Power from the people
"Our people are our biggest asset" is one of the most well worn clichés in business. But, as Sam Metcalf discovers, people are the secret of the highest climbers in Insider's definitive listing of the Midlands' fastest growing businesses
People power is driving growth across the best of Midlands businesses. At a time when the education system is being placed under pressure to deliver, it's the improvement of their employees' skills base that is driving the growth of our top 100 companies.
However, rather than waiting for the next generation of bright young things to come through the ranks and into their waiting arms, many of the companies are taking the time to train and motivate their staff without depending on endless government legislation.
The emphasis on people power comes as no surprise to Alasdair Robertson, HSBC's head of corporate banking, Midlands, who says: "The Growth 100 table highlights the tremendous diversity of companies and is a reflection of the benefits of a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
"An enhanced focus on the core business and key strengths, alongside a drive to improve operational efficiency including increased investment in employee training and skills, are undoubted characteristics that we're seeing within successfully expanding businesses."
For example, Paragon Interiors in Nottingham has identified that keeping hold of trained employees - both in the offices and out in the field - equals a much better chance of year-on-year growth.
As Alan Hardy, managing director at Paragon, points out: "Businesses are under the greatest pressure yet to retain skilled employees and providing ergonomically sound environments that are attractive and which fulfil operating requirements plays a role in that retention programme."
As Susan Anderson, CBI's director of human resources policy, says: "Employers are crying out for numerate, literate and IT savvy youngsters, who can work as part of a team, make decisions and take on responsibility."
Similarly, Equidebt operates in the often mistrusted world of debt recovery, yet through careful management it has devised a seven-point ethical recovery plan as well as investing time and money in training its staff to handle clients' debtors in a sensitive and professional way.
Shire Leasing - a regular fixture in our Growth 100 table - has empowered its staff and entrusted them with their own micro businesses so that they can be as creative as they wish.
In Birmingham, at the Old House Group, the ethos is geared towards giving people in management teams of each of the constituent companies exactly what they need to achieve maximum growth.
But who would've thought that West Browmich Albion Football Club, in a relegation season, would make it as high as 18th? Inspiration indeed for any businesses going through a tough time on the pitch.
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