A FAST-GROWING bespoke furniture company is preparing for growth by enrolling almost a fifth of its workforce on a prestigious leadership programme.
Silverlining, based on Wrexham Industrial Estate, is already expanding at a rapid pace and has ambitious plans to more than double its workforce over the next five years.
Founded 32 years ago by Mark Boddington – of the famous Boddington’s beer dynasty – their vision is to be the most inspirational furniture maker of the 21st century.
The company’s success is testimony to the limitless creativity and innovative craftsmanship driven by their client’s desire to create some of the most extraordinary pieces of furniture destined for the most exclusive residences in the world, from Dallas to Dubai, Moscow to Mayfair, as well as celebrities including Kevin Costner and the late David Bowie.
The firm is aiming for up to 130 staff by 2023, which supports the development of their current international team of artisans, in-line with future-proofing of the organisation.
Nerys Price-Jones, Head of HR, signed 11 of them up to the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme as they look to train the next generation of team leaders and business managers of the future.
Held at Wrexham’s Ramada Hotel, the current cohort will complete the Level 4 qualification in June, and Nerys says it has already been “hugely valuable” for the business.
“As we continue to grow we’ve been identifying and supporting our future managers, individuals are given the tools to develop and flourish supporting the company to continually push boundaries in all areas,” she said.
“The 20Twenty programme has been hugely valuable because it gives the team leaders a complete overview of the business and in-depth leadership understanding, which is particularly critical for a mixed cohort of employees.”
Targeting companies, small enterprises and entrepreneurs in Flintshire, Wrexham and Powys, the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme is up to 70% funded via the European Social Fund through Welsh Government and offers a range of recognised leadership qualifications from Level 3 through to Level 7, all of which are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Nerys added:
“The funding played a large factor and was a substantial added bonus as it allowed us to place a big group on the programme.
“It is an opportunity to provide excellent external training locally in a timely manner at a heavily subsided rate.
“It’s evident that the team are growing in confidence and experience, supporting their personal career development. At Silverlining we are extremely focused on the grass roots of the business and the next step is to create the Silverlining Furniture Academy, creating a learning environment where the skills of yesterday can be retained alongside the exciting opportunities technology brings.
“We are based in Wrexham and it’s important to Mark that we remain in North Wales; we have an innovative, talented workforce and this location is a big part of who we are – 20Twenty can help the company reach its ambitious potential.”
20Twenty is the only programme in Wales that offers a progression route from CMI Level 3 to Level 7, leading towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Executive MBA and Chartered Manager.
Project Manager Gwenllian Owen believes Silverlining is an example of a burgeoning business that puts people at the heart of everything it does.
“To see such dedication to training and building the workforce of tomorrow is heartening, and has been the case with a lot of the companies joining us,” said Gwenllian.
“Like Silverlining, they see the value in putting their staff first, which makes for a solid foundation on which to grow.
“We would like to thank them for signing-up to the programme; they’ve been a valuable addition to the cohort and we wish them even more success in the future.”
For more information on when and where you can join the Programme, visit www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com
