Funding Helps Warwickshire Engineering Business

A Warwickshire market leading manufacturer and family run engineering business has turned to Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training for support and advice on how to optimise skills and productivity across its workforce.

With over 40 years’ experience within the manufacturing industry of producing foam conversions, rubber extrusions and gaskets, SJG International is a family run business with 2nd generation leaders, Robert James and Lucy Simpson.  Based in a large manufacturing unit in Alcester, Warwickshire the team are just as passionate about the business moving forward to reach its potential as when it was first set up.

Justin Conner, Production Manager at SJG International, commented: “There have been a number of key factors affecting our business.  It’s an industry wide issue that lead times on sourcing of raw materials is taking much longer therefore we are stock piling some of our popular products in order to maintain delivery lead times and ultimately our customer service levels.  This has led to a greater awareness of forecasting and planning along with the ability to manage orders more effectively.

“Our strategic planning included the introduction of some key staff members which has led to a greater flow of communication and information at all levels within the business including a closer awareness of all sections of the business and how they all inter-relate to each other.  There is also a greater understanding of the need to optimise processes.

“We turned to Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training for support in identifying skills gaps within our business which lead to qualifications. We were able to access ESF funding through Skills 4 Growth with C&W Training in order to help support and improve team skills.  We enrolled three team members on the ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills with an additional two people booked on future dates.  Guided by Natalie Lane, our account manager we were able to start making more solid plans for the future of our team and business.”

The ILM level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills is designed for team leaders and supervisors to develop management skills, enhance team performance and explore leadership styles.  It offered the supervisors at SJG International some common ground and a frame of reference as well as increased confidence in their own abilities.  There has been an increased awareness that SJG International is investing in personnel and communication has improved.

To find out more about the ILM qualifications and if your company is eligible for Skills 4 Growth ESF funding, please contact C&W Chamber Training’s Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Photo caption: Support from the senior management team for the team leaders/supervisors who are enrolled onto ILM L2 Award.