Five Taylor Lane Timber Frame employees have successfully completed the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management course provided by one of Herefordshire’s largest training providers, Hoople Training.

Dean, Gary, Mircea, Niall and Will are part of the company’s increased management team, occupying assistant manager and factory foreman roles on their respective shifts.  New to these positions, Taylor Lane’s Production Director, Paul Harris was keen to enhance their management expertise, ensuring they had the confidence and skills to manage a variety of situations.

“Taylor Lane is going from strength to strength – demand for our timber frame products is high, the team is growing, and we’re set for a record year,” comments, Paul Harris.  “As we evolve as a business, it’s vital that we have the people and skills to deliver high standard products and services, consistently and efficiently.  The ILM course was the perfect opportunity to boost confidence, promote collaborative working, and build on the management skills of five team members.”

A key objective was to strengthen bonds and encourage the managers to learn from one another and share best practice, as the teams are split across two Hereford-based factories.  While they’re only a short distance from one another, the need for collaboration and effective cross-functional working was apparent.

Personal development

The colleagues built their knowledge and skills together.  They helped each other throughout the course, particularly with the more challenging aspects, including a presentation to other course delegates which some were apprehensive about.  They all felt a great sense of achievement after.

Networking with other delegates and businesses on the cohort also boosted confidence when speaking in groups or meeting new people.  This was something that each of them was keen to improve.

Confidence and communication

Gary commented that his main takeaway was feeling more confident in holding team meetings and feeling able to take charge in difficult situations.  This was echoed across the other delegates.

Another new skill that has since been embedded is tailoring communication styles.  Dean noted that he is now confident in adapting his communication to meet the needs of his colleagues, “Now I realise people can perceive things in different ways – it’s not just what you are saying, but how others interpret it.”

Positive experience

It’s several months since Dean, Gary, Mircea, Niall and Will completed the Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management course and it’s easy to see the impact it has had on their confidence and management style.  Their teams have been very complimentary, and they are feeling respected in their roles.

“After such a positive experience, we’ve enrolled three more Taylor Lane employees on the next ILM Level 3 course with Hoople Training.  We are also exploring one-day sessions for all levels of personnel, demonstrating our commitment to employee development,” concludes, Paul.

The training course was funded by the Herefordshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).