 |
| Company: |
Kitchener 2000 |
| Location: |
Accrington |
| Established: |
1996 |
| Sector: |
Growth / Electrical PAT Testing |
| No of employees: |
28 | |
The company was set up in 1996 by father and son Keith and Robert Kitchener, father and brother of the current Operations Director Jane Wadsworth. Jane joined the company in 2002, and shortly afterwards she stepped up to the role of Operations Director. The family business has continued to grow, and Jane firmly believes that Business Link Northwest has played a pivotal role in its success from day one.
Making the connection
Jane comments: “We first got in touch with Business Link about four years ago when we were going through the Investors in People process, as we wanted some support with our preparations. A Business Link adviser came in and took an objective look at Kitchener 2000, and subsequently highlighted several areas that could benefit from change. Key recommendations revolved around creating a business plan, improving our management processes and staff training.”
Subsequently, the Business Link adviser assisted Kitchener 2000 in the preparation of a business plan, which covered everything from premises and growth ambitions to equipment and staffing levels. The plan has helped to shape the future of Kitchener 2000.
Training for the futureAt Kitchener 2000 Ltd, all of the PAT Test Service and Portable Appliance Inspection Service personnel are highly trained and skilled Electrical Technicians. However, Business Link Skills advisor Ann Ainsworth found that a lot of the staff were eligible to receive subsidised training through Train to Gain. In addition, Ann was able to recommend management training courses for Jane, who is working towards an Institute of Leadership and Management qualification and achieved NVQ Level 4 in Management Processes.
Ann Ainsworth comments: “Following a meeting with Jane to discuss staff training requirements at Kitchener 2000, I was able to identify the company’s training needs, recommend suitable courses and suggest appropriate training providers. Some of the employees were even eligible for funding through the Train to Gain service, so were able to undertake the qualifications at no cost to the company or themselves.”
Fourteen of the 28 employees at Kitchener 2000 have now been through relevant training, five of whom have completed apprenticeships with the company.
Jane adds: “Although a number of the workforce were eligible for Train to Gain funding to undertake NVQs, at first only two employees chose to go ahead with it. However, after seeing the sense of pride that the first two candidates enjoyed throughout the course, many more were hot on their heels to enroll on Level 2 NVQs, some in Administration and some in Management Processes. Several have since gone on to complete their Level 3 qualifications too, which has been great for them and the company. Ultimately, our customer-facing staff are the product. We get a great deal of repeat business and plenty of referrals through word of mouth recommendations – I’m certain that it’s thanks to our talented and professional team of engineers.”
She continues: “From a personal point of view, my training has enabled me to develop my leadership and management skills immensely, and I now have a clear vision of what I want Kitchener 2000 to achieve in the future and, more importantly, how to make it happen.”
What lies aheadWith the improved processes and structures in place at Kitchener 2000, the company anticipates that it will continue to grow and develop in the future. Although much has already been achieved with the support of Business Link Northwest, Jane remains in touch with her advisor and insists that this will always be the case.
Jane concludes: “Business Link Northwest has facilitated lots of positive changes at Kitchener 2000, and they are changes that wouldn’t have been possible without their support.Now that the company is really flourishing and running smoothly, our relationship with Business Link is based more around information than facilitation, with Ann keeping us up-to-date about changes in legislation and recommending best practice. It’s nice to know that there’s always a greater level of support there should I need it. All-in-all, Business Link Northwest has enhanced the management style and processes at Kitchener 2000, and has played an important role in getting us to the strong position that we enjoy today.”