Addressing Skill Shortages in a Changing Regulatory Environment

Partners for Endoscopy Limited, a company based in Stoke-on-Trent, specialises in the manufacture of medical devices. Over the past few years, regulatory changes introduced through the UK and EU Medical Device Regulations have created challenges for the business, particularly in recruiting skilled professionals with the necessary quality and regulatory knowledge.  The company were successful in obtaining a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) grant, through a programmed managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and delivered by Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Skills Hub.

In Stoke-on-Trent’s challenging recruitment climate, finding individuals with relevant expertise in medical device regulations has been a persistent issue. However, through this training grant, the company successfully employed and trained a new staff member in the essential regulatory requirements. This initiative enhanced the company’s knowledge base, ensuring compliance with evolving medical device standards.

The training grant proved transformative for Partners for Endoscopy. The company was able to:

• Recruit a suitable candidate to fill a critical role.
• Provide the individual with specialised regulatory training to meet stringent industry standards.
• Free up some of the training budget for other training needs.

“The company was able to recruit an individual and provide relevant regulatory training with the help of the funded training, and there is a lot of training required for this particular role, which is at great expense to the company, so the grant monies assisted with these costs.”

Due to the specialised nature of the training, no local providers in Staffordshire offered the required courses. Partners for Endoscopy selected Bywater Training Limited, based in Esher, Surrey. Bywater Training provided a cost-effective solution compared to some more expensive alternatives.

Partners for Endoscopy highly recommends this grant to other businesses, citing the straightforward application and claims process as a key advantage.

The funded training grant enabled Partners for Endoscopy to overcome significant recruitment challenges and strengthen its regulatory capabilities, positioning the company for continued success in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

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