Forklift firm boosts turnover after joining popular business programme

COMPANIES in north east Wales are reaping the rewards after joining the popular 20Twenty Business Programme.

Aimed at firms in Wrexham, Flintshire and Powys, the programme is up to 70% subsidised by the European Social Fund (ESF) and has welcomed more than 1,000 owners, directors and managers over the years.

Penderyn Whisky boss Stephen Davies, BBC Business Doctor Paul Thomas, Cardiff Metropolitan University Professor Brian Morgan and Mark Boddington – a member of the famous Boddington’s Beer dynasty and Managing Director of Silverlining furniture in Wrexham – are just a handful of the speakers to have headlined events in the last 12 months.

And countless delegates have praised the innovative seminars, presenters and workshops, crediting 20Twenty with having a positive impact on strategy, growth and turnover.

Among them was Stacey Downey-Jones, Commercial Director of Deeside-based forklift truck sales and hire firm Hannaman Material Handling – a member of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce – which has doubled turnover to £2.4m in the last five years and now employs 24 people.

She says joining the Level 5-7 cohort last year had a positive effect on her ability to help lead the business.

“The 20Twenty Growth programme allowed me to look at myself and my role as a business director,” said Stacey.

“It has given me the skills to be able to analyse financials, which I would have perhaps been apprehensive to do so beforehand, and I have been able to focus on ensuring our business processes are efficient, lean and profitable.

“In addition to the skills and tools that were provided, the workshops were also great way to converse with likeminded people about everyday problems within a confidential, business-focused environment.”

Hannaman is one of many companies to have taken part in the two courses: The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 4 for Middle Managers, started earlier this month, and the CMI Level 5-7 for Directors/Senior Managers begins on September 27.

Jackie Whittaker, 20Twenty Business Development Manager, says the experiential nature of the series of courses – and the huge savings that can be made due to the ESF funding via Welsh Government – have made it one of the most innovative and well-attended leadership and management qualifications in the country.

“The feedback we have received from Stacey and hundreds of other business people is testament to the success we’ve experienced in past years,” said Jackie.

“It is vital that the programme reflects the needs of industry, and that we add value in giving guidance on how to develop a business plan, explore different strategies and address issues in key areas.

“As 20Twenty continues to grow, it’s so heartening to see the companies and representatives who have taken part have grown with us – long may that continue.”

For more information and to register for a place on one of the upcoming cohorts in April or September, call 01248 382569 or visit the website: www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com