PROGRAMME LEADS TO MANUFACTURER BECOMING MORE CREATIVE
Taking part in a training scheme managed by Yorkshire Company Services, has led Birstall-based manufacturer, James Bedford, to boost profits by improving their sales and marketing skills.
The Best Practice Skills Transfer (BPST) programme aims to provide funding for West Yorkshire manufacturing companies to access training in a variety of fields, including upgrading technical and manufacturing skills, management and leadership, finance and selling.
Bedford’s has been established for 30 years, and is now a market leader in the manufacture of industrial steel products, including work benches, trolleys, storage cabinets and tool boxes. The company also produces bespoke products, including stainless steel items for the food industry.
Neil Emmott, marketing manager for James Bedford said: “Accessing a grant towards training enabled me to attend a course on e-mail/fax marketing and specific software packages for art and design. This knowledge has led to the creation of a new generation of effective marketing literature, and has helped us to compile and utilise customer data and tailor presentations. We have also been able to specifically target customers using e-mail marketing.
“The training and follow-up support have been excellent and we have already noticed a marked improvement in the volume of enquiries for our products and sales. We recognise the importance of keeping ahead of the competition, especially from overseas, and marketing undoubtedly plays a key role in this area.
Looking to expand, Bedford’s moved into a new 25,000 sq ft factory last year and has subsequently recruited more staff. The firm now has 30 employees and its current turnover of £1.6m is growing. |
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