The Ultimate Guide to Lean Six Sigma | Lean 6 Services UK

Every organisation faces challenges. Workflows slow down, inefficiencies creep in, and customers notice when things don’t run as smoothly as they should. 

For decades, companies worldwide have turned to Lean Six Sigma to tackle these issues. 

It’s not a passing trend or a management fad, it’s a proven approach with roots stretching back more than half a century, trusted by global brands and adapted across every industry imaginable.

At Lean 6 Services, accredited providers of Lean Six Sigma training, this methodology isn’t just theory. 

It’s the framework we use every day to help businesses cut waste, improve quality, and achieve results that last.

What Is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma combines two powerful approaches.

The Lean philosophy was developed in post-war Japan, most famously at Toyota, where it became known as the Toyota Production System. The focus was on reducing waste and creating value by doing only what mattered to the customer.

Meanwhile, Six Sigma emerged in the 1980s at Motorola in the United States. It used data and analysis to reduce variation and defects in production. Lean emphasised speed and efficiency, Six Sigma precision and consistency. 

Together, they created a methodology that not only cuts costs but also delivers quality and reliability.

By the 1990s, organisations like General Electric proved its impact, embedding it into their operations. 

Over time, the two approaches merged into what we now call Lean Six Sigma, a balanced, comprehensive system that is still transforming businesses today.

Why Lean Six Sigma Has Stood the Test of Time

The strength of Lean Six Sigma lies in its adaptability. 

Its principles, developed in manufacturing, are just as effective in today’s service-driven economy. 

At its heart, Lean Six Sigma encourages organisations to look closely at how they work, remove activities that don’t add value, and deliver consistent results.

Hospitals now use it to reduce waiting times. 

Banks apply it to ensure compliance is efficient. 

IT teams use it to cut downtime. 

Manufacturers continue to rely on it for efficiency and quality. 

Even small service-based businesses find it invaluable in improving customer satisfaction. 

Wherever there is a workflow, Lean Six Sigma has a role to play.

The DMAIC Framework Explained

A cornerstone of Six Sigma is DMAIC… a five-step cycle used to deliver measurable improvements:

Define the challenge and set clear goals.

Measure current performance with real data.

Analyse to uncover the root causes of problems.

Improve by testing and implementing solutions.

Control to make sure progress is sustained.

At Lean 6 Services UK, DMAIC is taught in a practical, engaging way. 

Delegates don’t just learn a model; they learn how to apply it in their own workplace.

Accredited Lean Six Sigma Training in the UK

What makes Lean 6 Services different is how we translate Lean Six Sigma into action.

Founded by Jimmy Forster, with over 30 years in manufacturing and operations, the company combines deep knowledge with a clear, no-nonsense teaching style.

Training isn’t theory-heavy. 

Courses are designed so participants can apply new skills immediately. Through interactive Lean Six Sigma workshops, case studies, and real-world simulations, Lean 6 Services ensures that delegates finish training ready to make a difference.

As fully ILSSI-accredited trainers, our certifications are internationally recognised. 

From introductory Yellow Belt courses to advanced Black Belt and Master Black Belt programmes, Lean 6 Services supports professionals at every stage of their Lean Six Sigma journey.

The Benefits of Lean Six Sigma Training

Why do businesses invest in Lean Six Sigma?

Because it delivers results:

• Lower costs through the elimination of waste.

• Improved quality and customer satisfaction.

• Stronger, more efficient operations.

• A culture of continuous improvement that keeps organisations competitive.

But perhaps its greatest benefit is that it engages people. 

Lean Six Sigma equips teams at every level with the skills they need to take ownership, solve problems, and contribute to lasting change.

Why Choose Lean 6 Services?

When it comes to choosing a Lean Six Sigma training partner, credibility and trust matter. 

Lean 6 Services combines decades of experience with international accreditation, offering training that is practical, recognised, and transformative.

Our philosophy is simple… if participants can’t apply what they’ve learned the very next day, the training hasn’t succeeded. 

That commitment is why businesses across sectors continue to trust us to deliver meaningful change.

Start Your Lean Six Sigma Journey

Lean Six Sigma is more than a methodology, it’s a mindset that has helped organisations worldwide succeed for decades. 

With Lean 6 Services, you don’t just gain knowledge; you gain a trusted partner in continuous improvement.