Case studies - Developing your business

Here's how I developed my skills to grow the business

Portable Floormaker Ltd was set up a year ago when Michael Weston-Webb bought an existing business from his father and re-branded the company.

The original business had been running for 11 years and Portable Floormaker Ltd has built on its reputation as a market leader in the sectional flooring industry. The company manufactures and supplies portable floors for marquees, hotels and restaurants around the world including parquet and lit floors for exhibitions and major events. 

What I did

Evaluated business needs

"After receiving some information in the post from Business Link I decided to give them a call. They responded very quickly and an adviser visited us to discuss the needs of the business. As Production Manager, I was particularly interested in updating my skills and knowledge with regards to Health & Safety. The legislation in this field changes frequently and it is vital we keep up to date.

"Our adviser suggested that I took part in the 'Lead to Succeed Programme' run by Business Link as this would help me develop the skills I was interested in. I started on the programme in late 2005 and it was extremely useful". 

Accessed focused training

"Business Link has helped me to ensure my Health & Safety expertise are up to date. By refreshing my knowledge and qualifications I am well equipped to identify and resolve any potential issues around the factory. What's great about the support I have received is that it enabled me to focus on specific areas that were relevant to me and the business, such as risk assessment. It also covered general management issues which were very useful."

Obtained a new perspective

"The assistance and support from Business Link has been great, it has further strengthened the company and the team. Our development adviser has been very good and it was useful to work with him and get another perspective on the business."

If Business Link have help you to achieve your business goals, and you would like us to feature a case study on your business, you can enquire by emailing pr@businesslinkem.co.uk

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Case Study - Here's how I exploited a gap in the market
• Case Study - Here's how we lauched a new product
• Here's how I accessed funding to build my business
• Here's how I developed my skills to grow the business
• Here's how I identified areas that could be improved
• Here's how I moved to bigger premises
• Here's how I promoted my business
• Here's how I repositioned the company
• Here's how I used my website to maximise business potential
• Here's how we changed the focus of our business
• Here's how we got help to grow our business
• Here's how we involve our people to grow the business
• Here's how we took a new product to market
• Here's how we turned the business around

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