A shining example of the positive effects of commitment to workforce training and wellbeing  

How Skills for Growth SME Support helped UK Rigging (a division of Concert Lights (UK) Limited) who position themselves as one of the UK’s leading rigging companies, to focus on revitalising their approach to effective leadership and create a workforce wellbeing strategy to retain their talent.   

Placing strong emphasis on a valued workforce and leadership  

Positioned within the North West’s flourishing Creative sector, UK Rigging has over 30 years’ experience and has achieved award winning status providing equipment hire, production riggers and industry approved training. With their strength and competitive positioning within their niche industry, the business has enjoyed increased business demand since the return of productions, conferences and events in 2022. During the pandemic, the UK Rigging business activity and dedicated pool of freelancers was temporarily impacted by the severe restrictions imposed on the production and events sector.   

To satisfy this increased demand and win the challenge on attracting and retaining talent, UK Rigging placed strong emphasis on meeting their company priorities and achieving a valued workforce through leadership training and commitment to workforce wellbeing. This requirement was a perfect fit for the Skills for Growth – SME Support which supports businesses to identify training and development for their employees which will contribute towards the increase of productivity and profit margins. Not only is the support offered by Skills for Growth – SME Support fully funded but often the training identified is also fully funded, meaning businesses who engage with the programme get a raft of information, advice and training that does not mean valuable funds leaving their accounts!  

Following their introductory meeting with their expert Skills Coach Rob, a detailed business assessment was conducted with the appointed client contact Rachel. The main objective of this structured Skills for Growth – SME Support analysis was to understand the business priorities, growth plans and identify the skills gaps that are impacting potential growth and profits.  

This analysis proved particularly advantageous when identifying challenges and pinpointing potential future difficulties for the UK Rigging business. The main outcomes of this analysis highlighted a need to focus on two distinct areas:- 

• Leadership and Management Training  
• Workforce Wellbeing  

Training, Development and the GM Skills Map  

The introduction of the GM Skills Map, Greater Manchester’s dedicated online portal for fully funded, part funded and commercial courses, enabled UK Rigging to view the range of Leadership and Management training options available. With visibility of course options combined with recommendations and advice from their Skills Coach Rob, they enrolled on the Executive Development Programme.  

Aimed at workplace leaders the Executive Development programme delivered bespoke leadership and management support that was tailored to meet the needs of the UK Rigging individuals. The course covered inspirational and strategic leadership, team coaching skills, leading a business growth strategy, change management and business agility and resilience.  

This course content was delivered at the right pace and duration and was tailored to include factors relating to the Creative sector that the business is positioned in.  

Workplace Wellbeing  

The second business priority identified during the business analysis stage of the Skills for Growth – SME Support programme, was a commitment to Workforce Wellbeing and receiving support on this specific area.    

The creative sector is a very attractive industry to work within and to position themselves as a strong employer who values their employees, UK Rigging committed to Workforce Wellbeing and building a positive company culture.  

UK Rigging approached their Workforce Wellbeing priority by accessing a combination of workshops and the integrated bitesize e-learning platform that is offered as part of the programme of support, which offers over 2000+ courses and resources, including Health and Wellbeing content. The benefit of this online resource is that the flexible, bitesize learning is undertaken at a time best suited to individual learning styles, needs and availability, which align perfectly with the working patterns common in the entertainment sector. 

As a result of accessing the Wellbeing content and training options available, the team at UK Rigging shaped their benefits offering to areas that would be attractive to their workforce, improve their workplace culture and engage their team.  These benefits included:- 

• Mental Health Workshops 
• Dedicated EAP with free face to face counselling and CBT 
• Healthcare cash back scheme 
• Stress Risk Assessment 
• Cycle to work and bicycle maintenance scheme 
• Social committee organising team events  
• Mental health first aiders 

Rob Sumner, Skills Coach Skills for Growth SME Support - “It has been a pleasure to work with the team at UK Rigging. They were extremely responsive, every time I asked for information Rachel would always send it on the same day. Our regular catch ups ensured that UK Rigging got the most value out of the programme and all the support available.”  

The Results  

• The Skills for Growth – SME Support analysis raised awareness of potential difficulties for UK Rigging and led to a plan to prepare for these scenarios.  
• The focus on Leadership and Management has enabled the management team to implement their learnings into their job role and create personal development plans for members of the team. 
• UK Rigging has added a further strength to their reputable business by commitment and dedication to workplace culture and wellbeing. This is now a unique selling point for attracting new employees to the business.  
• The business has seen a significant improvement in staff engagement and loyalty because of Wellbeing and Company Culture.   
  

The Future  

• UK Rigging continues to prioritise Workforce Wellbeing in 2023 and is planning the appointment of Mental Health First Aiders. They are also continuing to develop their benefits package with focus on 

• • Quit Smoking Initiative 
  • Prayer/Study Room 
  • Focus on #WellbeingWednesday with fruits offered to the staff 

• Good employment charter 
• Armed forces covenant
• The team is focused on their CSR Policy and are passionate about delivering their corporate social responsibility.  
• Following their completion on the Skills for Growth – SME Support programme, UK Rigging is now working with the Good Employment Charter, continuously elevating their employment status to be recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s committed employers.   

Janine Richardson, Programme Manager Skills for Growth SME Support – “UK Rigging are a shining example of the positive impact of having a strategic approach to wellbeing.  They have increased the engagement, retention and wellbeing of their workforce and are a great place to work.”