Training Organisation Refurbishes ts Offices Thanks To Grant

A training organisation was quick off the starting blocks to recruit new staff after extending their offices in Coventry.

The SCCU Group provides Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Commercial Training across education and other sectors.

After deciding to refurbish and extend its current office in Harry Weston Road, Binley, operations director James Pease contacted Adam Plumb at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub to enquire about grants.

He put James in touch with Coventry City Council and he was successful in his application for a £25,000 grant through the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The grant assisted towards the investment of £85,000 for the extension and refurbishment project to take place which includes the new technical software and hardware, furniture and air conditioning along with LED lighting.

Six more staff numbers are to be added to the 35-strong company as new contracts continue to be won.

James said its offices needed to be improved to accommodate new colleagues.

“We have been growing over the last few years and everything is well positioned for further growth,” he said.

“There are a number of government incentives around apprenticeships and upskilling staff and we have developed our programme over the last few years to now offer up to 35 different types of apprenticeships.

“We have secured £1.3 million of funding to deliver traineeships until July 2023 from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to support work placements across both school and business settings.

“I think more and more companies are aware of the apprenticeships available for existing members of staff to upskill or for new members of staff so that they can grow their own workforce in a cost-effective way and teach them the skills they need.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council and a Board Member of the CWLEP, said: “It’s great to see another local company thriving, taking on new staff and creating new jobs.

“Often all small innovative local companies like the SCCU Group need is a small boost of cash to take that next step and that is exactly what the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is about.”

Adam Plumb, an Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said it was great SCCU was adding to its workforce in its new-look offices.

“The business focuses on supporting the professional development of organisations and that is exactly the road James and his team has gone on over the last few months,” he said.

“SCCU has secured a large contract with the ESFA and their smart modern offices will help them to meet the needs of this new work.

“This will help their own workforce to develop and grow even further to continue to develop the training courses and apprenticeships which suit a wide range of businesses.”

Caption: From the left, Cllr Jim O’Boyle (Coventry City Council and CWLEP), Adam Plumb (CWLEP Growth Hub), Scott Riddell (SCCU Group), Kierandeep Bal (Coventry City Council) and James Pease (SCCU Group) at the newly-refurbished offices at the SCCU Group

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Find Out More

Looking for work, or have vacancies to fill?

CW Employment Solutions offers a service for job seekers and employers, recruiters and education leavers, to connect, find jobs, post vacancies and access the wealth of support measures that have been implemented across the region.

Click Here to Find out More

News

Midlands expert says trade with Malaysia could increase after UK took a 'step closer' to joining CPTPP

Accountancy apprentice already winning awards

Baking and British Sign Language courses booming at a Warwickshire college

Date announced for Leamington Food and Drink Festival 2024

PLMR Advent appoints former journalist to support regional growth

Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,