It's been a busy start to the month for companies across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire with awards success for Acorn Training and Fisher German, and a new accreditation for KMF Precision Engineering.
Elsewhere, business finance specialists Beta Commercial Finance has revealed plans for further growth and INIFINITY IT Solutions has unveiled its new name.
Here we round-up seven stories from across the region which you may have missed.
If you have a business story that you would like featured in our next round up, please email laura.watson@reachplc.com
FISHER GERMAN
A national property consultancy has been shortlisted for a prestigious award which celebrates excellence in undergraduate employability.
Fisher German, which has offices in Stafford and Birmingham, has been announced as a finalist for the Best Development Programme award in the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards for the second year in a row.
The award recognises employers who go above and beyond to develop students' technical and soft skills, and empower them to be more effective and successful employees.
Fisher German is one of just five companies shortlisted for the award, and sits alongside national and multinational leaders in banking, technology and law.
The firm was shortlisted in recognition of its placement offering which give students hands-on industry experience as well as its new virtual Insight Programme, which gives participants an introduction to surveying as well as an opportunity to enhance heir CV.
Ruth Ofield, Fisher German partner and head of graduate recruitment, said: "It's fantastic to be shortlisted for the Best Development Programme award for the second year.
"At Fisher German, we pride ourselves on developing talent and providing students with a wide range of experiences to help them gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers."
The winners of the awards will be announced on Friday, March 4.
BETA COMMERCIAL FINANCE
Beta Commercial Finance is celebrating its fifth birthday and looking forward to further growth.
The Alton-based company, founded by former business banker Tom Wilkinson, has created three new jobs of its own in the past 18 months after welcoming Becky Kilday, Sue Matthews and Joanne Webster-Sisson.
Now Beta is looking to 2022 with plans to expand even more – and take on its first apprentice.
Tom said: "Traditionally, when looking for investment to fund premises or equipment, businesses would have a named manager at their bank to go to.
"Those bank jobs are scarcer nowadays and high street banks have become far more risk adverse.
"Our team of experienced former bank executives and finance experts fill that gap.
"Also, because we aren't tied to one lender, we can offer solutions in complex cases which can involve more than one lender."
In the last five years, Beta has supported many companies – including the DaisyBank House business centre in Cheadle and C2 Construction in Cobridge.
Now the company is looking to support even more businesses from across the UK as it enters its sixth year.
Tom said: "Now we are established there's scope for further expansion and, as the UK recovers from the pandemic, it's clear companies will reinvigorate investment plans they've placed on hold.
"We have plans to expand the team further, including a young person in a trainee role."
INFINITY IT SOLUTIONS
IT business INFINITY IT Solutions has rebranded following an acquisition last year.
The Uttoxeter company was taken over by Nottingham IT specialist Air IT in September 2021 in an undisclosed deal.
Since 2009, INFINITY has been providing IT support services – including managed IT support, business intelligence, managed cyber security and telephony solutions – to businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.
Now it has announced that it has fully rebranded as Air IT, but insists it is still "the same team, delivering the same great service."
Simon McAlpine, founder and managing director of INFINITY IT Solutions, said: "Integrating with Air IT has been a smooth transition and we look forward to the next phase in our journey with our fantastic growing team.
"Whilst our name and appearance are changing, we'll continue to provide the same unrivalled service that our valued clients expect from us.
"By combining the knowledge and skillsets of both teams, we are enhancing the way we work, expanding our capabilities and continually improving the service clients receive. There is no doubt that we are better as one."
CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND CO LTD
A play equipment manufacturer based in Newcastle-under-Lyme has become an ambassador for a networking programme designed to boost growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Children's Playground Co Ltd (CPCL) features in a new case study for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub's #GearingforGrowth2022 campaign.
CPCL designs, manufactures and installs playground equipment using Robinia wood to create distinctive and imaginative playgrounds for children of all abilities.
Company managing director Rinske Wassenaar took part in the Growth Hub's Peer Networks Programme last year – and is now recommending the scheme to other businesses.
Rinske said: "The Peer Network Programme was, for me, a first, and it was a great, inspiring experience. All the participants were very supportive and were open with the group about the challenges they were facing in their own businesses.
"Being an SME, it opened up my eyes that all businesses were having similar issues, independently of the size of their organisation.
"I found the Peer Networks Programme a useful and worthwhile investment of time and I would urge other businesses looking to grow in 2022 to consider taking part."
Fully funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) the Peer Networks Programme is part of Growth Hub's #GearingforGrowth2022 campaign and offers guided peer support for businesses.
Rebecca Parker, Growth Hub team manager, said: "The Peer Networks Programme is allowing businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to connect in a meaningful way, helping them to explore challenges, celebrate success and recognise that collaboration can often lead to a solution.
"We're delighted that Rinske at CPCL has shared her thoughts with us as part of our #GearingforGrowth2022 campaign and I would urge other businesses across the county to get in touch and find out what the Peer Network Programme could do for them."
The Peer Networks Programme will run until the end of March this year, and places are still available for businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who wish to take part. Visit stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk for details.
ACORN TRAINING
The founder of a Stoke-on-Trent training firm has been further recognised for his work championing equality, diversity and inclusion by being shortlisted for a major award.
Acorn Training's founder, Gareth Saldanha-Fallows, has been named as a finalist at the World Skills UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2022, in the EDI Initiative of the Year category.
Gareth has been shortlisted for his recent recruitment drive to promote an inclusive work space for any potential applicants joining Acorn Training by adopting a more values-based recruitment approach.
The company has also openly declared Gareth's sexuality on their website and amended job advert text to become more inclusive.
This initiative has been met with positivity, has attracted new LGBTQ+ candidates, created increased openness within interviews and has translated through to the internal culture of the business whereby employees can discuss sexuality openly and freely.
Gareth's shortlisting follows Acorn Training's success in last year's awards where they were crowned winners of the Network of the Year category, while Gareth was awarded the Role Model Award.
The winners will be revealed at a virtual ceremony on February 24.
KMF PRECISION ENGINEERING
A precision engineering business has cemented its position in the aerospace market after achieving a gold standard industry accreditation.
KMF Precision Engineering has completed the AS9100 to bring it in line with the rest of the KMF Group.
The accreditation is an internationally-recognised and widely adopted quality management system for the aerospace, aviation and defence industries.
The approval means the Newcastle-under-Lyme business can now supply components to top-tier manufacturing companies within the aerospace and defence industries – and offer additional 'value-added' solutions, such as assembly and finishing.
Operations manager Robert Carter said: "Acquiring the certification to the AS9100 standard, to which suppliers in the aerospace sector are measured, is a reflection of the continuous improvement efforts and commitments made by our employees to deliver the highest quality machined components to our customers.
"We are proud to now hold this accreditation, it shows our dedication to realise the highest possible quality standards – something that everyone within KMF has had a part to play in achieving."
AS9100 is being required by vendors within the supply chain on an increasing basis, as many aerospace manufacturers and suppliers will only work with certified partners.
Robert added: "It has been a company ambition for a while and although there has been some significant change for our employees, I have been really impressed by how they have adapted and embraced the challenge of moving the company forward. Our aim is always to be our customer’s number one, and preferred supplier."
PATHWAY SKILLSZONE
A training provider which helps to get people back into work has undertaken a major refurbishment of one of its Stoke-on-Trent training centres.
The Pathway SkillsZone centre, in Burslem, has helped more than 500 people to enhance their knowledge and develop their skills since it opened in the former Jobcentre building in 2019.
Now the Duncalf Street facility has undergone a major refurbishment which includes an investment in improving its energy efficiency and transforming two rooms into themed 'training environments' for people looking for a career in hairdressing and beauty.
The boutique facilities – which aim to provide an 'authentic salon learning experience' – come as Pathway SkillsZone Burslem introduces a host of new services for its customers, including careers information, advice and guidance and job searching facilities.
Peter McCreery, head of performance at Pathway Group, said: "These improvements to provide enhanced training facilities for our customers will provide memorable learning experiences whilst removing barriers to learning and work, allowing us to support further areas of the community."
