Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Preston (Kirkpatrick), Matt Williams
(Redbox Signmakers and ARK-I), Catherine Franks (Strand Hardware),
Roy Balyliss (WOW), Cllr Adrian Andrew (Walsall Council), Pushpa
Alexander (Headz Up Business) and Judith Bayliss (WOW)
More than 380 jobs have been created or safeguarded with an
additional £1m added to the Walsall economy it was revealed
yesterday.
The announcement was made by Walsall Council-funded Winning
Opportunities in Walsall (WOW), a two year business support
programme designed to help firms in the borough innovate the way
they work and launch new products across the world.
150 local companies have tapped into the mix of in-depth
assistance and specialist development workshops to boost
efficiency, cut costs and win contracts.
It has also resulted in 43 news jobs being created, 'heritage
apples' being shown at the National Gallery, the development of a
new £500,000 machine for the auto sector and a range of
aesthetically pleasing window and door products.
All of these figures were released at the final WOW event, where
five Innovation Change Ambassadors were appointed to carry on the
legacy of the initiative and ensure the borough continues do
'things differently'.
These include Catherine Franks (Strand Hardware), Matt Williams
(Redbox Signmakers and ARK-I), Pushpa Alexander (Headzup Business),
Raj Naphray (Choice Lets) and Stephen Preston (Kirkpatrick).
"When we launched WOW two years ago, we wanted to show local
SMEs that innovation is much more than just about launching
products and services…it's also how you treat you customers,
manage your supply chain and take waste out of your business,"
explained Roy Bayliss, Project Lead.
"I believe we've achieved this switch in mindset and, with the
introduction of five Innovation Change Ambassadors, we should see
this legacy continue."
He continued: "The quintet have all displayed outstanding vision
and a willingness to try new things in order to make a difference.
Catherine, Matt, Pushpa, Raj and Stephen will continue to promote
innovation in their daily business roles, with education and
amongst their networks and contacts."
Funded by the Walsall Partnership through Walsall Council, WOW
provided all companies with a one-to-one diagnostic to work up an
action plan and then brought in skilled Innovation Change Partners
to help meet objectives.
The in-depth assistance was boosted even further by 28
specialist workshops that attracted more than 300 delegates and was
an important vehicle for cascading skills, sharing best practice,
generating ideas, spotting opportunities and establishing a fresh
approach.
This contributed to the programme surpassing all of its targets,
with 43 jobs created, 340 safeguarded with £1m added to the
economy against targets of 15, 80 and £300,000
respectively.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for
regeneration, was pleased with the impact of the initiative:
"There is no doubt WOW has made a positive difference to firms
in the borough and one that will continue in the long term.
"The project leads, the innovation change partners and,
importantly, the companies have all worked together to bring new
jobs and increased economic activity to Walsall.
"It is without doubt a great example of how business support
should be delivered in the future."
Other notable success stories from WOW include a contract to
work on the media centre at the Olympic Village, a new equine
product that could go global and the start of two new factory moves
that will support expansion.
BJS Distribution has also been supported to hit £1m
turnover in its 2nd year and a new website has helped Interface
Signage secure new orders with the NHS that has led to the
employment of two new apprentices.
Other exciting developments, still 'under wraps' for legal
reasons, will see the impact of WOW extend into 2012 and
beyond.