Commitment to skills sees business growth
When joiner Lee Drury was made redundant, he decided it was the
opportunity he needed to become his own boss.
With work already lined up he took the plunge and set up his own
business, Drury Joinery Services. "EMB helped identify a series of
Start Up workshops which proved to be a great foundation to build
my business," explains Lee. "As a result, I was able to put
together a business plan, gain lots of useful information about
starting out in business and find out more about the help and
support available from organisations such as EMB Ltd, Business Link
and the Chamber of Commerce."
Know your market
Lee had a good knowledge of his market having started his career
early as a joinery apprentice, rapidly earning a reputation for
high quality work. Since he started Drury Joinery Services,
business has been good and the company has steadily grown. In
addition to Lee and his wife Lucy, the firm employs 2 joiners. "We
are a good team," explains Lee. "Lucy manages the administration
which enables the joiners and me to concentrate on completing
projects."
Lee also took advantage of a free Business Review suggested by the
team at EMB, where he discussed his plans for the company with one
of their local advisers.
"I was keen to gain an independent, professional opinion of how
the business was performing and what support might be available to
help us grow and develop."
Overview
EMB Advisers carried out a full business diagnostic and carried
out a training needs analysis, in addition to identifying what
additional support might be available. "The team at EMB have been
very helpful," adds Lee. "They identified a NEBOSH Health &
Safety refresher course and some software that could help us
showcase work to potential clients."
The company had previously accessed some grant funding to purchase
IT equipment, and their adviser ensured that they were getting the
best from the new hardware and software.
Expansion
Lee plans to take on another apprentice this year and is currently
developing the joiner's project management skills. "Having two
trained project managers will give us more flexibility on future
contracts," adds Lee. "In the longer term it will also enable me to
share some of the day-to-day tasks of the business."
Lee is working with the Leadership and Management Advisory
Service, delivered locally by EMB Ltd, to identify funding
initiatives available to support training and development costs to
help the business grow. "I am always interested in any new training
initiatives." Lee says. "I know first hand the importance of
equipping people with the right skills for the job. As the company
grows, training will become even more important and equip us with
the right skills to build performance across the business ."