Pym and Wildsmith (Metal Finishers) Ltd – Building a Culture of Respect and Wellbeing

Pym and Wildsmith, a Staffordshire based business, has always prioritised creating a positive workplace culture aligned with its core values. However, a growing need to address skills related to dignity, respect, and wellbeing among management highlighted an opportunity for targeted training to improve team dynamics and productivity.

Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and delivered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s Skills Hub, the company was able to address this challenge effectively

As the business expanded, Pym and Wildsmith recognised that some team leaders and managers needed more structured guidance on promoting respect and wellbeing in the workplace. Without intervention, these gaps could have impacted employee satisfaction, morale, and overall company performance

With the support of the UKSPF grant, Pym and Wildsmith invited Kate Wood and Genevieve Blakeley from the University of Derby’s Work Health Hub to deliver an interactive training session on-site.

• Training Focus:
  • Understanding dignity, respect, and wellbeing and their role in team success.
  • Equipping managers and team leaders to positively influence workplace culture through respectful interactions and supportive leadership.
• Content Delivery:
  The session was designed to be interactive, fostering engagement and practical takeaways for participants to implement in their roles.

The training had a measurable impact on both individuals and the broader organisation:

• Improved Leadership: Line managers gained a deeper understanding of how their actions influence team dynamics and learned actionable strategies to enhance workplace culture.
• Aligned Values: The training reinforced Pym and Wildsmith’s company values, ensuring these principles are consistently reflected in daily operations.
• Positive Feedback: Attendees praised the interactive approach, with one participant noting, “It was a great session – both Kate and Gen engaged with the team and made the session really interactive. It provided me with several key takeaways to work on which will help me in my role.”

The UKSPF grant made this vital training possible by covering costs and bringing expert trainers to the company’s site. Reflecting on the experience, Pym and Wildsmith stated:
“The grant enabled us to invite Kate and Gen on-site to deliver this positive training to the team. This has helped to embed our company values within our team and the organisation.”

Pym and Wildsmith wholeheartedly recommend the SPF grant to other businesses, stating, “It enabled us to have an informative and thought-provoking training session.”

By utilising the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Pym and Wildsmith addressed a critical skills gap, enhanced their workplace culture, and strengthened their team’s alignment with core values. This case highlights how strategic funding can support businesses in achieving their goals while contributing to the prosperity of the Staffordshire region.

To speak to the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Skills Hub about training and funding streams email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk