Shelforce is proud to sponsor Clearview ’ s MidlandsView
MIDLANDSview
streamline operations in order to save Shelforce . This restructuring saw Shelforce consolidate its premises from three to two locations and reduce staff from 106 to 18 . Slowly but surely , Howard and his team began to rebuild the business …
The doors always open It ’ s hard to imagine that Shelforce was ever at risk of permanently closing its doors , and the changes that had to be made to not only keep it afloat but turn it into a success . But across its 186 year history , there ’ s one thing that has never changed , or ever will .
By focusing on the wellbeing and empowerment of its workforce , Shelforce
has created an environment where individuals with disabilities can excel and contribute meaningfully to the company ’ s success . This philosophy has become ingrained in the company ’ s culture , where looking after staff is seen as vital not just for the individuals themselves , but also for the business as a whole .
Employees who may have once faced barriers to employment due to their disabilities are now given the opportunity to develop skills , gain experience , and build careers . More than that , Shelforce has built a sense of belonging among its workers . Whether employees are deaf , have learning difficulties , or face other challenges , Shelforce recognises the value each person brings . But Shelforce is not a charity — it ’ s a thriving business .
In 2023 , Shelforce ’ s dedication to its workforce and its exceptional contributions to the community were recognised with the prestigious King ’ s Award - and Clearview had the privilege of attending the presentation . The award , which marked King Charles III ’ s 75th birthday celebrations , was a testament to the company ’ s role as a benchmark for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace .
By proving that businesses can be both socially responsible and economically successful , Shelforce has shown that creating a diverse , inclusive workforce is not just the right thing to do — it ’ s a smart business strategy . It isn ’ t news to say that a positive , supportive work environment can reduce turnover and absenteeism ; vital in a sector with a skills crisis , like ours .
Making a name in the Midlands
Shelforce has created a robust , resilient workforce that is capable of overcoming challenges and continuing to drive the business forward . This resilience is evident not only in the company ’ s employees but also in Shelforce ’ s ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving market .
The journey of Shelforce also mirrors the wider changes in the Midlands and the UK ’ s industrial landscape . During the mid-1800s , the country was experiencing a shift towards mass production ; mills and factories filled our towns . The rise of mechanised industry , particularly in the Midlands , meant that manual labor was in high demand , but working conditions were poor .
In contrast , Shelforce , since its early days , encouraged a human-centered approach to manufacturing . The company has set a new standard for what modern industry should look like — one where every individual ’ s talent could be - and should be - recognised as integral to the success of the business .
As Shelforce moves into the future - fast approaching its 200th birthday - it remains steadfast in its commitment to people . The company ’ s continued success shows that by harnessing the individual strengths of each team member and fostering a culture of mutual respect , businesses can not only thrive but lead the way in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce . And who knows how many more royal visits they ’ ll be in the years to come ?
www . shelforce . com
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM MARCH 2025
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