WOW factor safeguards hundreds of jobs
ALMOST 400 jobs have either been created or safeguarded with an additional £1m added to the Walsall economy following the efforts of a business support programme.
Walsall Council-funded Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WOW) is winding down after a two-year tenure helping firms in the borough innovate and launch new products.
Around 150 companies have tapped into the mix of in-depth assistance and specialist development workshops to boost efficiency, cut costs and win contracts.
In addition to the new jobs, the programme has also been responsible for ‘heritage apples’ being exhibited at the National Gallery, the development of a £500,000 machine for the auto industry and a range of aesthetically pleasing window and door products.
Other notable successes include a contract to work on the media centre at the Olympic Village, a new equine product that could go global and the start of two new factory moves which will support expansion.
Details of the programme’s success were released at WOW’s final meeting, which also saw the appointment of five so-called Innovation Change Ambassadors to carry on the legacy of the scheme.
The five ICAs are: Catherine Franks (Strand Hardware), Matt Williams (Redbox Signmakers and ARK-I), Pushpa Alexander (Headzup Business), Raj Naphray (Choice Lets) and Stephen Preston (Kirkpatrick).
Roy Bayliss, WOW’s project leader, said: “When we launched WOW two years ago, we wanted to show local SMEs that innovation is much more than just about launching products and services…it’s also how you treat you customers, manage your supply chain and take waste out of your business.
“I believe we’ve achieved this switch in mindset and, with the introduction of five Innovation Change Ambassadors, we should see this legacy continue.”
Funded by the Walsall Partnership through Walsall Council, WOW provided all companies with a one-to-one business review working up to an action plan. Skilled consultants were then drafted in to ensure the firm met its objectives.
The support programme also included 28 specialist workshops, which were attended by more than 300 delegates.
Ultimately the WOW programme surpassed all of its targets, with 43 jobs created, 340 safeguarded with £1m added to the economy against targets of 15, 80 and £300,000 respectively.
Cllr Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “There is no doubt WOW has made a positive difference to firms in the borough and one that will continue in the long term.
“The project leads, the innovation change partners and, importantly, the companies have all worked together to bring new jobs and increased economic activity to Walsall.”
The WOW effect, from left: Stephen Preston (Kirkpatrick), Pushpa Alexander (Headzup Business), Judith Bayliss (WOW), Cllr Adrian Andrew (Walsall Council), Roy Bayliss (WOW), Catherine Franks (Strand Hardware) and Matt Williams (Redbox Signmakers and ARK-I).
