Tag: kf training

Prototype Firm Enjoys Success Following Extensive Workforce Training

By on 28th February 2016in Local Biz

A prototype specialist is embarking on the next phase of its expansion by putting its entire workforce through an extensive training programme…

Paragon Rapid Technologies recently completed a two-year growth plan which saw turnover rise from £2.8m to £4.1m, and staff numbers from 35 to 53. During that period, the Durham Tees Valley Airport-based firm recruited a new senior management team, made a six-figure investment in new equipment, and streamlined operations to make the business more efficient.

Now the company, which makes rapid prototypes and components for the automotive, motorsport and medical sectors, has kick-started an 18-month programme to upskill all of its employees with the help of Peterlee-based KF Training.

All 53 staff will benefit from the training, which will cover strategic management and leadership, sales and marketing, business improvement techniques, and store and warehouse management. It is hoped the skills boost will trigger further growth at Paragon, which is aiming to ramp up turnover to £7m by 2018.

Paragon General Manager Ian Jobling, who will undergo leadership and management training, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with KF Training on this exciting project. As a company we’ve expanded rapidly in recent years, but to achieve the next phase of our growth plan we have to improve the skills base of our business.

“This training scheme will allow us to do that, and if we meet our turnover projections, we’ll be able to create more jobs at Paragon.”

Sara O’Brien, Commercial Director at KF Training, said: “We work with fast-growth companies that require extra skills to help them become more competitive. We are finding that many of our clients, including Paragon, are asking for leadership and management training to help improve the performance of their staff.

“It’s great to be working with Paragon and playing a key role in its expansion plans.”

KF Training delivers business-focused skills programmes and consultancy services across the North of England.  Headquartered in Peterlee, County Durham, the fast-growing business was launched in 2011 by managing director Kelly Lee and now employs 52 people. With four specialist training divisions covering innovation, leadership and management, continuous improvement and business skills, KF Training has helped dozens of clients build strong, dynamic businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce.

For further information about KF Training, visit www.kftraining.co.uk, call 0191 518 6830, or e-mail info@kftraining.co.uk.

For further information about Paragon Rapid Technologies, visit www.paragon-rt.com or e-mail info@paragon-rt.com.

Peterlee Training Firm Expands Into Yorkshire

By on 12th February 2016in Local Biz

A North East-headquartered training firm has made its first foray into Yorkshire after winning a clutch of new contracts in the county…

Peterlee-based KF Training has expanded rapidly since it was launched in 2011, opening two more outlets in the North East as work flooded in.

Now the company has clinched deals with several Yorkshire firms, and is in the process of recruiting staff to service the extra workload.

One of the contracts is with Sheffield-based stainless steelmaker Outokumpu, which is putting many of its first line supervisors through KF Training’s leadership and management programme. Eventually the programme will be rolled out to 113 staff in Sheffield. Outokumpu has its headquarters in Finland and employs more than 11,000 employees in 30 countries including Scandinavia, Europe, North America and Asia.

Barbara Ayres, HR Manager at Outokumpu, said: “We are continually looking at ways of improving the skills base of our employees in our business, and we highlighted a training need within our first line supervisory team. As a result of our partnership with KF Training, more than 100 of our people will get an opportunity to learn special techniques that will help them develop and improve the performance of their respective teams.

“This will be vital as we look to succeed in an ever more competitive environment in the stainless steel and advanced materials markets.”

KF Training delivers business-focused skills programmes and consultancy services across the North of England. Headquartered in Peterlee, County Durham, the fast-growing business was launched in 2011 by Managing Director Kelly Lee, and now employs 52 people. With four specialist training divisions covering innovation, leadership and management, continuous improvement and business skills, KF Training has helped dozens of clients to build strong, dynamic businesses and develop a highly skilled workforce.

Sara O’Brien, Commercial Director at KF Training, said: “Our partnership with Outokumpu is one of several contract wins for us in Yorkshire, which is a key part of our growth strategy. We discovered that this part of the country has a range of training needs in key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare technologies, creative and digital, life sciences and low-carbon technologies.

“We are currently recruiting staff who can help us achieve our goal of building our presence in Yorkshire.”

For further information about KF Training, visit www.kftraining.co.uk, call 0191 518 6830 or e-mail info@kftraining.co.uk.

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