The West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence (WMCCE) has taken the first steps of turning the recently announced West Midlands Construction Action Plan into tangible support for the region’s construction industry, especially SMEs.
It has launched and is currently running a pilot workshop project, with the aim of engaging with and supporting micro businesses (i.e. companies that employ less than 10 people) across the West Midlands. Such construction-related businesses, which have encountered particular difficulties during the recent recession and are often typically one (or two) person enterprises, do not have the time or resources available to develop formal training in important areas such as business administration, new business opportunities and legislative issues.
To address this situation, WMCCE, along with its partners, has instigated a number of ‘Survive and Thrive’ workshops across the region which are free to attendees. They are covering both generic and construction specific business and technical support. The workshops are also offering practical advice which will benefit the many small firms that form the backbone of the West Midlands construction sector. With time pressures paramount for such companies, the aim of the pilot workshop programme is to impart the required and meaningful advice and guidance in an easily digestible workshop format that does not interfere with the daily running of the SME businesses that choose to attend.
Some of the key topic areas that are being covered include:
The workshops which have run through February and March are free to SMEs that register and are being supported by WMCCE and a number of partners, including Business Link West Midlands, Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Birmingham City Council. The pilot programme is aiming to attract 400 attendees.
Phil Wilson, Operations Director at WMCCE comments: “We appreciate that small construction firms are the foundation of the West Midlands construction sector. While all companies are feeling the effects of the current economic difficulties, nonetheless SMEs are particularly hard pressed at such times. Our ‘Survive and Thrive’ workshops are a way of delivering the guidance, advice and knowledge to enable such firms to not only withstand the unique pressures of an economic slowdown, but also enlighten them when it comes to considering other areas of potential business opportunity when the upturn arrives.”
For more information, or to register for a place on the remaining workshops, simply 0845 113 1234* or e-mail events@businesslinkwm.co.uk
For further information about the West Midlands Construction Taskforce Action Plan click here.
*Lines are open weekdays 8am-6pm and calls are charged at local rate.
