Newport-based furniture manufacturer Bisley Office Equipment is embracing change and innovation - not just in its product range, but in how it invests in its people. With a proud heritage dating back to 1931, Bisley has long been known for its steel storage solutions.
In recent years, the company has expanded into wooden furniture and smart lock technology to meet the growing demand for intelligent storage solutions while also responding to evolving customer needs and a growing e-commerce market. Supporting this transformation has been the Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme (FSP), which provides up to 50% funding towards employee training costs.
Bisley first accessed the programme in 2020 and has since used it to upskill its workforce across multiple departments. Phil Westcott, Group HR Manager, said:
In the wake of the pandemic, customer demand for our usual supply shifted, particularly in the realms of less traditional office furniture to products that were more suited to a dynamic hot desking office and home office environment.
Diversification was becoming essential and as a business, we recognised the need to become more flexible and responsive and develop our front-line leaders through improving job instruction and job safety.
The company accessed Training Within Industry (TWI) modules, including Job Instruction, Job Relations, and Job Methods, which were particularly valuable as Bisley endeavoured to have a more agile workforce to meet the changing requirements of the business.
Phil explained:
The training programmes we adopted allowed us to quickly upskill our existing workforce. The application process to gain access to funding was straightforward, with valuable support from key Business Wales contacts.
Since implementing the training, Bisley has seen a significant transformation in its operations. The workforce has become more agile and multi-skilled, enabling the company to respond more effectively to evolving business needs. Staff confidence has grown, leadership capabilities have been strengthened, and productivity has improved.
Phil added:
The programme has given ambitious people the opportunity to step up; not only in leadership or supervisory roles, but also by empowering those on the shop floor to make decisions and grow.
However, the financial support has been of great benefit. It supports businesses in difficult times when budgets are tight. Having this funding enabled us to embark on industry-specific training programmes that, in turn, delivered invaluable skills growth across our workforce.
These developments have contributed to a low staff turnover rate and positioned the company to expand into new markets and product areas with confidence. Today, the company’s portfolio has expanded to include major global clients including JP Morgan, Nike, Time Warner and Dubai World Trade Centre.
Bisley has now embedded the FSP across multiple departments, including manufacturing, customer service, logistics, engineering and design. The company continues to apply for support annually to further strengthen its workforce and strongly recommends the programme to other Welsh businesses.
The support from Business Wales has been excellent - clear, helpful, and efficient. I’d absolutely recommend the Flexible Skills Programme to any business looking to upskill and invest in its people.
The financial support, the outcomes, and the development of our team’s capabilities have all helped us adapt and thrive in a changing market. For us, it’s been a no-brainer.
For more information on the Flexible Skills Programme, visit Flexible Skills Programme | Business Wales.
Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover opportunities, and to speak to a specialist advisor, contact Business Wales. Visit Homepage | Business Wales or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.