This case study demonstrates the transformative impact of the GM Skills Map and the 2021 - 2023 Skills for Growth – SME Support programme on SF Taylor, showcasing the substantial benefits of tailored training and development for business growth and employee satisfaction. 

Background 

SF Taylor, based in Stockport, is an award-winning print and production company with over 50 years of service. As a trusted provider to the NHS, SF Taylor offers bespoke printing solutions for both private and public sector businesses across the UK and ROI. With a focus on their clients and employees, they joined the Skills for Growth – SME Support programme and utilised the GM Skills Map to explore Apprenticeship opportunities and enhance their team's career and personal development skills. 

Introduction 

SF Taylor's previous collaboration with the GM Business Growth Hub led to their introduction to the Skills for Growth – SME Support programme by Skills Coach Lorcan Stafford. This £42-million European Social Fund initiative ran until September 2023 and was designed to address skills gaps and support employers in Greater Manchester who needed technical skills to grow their businesses. 

Lorcan conducted a bespoke business analysis with SF Taylor's Managing Director, Simon, to identify business objectives and skills gaps. Three key areas emerged: 

1. Extensive training for career and personal development. 
2. Apprenticeship support for team members seeking qualifications. 
3. Opportunities for executive development and mentoring. 

Implementation 

This in-depth analysis enabled Lorcan to create a tailored development plan aligned with SF Taylor’s business objectives. The plan leveraged the use of the GM Skills Map to access the portal benefits, including access to fully funded training and apprenticeship support. 

The GM Skills Map, an online training directory offering fully funded, part-funded, and commercial courses. Employees explored training options to support their career goals. With over 1400 courses, the GM Skills Map offers features such as in-demand training Workforce Development support and Apprenticeship opportunities  

Courses and Training 

Impressed by the breadth of courses available on the GM Skills Map, SF Taylor prioritised training opportunities that benefitted both business operations and personal development. These included courses in Digital Marketing, HR, Project Management, Lean Organisation Management, and IT. The team also undertook the 'Understanding Climate Change' course to enhance sustainability efforts, such as waste reduction and energy saving. 

One employee, who hadn’t engaged in formal training since school, progressed to an apprenticeship, demonstrating the programme’s significant impact. 

Results 

The Skills for Growth – SME Support programme and the use of the GM Skills Map has yielded multiple benefits for SF Taylor: 

• Career Aspirations: Initiated conversations to understand and support employees' career goals. 
• Staff Morale: Improved through opportunities for personal and professional development. 
• Career Progression: Enabled employees to complete courses and pursue further qualifications. 
• Onboarding Process: Integrated on-demand courses to benefit new hires immediately. 
• Mental Health Support: Enhanced with targeted courses and toolkits. 
• Recruitment: Improved by emphasizing career development and progression. 

Carol O’Gorman, Marketing Manager at SF Taylor, said: "We are very happy with the support and communication from the GM Business Growth Hub and Skills for Growth team. They help us understand the platform and match the right courses to the right people. Offering a way for people to develop their interests outside of work is fantastic for staff morale and provides insight into career paths. We highly recommend this." 

The Future 

SF Taylor remains dedicated to ongoing workforce development. Training is now integral to their recruitment and onboarding processes, promoting self-development and support. They anticipate future collaborations with the GM Business Growth Hub to further team development, business growth, and contributions to Greater Manchester's SME landscape. 

Lorcan Stafford, Skills Coach, commented: "I am delighted that SF Taylor staff benefited from the programme and the use of the GM Skills Map. It is great to see broader support such as business mentoring for Stephanie and Richard. Thank you, Simon, for supporting your staff through this programme. I wish you all the best for the future."