Accelerate and EEF mentoring programme helps protect hundreds of auto jobs

Hundreds of jobs safeguarded, new markets identified and development of new technologies are just some of the impressive results to emerge from the first dedicated mentoring programme offered by Accelerate and the EEF.

The unique initiative, funded by Advantage West Midlands, was set-up to provide automotive suppliers in the region with senior level, one-on-one support on strategic projects, business diversification and process improvements to help them emerge from the recession and win new business.

Seven senior business leaders, including Barrie Williams and Tony Belisario, spent more than 500 hours delivering expert assistance to local companies, such as Frank Dudley Limited, JJ Churchill, B2 Automotive and Widney Manufacturing Limited.

Rachel Eade, Programme Manager for Accelerate, was delighted with its impact:

“The ongoing recession in the car industry has been one of the worst ever and we have had to look at different ways of supporting our businesses through the downturn.”

She continued: “There was already a lot of lighter touch support through workshops and seminars, but a lot of our suppliers needed direct action, which accessed experienced leaders, with the necessary strategic skills.”

Working with EEF business mentors, Accelerate identified seven companies that would benefit most from the programme and this involved anything from reducing costs and moving into new markets to renegotiating bank arrangements, looking at strategic acquisitions and developing greener technologies.

Aston-based Widney Manufacturing was one of the first companies to benefit, with its mentor Tony Belisario helping the management team with a strategic review of its markets and products, not to mention the possibility of taking on sub-contracting work to utilise spare capacity.

The company, which serves a host of blue chip customers such as Caterpillar, JCB and Volvo Construction, has used the external support to make significant inroads and commercial contacts into the rail, aerospace and defence sector as well as new markets in the US.

Utilising Tony’s extensive experience as MD at both Dowty Defence and Air Systems Division and GEC Aerospace, it has made new contacts with key distributors for its products and this will help to safeguard more than 100 jobs at its Plume Street base.

Jason Brookes, Technical Director of Widney, said:

“Hoping our traditional markets will improve was clearly not a strategy for recovery. We needed to explore new market opportunities fast and Tony brought with him considerable experience that enabled us to focus 100% on the task ahead.”

EEF’s Ian Wilson concluded: “We are delighted to have worked on this programme in support of the automotive sector. Results, such as cost savings and job protection, are fantastic and we are proud to have been able to assist businesses in making key strategic decisions.”