Clearview National August 2019 - Issue 213 | Page 20

INDUSTRYNEWS
What
working at
Shelforce
means to
me…
» » WITH 25 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY,
Howard Trotter has seen it all. So, when
the Business Manager of Shelforce says his
current team is the best he’s had, it’s no
exaggeration.
What makes it even more impressive is that
75% of Shelforce’s workforce are disabled.
The company, which is situated on the
outskirts of Erdington, specialises in providing
high-quality products to local authority
building projects, including social housing,
and is Birmingham City Council’s chosen
manufacturer of choice.
And for Howard, it’s the combination
of being manufacturing savvy and having a
workforce that shows incredible resilience in
the face of adversity that is the secret to the
company’s success.
“We’ve got a workforce here now that’s
better than we have ever had,” said Howard.
“I’ve been in this industry for 25 years and I
can quite honestly say this is the best team I’ve
ever managed.
20 » AUG 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
“These guys have huge resilience and have
faced more than we ever will. A production
problem is nothing to them and they
overcome the challenge. They have also faced
huge challenges getting a job due to their
disability, so they don’t want to lose it.
“Production efficiency has increased by
659% and this is partly thanks to the best
practice LEAN manufacturing we have in
place at the factory.
“But when you add that to workers giving
you 110% everyday then that’s what pushes us
to such high numbers and where we get our
efficiency bonus, if you like.”
For Howard, changing the perception
of disabled workers and encouraging other
businesses to adopt Shelforce’s fully-inclusive
employment approach is the aim.
And the numbers don’t lie.
“In 2013 we posted a £1.8million loss
but within just three years we started
making a profit, and last year we turned over
£2.7million,” said Howard.
“We have continued to grow year-on-year
thanks to our improved efficiency and this is
where our success can be measured.
“As an industry most will think of the cost
rather than the business when it comes to
employing disabled workers. But we are proof
that it works, and your business can improve. For
us, it’s all about the ability, not the disability.”
“Having an integrated approach to
employment requires an unconventional
recruitment process, and a hands-on, practical
approach to training that replicates the factory
floor operations – but if you’re willing to make
that initial investment, you’re rewarded with
the most passionate and dedicated workers
you could ask for.”