8 | JULY 2019
News
Installer News is
sponsored by FENSA
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 Shel-
force’s workforce are disabled.
The company, which is situated
on the outskirts of Erdington, spe-
cialises 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 com-
bination 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 these are
the best team I’ve ever managed.
“These guys have huge re-
silience 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 in-
creased 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 per-
ception 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 £1.8mil-
lion 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 im-
What Shelforce means to me… Here, we meet
two of Shelforce’s production operatives.
Safdar Thakur is deaf
and is a Production
Operative. He has
worked for Shelforce
for 11 years.
What does Shelforce
mean to you?
proved
efficiency and
this is where our success can be
measured.
“As an industry most will think
of the cost rather than the busi-
ness 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 uncon-
ventional 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.”
Shelforce is a way of life for
me now. Without it, I would
be depressed and financially
unstable.
How has your life
changed since working
at Shelforce?
It’s important for me because
Shelforce helped me and em-
ployed me when no one else
would because I’m deaf.
What do you like about
working at Shelforce?
I like the people and Shelforce
has a good working environ-
ment.
Favourite part
of the job?
The favourite part of the job for
me is talking to my friends and
working hard.
Paul Ramsay is a
Production Operative
and has cerebral
palsy. He has worked
at Shelforce for 33
years and has moved
from the office to
the shop floor.
What does Shelforce
mean to you?
Shelforce means a lot to me I
have learned a great deal, made
a lot of friends and had many
laughs. I have come to real-
ise how lucky I have been to
work for one employer and a
great organisation and friendly
atmosphere that has a friendly
atmosphere. It is best described
as an extension of my family,
where you feel you are valued
and appreciated.
How has your life
changed since working
at Shelforce?
Why is working at
Shelforce important
to you?
I am helping to continue its
legacy to continue to employ
people with disabilities. This
will give them a purpose in life
as well as dignity and be part
of a team that serves our local
community, something I have
been lucky enough to be able
to do.
What do you like about
working at Shelforce?
Favourite part
of the job? Shelforce is an integrated work-
force with mixed abilities, as an
organisation we have proved
that we can work together and
build a winning team. We are a
team that all have different abil-
ities and with patience and the
willingness to understand each
other and our differences, we
have developed into a focused,
happy team.
The teamwork reminds me of
scouting and its principles and
sense of purpose. www.shelforce.com
My life changed dramatically
when I got a job at Shelforce.
Before I felt unsure of myself and
lacked confidence, motivation
and direction. Now I have it all.