People not machines: increase spending in labour helps Sussex businesses grow

A recent survey showed 73% of London and South East respondents would prefer to spend more money improving worker's skills rather than machinery.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Oct 2015, 12:31 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 04:51 BST
Alice RendellAlice Rendell
Alice Rendell

The latest independent report by Manufacturing Barometer has revealed that small businesses who invest in a good skilled workforce are more likely to thrive, rather than spending money in new machinery.

Businesses like Arundel’s Edgcumbe Coffee Roasters and Tea Blenders, which sells and produces its own tea and coffee, rely on larger and more skilled labour for their business to expand.

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Director Alice Rendle said: “The skills of our workforce is vital to our company growth.”

After the great success of its on-site takeway cafe Edge, Mrs Rendle she they planned to build a larger cafe where they can hold events and tasting sessions.

She added: “We know the demand is there.”

Founded in 1981, the family company has recently started serving its products to the general public after initially selling them to wholesale businesses for 35 years.

Mrs Rendle said as customers look for better quality and locally sourced products, and are prepared to pay them, the company is keen to invest in new skilled workers.

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Head of the Business Growth Service, Stephen Peacock, explains: “The race to improve productivity has been widely discussed over the past 12 months and the findings of the latest Manufactoring Barometer clearly show that the majority of smaller manufacturers are prepared to increase spending to gain better performance.”

He added: “This shows the importance firms appear to be placing on ensuring they have the right people to grow their business and this spans from retaining key staff and employing apprentices, to continuously improving existing employees.”

Mr Peacock claimed there have been many companies that asked for help in leadership and managment training to boost the businesses’ performance.

The Manufactoring Barometer is the largest independent survey of small and medium sized manufacturers (SMEs) manufacturing companies in England.Follow Edgcumbe Coffee Roasters and Tea Blenders on Twitter @Edgcumbes or call 01243 555775 for information.

Related topics:PeopleArundelSussexLondonSouth East