SME in Brief: Training provider spreads its wings; plastics firm launches new website and more
A YORK-based training provider is spreading its wings following major expansion.
Inspire 2 Independence (i2i) is moving from York Science Park to larger premises on Millfield Lane in the city to cope with its rapid growth.
Launched in 2004 by James Gore, Kent Mayall, Matthew Gore and Shaun McKenna, i2i started out on York Science Park as a micro-enterprise. The company now turns over £6m – forecast to double within the next year – and operates 14 training centres employing around 200 people in five regions across the UK.
i2i provides training services and solutions to job seekers across a wide range of industries and works with employers to provide specialist training to help develop the skills of their employees.
Its funding partners and clients include the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning Skills Council, Further Education Colleges, service provider Serco, blue chip companies and SMEs throughout the UK.
Shaun McKenna, director of i2i said: “Starting out on York Science Park has proved hugely beneficial to the development of the company. It provided us with flexible, high quality office facilities that we have been able to expand as we have developed, it is a vibrant community to work in and the opportunities for collaboration and networking with other residents on the park has been really useful.”
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WAKEFIELD-based David Palmer MOT, Service and Repair Centre is celebrating 18 years in business.
Employing four local mechanics, the team has grown over the years to offer MOT’s and servicing for cars and light vehicles as well as the repair of cars, coaches, vans and vintage vehicles.
Managing director Andrew Palmer said: “Although it is a great achievement to reach 18 years in business, since employing Simon Fenton as garage manager two years ago it has gone from strength to strength. We would like to thank him and the team for their hard work, dedication and commitment to building up the business”
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A LEEDS plastics firm has launched a new website as part of its new marketing programme.
Barkston Plastics has introduced the new site www.theplasticpeople.co.uk to develop its brand identity in trade and consumer markets.
The website was created to complement Barkston’s existing trade website and to showcase the company’s expanding product range.
As a result of the growing success of the website Barkston has employed more staff to its website division.
Tim Kiernan, managing director of Barkston, said: “The new website has been extremely successful and is intended to support both our trade and consumer business long term.
“We have recently introduced cutting, drilling and polishing services via our site and made advice available to customers as well. This means visitors can consult with us, benefit from our expertise, have products made to measure and save money via the DIY route.”
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NORTHERN car retailer JCT600 has been recognised for its commitment to improving the quality of information given to customers on motor finance.
All of the group’s dealerships throughout Yorkshire are now Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Approved by the Finance & Leasing Association.
Simon Barrass, group finance & insurance director of JCT600, said: “I am delighted that JCT600 is now SAF Approved. This is an important initiative by the FLA and will give car buyers added confidence and peace of mind when visiting a JCT600 dealership, knowing they will be dealing with a well-informed professional who can give impartial advice on which finance product is right for them.
“At JCT600 we are committed to training and the SAF program is a positive step to ensure that our key sales staff are fully up-to-speed in the sale of motor finance.”
SAF was launched by the FLA in August to raise standards and increase customer confidence in motor finance. ‘
