Barrick Mouldings - Case study

The directors of South Yorkshire-based Barrick Mouldings believe in supporting their own community.

Joe Clarke and Keith Wilson, two former miners, take a holistic view of their workforce. They show genuine appreciation of the opportunities that their people have brought to their business - with a little help from A4e.

Barrick Mouldings, which makes decorative uPVC doors, has a healthy annual turnover of £1.3million - up 40 per cent on last year, despite the recession.

In the years since they bought the business, Joe and Keith have employed a number of key staff through A4e - the private sector business which specialises in getting unemployed people back into work.

In fact, of their 15 current employees, around a third started their journey into the business through A4e.

“Because of our background as former miners and our approach to families and communities, we believe in giving people a chance,” says Joe Clarke

“And it has really paid off - our employees appreciate being given the opportunity of long-term employment and we benefit from committed and motivated people.

Since first contacting A4e’s Barnsley office some years ago Barrick Mouldings has built up a good relationship with A4e - taking on a further half a dozen employees put forward by A4e since then.

“Most have stayed with us or even gone on to higher-paid jobs,” says Joe. “I don’t believe we’ve had anyone who wasn’t conscientious and reliable.”

In the past, jobseekers coming to Barrick Mouldings have often arrived without skills specific to the business. But all have been ready and willing to either work on the factory floor or undertake training in the craft skills needed for door bevelling and leading.

“The team at A4e works with the jobseekers to pinpoint those who are clearly suitable for our work,” said Joe. “That helps us by saving time and effort”

“Nine years ago, one of those job candidates was single mum Lorna Barrett, who was struggling to find work with hours suitable to fit around her young son, after spending two years studying computer skills, RSA typing, desk top publishing and accounting through a Distance Learning course.

Lorna now works full time and Joe appreciates where she has come from: “She runs the whole of the admin and finance side when I’m not here - we really would struggle to manage without her!”

“We believe in our communities and in buying local - and that includes our labour force. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with our local A4e office again.”

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