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19 Oct 2005 17:23:36
A Luton-based furniture restoration company that boasts such high-profile clients as Windsor Castle, Woburn Abbey and Harrods, admits that after 25 years in business it was reluctant to change its ways.
That was until staff signed up for the In-Company Masterclass Programme at the University of Luton, which offers subsidised business training and consultancy to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Paul Goodaker from Furniture Medic in Wellington Street, is delighted that he signed up. He said: “The programme teaches you a different approach to doing business. It works on long-term planning and shows you how to develop this week-on-week.
“I would advise other companies that have done things the same way for a long period of time to take a chance. I resisted change for a long time but now I realise it was holding the company back.”
Furniture Medic, which specialises in restoring and repairing furniture, became the 50th company to sign up to the European Social Fund (ESF) programme. To mark the occasion, staff were presented with a bottle of champagne by Nigel Hall and Nisha Odedra from the University’s Business Development Unit.
She said: “This programme is ideal for SMEs because staff are often unable to take time out of the office during working hours. The programme is delivered on the company’s premises and tailored to their needs.
“Companies pay a flat fee of £150 and then choose whether they want to focus on training or business consultancy, or both. Without funding, the programme would cost around £3,500.”
Paul and six members of staff were visited by Professor Colin Coulson-Thomas – a leading expert and author on competitiveness – who has examined the tactics used by the most successful companies to improve their competitiveness and staff training.
During the sessions, the Professor covered topics such as winning competitive bids, reviewing marketing strategy, IT and e-business, pricing strategies, winning new business and product planning.
The team were also visited by one of the University’s business trainers, whose expertise in leadership and teambuilding helped boost motivation, build morale and improve the way staff work together.
Some of the topics covered at the business training sessions included, leadership skills, recruitment and employment law, time management, sales and customer care, presentation skills, coaching, mentoring and project management.
For further information about the In-Company Masterclasses run by the University of Luton, contact Nisha Odedra on 01582 489252 or visit www.businessadvice.org.uk.
Latest news» 2005» Oct» Furniture Medic gets a Tonic from Uni Masterclass
