Case Study - Commercial Utility Brokers
Commercial Utility Brokers (UK) Ltd’s family director team Jaqui, Mike and Louis Fairfax are firmly convinced that the doubling of their business turnover in the past 3 years is down to their apprenticeship scheme and the benefits it has brought the company.
The company have been working with CWA to train their apprentices for the past three years and managing director, Jaqui, is impressed: “We chose the College of West Anglia because we were very impressed with the range of training offered and the location of the college to our business was ideal. A huge benefit of working with the college is the relationship we have built up with college staff over the last 3 years. We have a member of the college come in at least once a week and they actually feel like a member of our own team. This relationship reassures us that the college has our best interests at heart.”
Jaqui believes that apprentices add value to the company: “The 4 apprentices we have currently working for us bring a fresh set of eyes that see things many of us may miss. The enthusiasm they bring helps with staff morale and they feel like they are progressing in our business.”
She thinks the partnership with the college has also brought wider benefits to their business: “They understand all the requirements of running the business and have helped us to formalise our structures and produce company documents including staff procedures and work manuals. They have also helped to save on recruitment costs as we hope to keep the apprentices on in full-time employment once they have completed their qualification.”
“I would recommend the College’s apprenticeship scheme to other employers; the professionalism of trainers is second to none and they make us feel like our business is incredibly important and valuable to them.”
Commercial Utility Brokers (UK) Ltd were also recognised at the East of England Apprenticeship Awards 2009, being highly commended in the Micro Business Employer of the Year category. They were also winners in the Fenland Business Awards 2009.
