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Discussion With Local Government
Local MP Chris Bloore made a visit to Ebble Group Tantec today to discuss business concerns and the future of manufacturing in Redditch.
Some very interesting and positive points were discussed including the current business rates and high running costs, as well as minor issues such as local parking.
But importantly discussions focused on recruitment of local talent, the skilled people in the local area that Chris Bloore wants to get in to work and that Ebble Group would love to employ.
We discussed the history of our business and how it came from starting in Chris Howey’s spare bedroom, to the manufacturing facility we operate today, and looking to the future when we plan to add a number of additional people to the team to meet growing demand and more complex business needs.
Recruitment and Future Plans
Tantec and Ebble Manufacturing are looking to recruit a number of roles of the coming 18 months, including operator and office staff as well as engineering and technical team members.
Recent recruitment drives saw a large number of skilled workers apply, but many of which were further away than expected with expected local talent available. A key point discussed was the large number of skilled people in Redditch and the surrounding area within manufacturing and engineering due to the high number of manufacturing sites such as Mettis Aerospace, Bee Lighting and Antolin occupying large facilities nearby.
The challenges discussed is getting the message to the right people at the right time, and across age ranges to ensure that we’re speaking to these skilled people looking for a new role. Local events such as the RecruitFest which took place recently is part of getting the message out to these individuals and allowing businesses to engage beyond simple job advertisements.
Ebble Group Local Engagement
The senior management team of Ebble Group is looking for increased local engagement with the public, with government and with the town and county in general so our presence here is a positive one.
Recruitment and actively employing those nearby is a cornerstone of the engagement but increasing how we work with local suppliers, the charity work we support and continuing to operate ethically for the local environment are part of our ethos and important for how we grow professionally.
One key point that Managing Director Chris Howey comments on why he is looking to engage with local councillors and members of parliament
“We’re building our business group with a strong aim to be ethical and fair, we have always tried to be this with our customers and suppliers, but as we grow we want to make sure we’re giving back to our local community. Speaking with Chris Bloore is one of the ways we’re looking to engage. An exciting point for our business is that we’re taking on more team members which is fantastic for me personally to know that our actions are supporting local families”
Future work beyond recruitment and making contact with local policy makes include additional charity and support work as well as improving and acheiving accreditation for ISO14001 to solidify the minimal environmental impact we’re currently acheiveing.
Chris Bloore Meeting The Ebble Team
It was very rewarding to see the office and factory team meet with Chris Bloore, largely because it was appreciated he had taken the time to personally get involved with our business and ask about the problems and successes we are currently facing.
The team had several questions including questions around support on regulatory and legal requirements – such issues with recent engagement with the Environmental Agency who were unable to help with a more niche request.
Chris Bloore was eager to learn about our technical manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to local employment. With the rapid rise of local warehouses over the past ten years, securing a skilled workforce is more important than ever. We are proud to invest in technical skills, proving that our facility offers far more than just standard warehouse jobs.
From everyone here at Ebble Group – Tantec, it was very pleasant to have Chris Bloore visit our site and take interest in a local technical business and it was positive to have the companies opinions heard.
