The right training can smooth in-house recruitment

A TELESCOPIC conveyor manufacturer has used specialist training to overcome teething problems encountered when a highly-regarded employee was promoted to a managerial position.

Newland Engineering , which is based in Hyde in Greater Manchester, makes both mobile and fixed machines used in warehouses to load and unload trucks, trailers and containers.

It has enjoyed massive growth over the past decade and has recently begun selling its products into the emerging BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) markets.
The company attributes much of its success to the dedication of its 30-strong workforce - many of whom have been with the business for the whole of their careers.

THE BACKGROUND
When a position became available in Newland Engineering’s sales department, Managing Director Lynn Kerfoot decided to fill it using a highly-respected member of staff.

Michael had been with the company for more than 30 years after originally joining as an apprentice mechanical fitter. He quickly settled into the new role. But within a matter of weeks the sales director - his immediate line manager - left to join a competitor.

Mrs Kerfoot decided to appoint Michael to the vacant position rather than recruit from outside the business.

THE ISSUE
Michael initially found himself struggling in his new managerial role. The main problem was how to communicate his requirement to members of his new team - most of whom he had known for years and regarded as friends.

Mrs Kerfoot - who has worked her way through the ranks after joining the company as a secretary in 1975 - explains: “Michael is extremely highly regarded within our company and is an asset. We dropped him in at the deep end and assumed that because he was a naturally good communicator, he would also be a good manager. Because he had always worked under someone and hadn't had managerial responsibility he had some problems communicating with his team.”

THE SOLUTION
Mrs Kerfoot subsequently contacted her business advisor at Business Support Solutions. This organisation, which works in close partnership with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, offers companies the advice, information and resources they need to help their business improve and grow.

Mrs Kerfoot adds: “I contacted my business adviser to ask if we could sort out some management training for Michael. My business adviser arranged for him to attend an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) course.

“He took off a day a week for 10 weeks, and the fact that the course took him out of the workplace was better - he found it very difficult to switch off when he was in the office and dedicate time to something other than his day-to-day job. I cannot recommend strongly enough the support and training we received - Michael has become the outstanding manager as a result of it.”