The Entrepreneurs Today team reached out to Shree Krishna Gupta, a seasoned serial entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling successful ventures across diverse industries.
Getting started
Beginning his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 21, he founded Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., which has grown to encompass over 35 locations and holds a master franchise for Truefitt & Hill, a renowned men’s barbershop and grooming brand. His ventures extend into the culinary realm with 1441 Pizzeria, a thriving restaurant chain known for its authentic Italian pizzas, now boasting over 15 locations across Mumbai.
In addition to his achievements in the consumer sector, Shree Krishna Gupta has also steered the remarkable turnaround and exponential growth of Lloyds Engineering Works. Krishna says,
“What helped me get started is the passion for creating a new concept, understanding a gap in the market and the vision to see where I can grow the brand.”
Lloyds Engineering Works
At Lloyds Engineering Works, diversity defines their approach in the heavy engineering sector. Unlike competitors focused on one or two industries, Lloyds Engineering Works thrives across more than five distinct sectors.
They are renowned for their expertise in Hydrocarbon manufacturing, delivering high-quality solutions to esteemed clients nationwide. Specialising in AFBC/CFBC Boilers and custom Steel Plant Equipment, they cater to diverse industrial needs with precision.
Their portfolio includes executing complex Civil projects for government and infrastructure sectors, supplying critical equipment for Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and developing advanced Port equipment for fuel and gas handling.
Moving forward, Lloyds Engineering Works aims to expand their product range and foster global partnerships, enhancing competitiveness in Indian manufacturing while maintaining a robust EBITDA margin.
Challenges faced
At Lloyds Engineering Works, several challenges have shaped their journey, notably in the areas of manpower management, process standardisation, and sustainable growth. Overcoming these hurdles has been crucial to fostering a professional environment focused on quality and efficiency amidst rapid expansion.
Key strategies have included strategic team recruitment across diverse industries, incentivising personnel, empowering them with autonomy to meet KPIs, and implementing rigorous training programs to align with organisational growth objectives. Krishna asserts,
“This has helped in creating a more professional organization targeted towards quality and efficient output, which is extremely important for rapid growth.”
Achievements so far
Lloyds Engineering Works has achieved notable milestones that underscore their success in the heavy engineering sector.
Over the past four years, they have achieved exceptional growth, expanding their revenue and profitability by 10x. This impressive financial achievement reflects their robust business strategy and operational excellence.
Additionally, their successful re-entry and establishment in multiple industries have been pivotal, marked by securing significant contracts that validate their expertise and competitive edge. Looking ahead, Lloyds Engineering Works remains hopeful for continued growth, aiming to replicate and build upon its success in the coming years.
Plans ahead
Looking ahead, Lloyds Engineering Works has ambitious plans to solidify their position as a leader in the heavy engineering sector. They are committed to integrating new technologies that enhance their contribution to the “Make in India” initiative, leveraging their expertise and strategic technology collaborations to achieve substantial growth with high margins.
Specifically, they aim to expand their footprint in the Steel Plant Equipment and Energy equipment industries by incorporating advanced machinery and technology. This strategic expansion will enable them to meet evolving industry demands efficiently and execute projects with enhanced precision.
Additionally, Lloyds Engineering Works plans to bolster their team with skilled professionals, further strengthening their capabilities to deliver exceptional results across their diversified portfolio.
Interviewer: Before we sign off, is there anything you would like to share with the budding entrepreneurs?
Krishna: “I believe, it is important to have good quality people in life. And always trust but verify. Standardise certain processes. Delegate. Have a clear long-term vision, broken down annually, quarterly, and monthly. Ensure you conduct business ethically, considering the well-being of all stakeholders, environmental impact, and compliance with laws. This approach ensures responsible growth and a secure future”
