Developed in partnership with the HR Dept, a human resources consultancy specialising in advice and support for small and medium-sized businesses, the initiative aims to build a robust employee engagement and development framework that addresses the skills gap while fostering personal and professional growth among employees.
The programme also includes workshops on financial well-being, career development and building positive habits, laying the groundwork for comprehensive employee growth. ‘Be Better’ will also develop a behavioural competency framework, outlining the ‘softer’ but critical skills for recruitment, day-to-day interactions and development. This framework focuses on the ‘how’ of employee behaviours, not just the ‘what’ of task execution, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
BEP Surface Technologies, which has operated from its Radcliffe facility for over five decades, has long been at the forefront of plating solutions in the UK. But like many in the manufacturing sector, the company faces the growing challenge of accessing and retaining a skilled workforce.
According to a report by WorldSkills UK – part of a global movement of over 80 countries helping elevate skills for employees and students - the manufacturing sector's struggle to access a skilled workforce is growing. Almost three in five manufacturers (57%) cite significant difficulties finding qualified talent. The challenge is particularly acute in both advanced and traditional manufacturing skills, where shortages are reported by 55% and 61% of manufacturers, respectively.
These gaps highlight the urgent need for robust employee development initiatives, like BEP Surface Technologies' 'Be Better' programme, to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet current and future demands. This proactive approach ensures that companies remain competitive while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
“For more than half a century, BEP has worked hard to remain at the leading edge of the surface engineering sector through our investment in people, processes, and products," said Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies. "But like the rest of the engineering and manufacturing sectors, recruiting and retaining skilled talent has been a battle.”
“The ‘Be Better’ programme is a step forward in overcoming this challenge to maintaining our legacy. This programme aims to offer our valued team members a pathway to continuous personal and professional growth opportunities and for potential recruits to see the benefits of working for BEP. We aim to build a more dynamic, committed workforce, driving long-term sustained business success.”
‘Be Better’ is crafted to be holistic and adaptable, designed to meet the business's and its employees' diverse needs. It tackles multiple facets of personal and professional growth, including empowering employees to support their families, friends, and colleagues more effectively; promoting physical and mental well-being through healthy lifestyle choices and resilience-building; offering guidance on career development and achieving work-life balance; enhancing financial literacy to prepare for life beyond work; fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity; and emphasising a commitment to environmental sustainability and workplace safety.
With voluntary participation, the programme allows employees to engage in areas that align with their personal and career aspirations.
Jill Bottomley, Director of the HR Department in Trafford and Warrington, collaborated closely with BEP to align the programme with the company’s strategic objectives.
“We aim to develop a sustainable strategy that supports the attraction, growth and retention of key talent within BEP,” explained Bottomley. “The programme has been developed based on data and inputs collected over several years to help identify and nurture emerging leaders. By understanding what drives each individual and focusing on their unique strengths, we build a more engaged and future-ready workforce.”
The ‘Be Better’ programme further adds to BEP’s dedication to fostering local talent through its comprehensive apprenticeship programme, which spans various disciplines, from skilled machinists and maintenance teams to commercial and administrative roles.
“Whilst we love recruiting locally and building a real community feel to BEP, it is also our duty to ensure we have happy employees,” said McClusky.
