Over 1,000 business applications supported through the LEP Skills Service

A Barnsley door manufacturing company is the latest business to secure funding to train their staff through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Distinction Doors has grown from a standing start to be the UK’s leading composite door manufacturer for residential homes. Ranked in Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list 2014 the company have also seen a significant sales increase in the last three years. They approached the LEP’s skills service for funding and training support to achieve their longer term growth plans which include increasing staff and apprentices as well as tripling their turnover.

Distinction Doors have undergone transformational growth over the last 18 months, with the appointment of a new CEO, a new Board of Directors and increased staff numbers. Through the LEP’s skills service, they secured a grant of over £16,500 for staff to undertake a range of training including a management and leadership programme for the senior management team to support them to become more effective in driving decisions and in communicating effectively.

A team leading programme was also undertaken to equip a member of staff with specific skills to complete additional responsibilities previously carried out by Senior Managers.

The Finance Director also benefitted from the funded training, and completed an Institute of Directors (IOD) Certificate in Company Directorship designed to increase skills in finance management and strategic planning.

Other courses included Level 3 CIPD Certificate in Human Resource Practice to upskill an existing staff member to assist with HR duties, enabling the HR Director to hand over operational aspects of HR and concentrate on the more strategic aspects in order to grow the business. The Certification provided a good grounding in HR and opportunity to benefit the business by learning best practice from other HR professionals.

Helen Lovack, HR Director at Distinction Doors, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunities that the grant from the LEP’s skills service has opened up.

“The company has been through some really positive changes in recent months, with the appointment of Andrew Fowlds as our new CEO. Staff can now be trained to achieve their full potential, which will assist the company to reach our strategic objectives.”

Stephanie Burras CBE, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Panel said: “The LEP is dedicated to ensuring that local businesses primed for growth have the skills to succeed. It's fantastic that our skills service has been able to support over 1,000 business applications, enabling companies to train their staff and drive forward their growth ambitions.

“The LEP is dedicated to ensuring that local businesses primed for growth have the skills to succeed. It’s fantastic that our skills service has been able to support over 1,000 businesses to train their staff and drive forward their growth ambitions. The LEP service to business is comprehensive and we have a team of advisors on hand to support employers with the paperwork, source appropriate training provision and submit their application for funding. Support is only available for a limited time therefore I really would urge companies to get in touch now to see how the LEP can help them.”

Funding is available for a limited time. To find out if your business is eligible and to apply, please visit: www.the-lep.com/skillsservice or contact us on 0113 386 1910 or email skills@the-lep.com.