Norfolk-based mechanical engineering contractor Pruce Newman has secured EU funding to enable the business to reach its growth objectives for the next five years. Pruce Newman, which specialises in the fabrication and installation of specialist industrial pipework and steelwork for clients in the region’s energy, chemical, pharmaceutical and food & drink sectors, has secured LIFT (Local Investment in Future Talent) funding from Norfolk County Council to deliver the innovative Manufacturing Growth Programme for its entire management and supervisory team – a total of 30 people in the 120-strong organisation.

Working in partnership with employee engagement expert Cassandra Andrews, Pruce Newman’s management team will benefit from a three-month training and coaching programme which explores individual motivation, organisational culture and team interaction, and which will enable the family-owned business to continue its current growth trajectory into its fifth decade of operation.

Pruce Newman was recently recognised as the Eastern Region’s High Growth Business of the Year and is a Future50 company. Speaking about the organisation’s latest growth initiative, Managing Director Graham Newman said:

“We are delighted to have achieved LIFT funding towards our introduction of Cassandra Andrews’ Manufacturing Growth management and supervisory training programme and are excited about the improvement in leadership skills that we expect to be delivered across the business. It is very gratifying to be able to work with our local county council and a local training provider to improve skills that will enable the business to deliver its ambitious growth plan over the coming years and hopefully increase both skills and employment in the region.”

The Manufacturing Growth Programme is the brainchild of employee engagement consultant Cassandra Andrews. Developed to meet the specific needs of the region’s manufacturing and engineering businesses, it has been designed to be bespoke and intuitive, to centre around the needs of the business and inclusive of the business leaders’ thoughts and insights.

The programme will unite the management teams and by identifying skills gaps in training and leadership, it will equip managers with the relevant skills to ensure the business has a talent and succession plan, to support the continued growth of the business.

Pruce Newman are one of the first organisations to adopt the initiative, and Cassandra is confident that the benefits will quickly be apparent across the whole company. She commented:

“It is clear from research from organisations such as the LEP and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, as well as individual conversations I regularly have with manufacturers that improving skills is critical for growth of the Norfolk economy.  I am thrilled to be working with Pruce Newman who are on an incredible journey of growth and want to recapture the energy, excitement and engagement they had when they were a smaller business, so that they have a fully skilled and engaged workforce and are recognised as an employer of choice.”

The Local Investment in Future Talent (LIFT) programme is funded by the European Social Fund and delivered by Norfolk County Council in partnership with South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils.

LIFT will invest in locally-based skills and employability support projects including:

  • LIFT Jobs: schemes for local unemployed or economically inactive people
  • LIFT Trials: support for local businesses to offer work trials
  • LIFT Skills: support for employed people to gain skills to progress at work