership with the local authority to recycle their waste water. This water is now stored on site and collected by the local authorities for watering the local landscape and other community projects. This partnership won the Pride of Bracknell, Eco Hero, award in 2007.
As a company that is independent from the pressure of external shareholders, Boehringer Ingelheim is able to set its own priorities and invest in the future of its employees, the healthcare industry and the environment. Its emphasis on innovation means Boehringer Ingelheim is constantly seeking breakthroughs in treatment through its R&D programs, but also new ways to engage with its customers and meet the needs of a changing healthcare industry.
Alexis Hage concludes: “We are already a great company to work for and we have some great products coming in the future. Our training is always future focused – with emphasis on the changing needs of our customers. We are given the ‘tools to do the job’ so I feel that our future is secure.”
