Looking for leaders of the future

Nurturing talent is vital to create the leaders of the future equipped with the skills to develop their businesses and grow the regional economy.

Recognising that fact, companies like Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) are taking matters in their own hands and developing talent from within.

Previously part of the ICI group it has almost 400 people working across three sites in Cheshire and a turnover of around £130m.

Karen Lounds, TCE’s director of business services, says the company has worked hard at transforming its operation in recent years.

She adds: “People are the beating heart of our business and to help nurture this, we have two talent programmes, ‘Emerging Leaders’ and ‘Aspiring Leaders’, to help develop a fit for the future work force from within the business.

“These programmes provide a pathway for progression for talent in the business, helping TCE to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, with the right resources.

“The talent programmes also support the individuals with training, mentoring and opportunities to really understand the business they work in.

“Alongside this, to help attract, retain and develop the right high calibre talent we are currently investing in our employer brand and are developing a value proposition for employees – making a clear case about why TCE, as part of the manufacturing sector, is a great place to start and build a career and develop an exceptional 21st century relevant skills base.

“We’re also working to help dispel some of the misconceptions about the sector. Fostering an interest in STEM in local schools and colleges is a core plank of our CSR programme.”

Alex Paterson, energy data and systems manager, believes the emerging leaders talent programme is having an impact.  “There’s awareness that people in the business need expanded skill sets and a broader understanding of what is happening across the whole business in order to contribute more effectively.”