Ask the Local Expert

Welcome to the newest series on our Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub Business Support Blog - an interview series, shining a spotlight on some the great businesses and success stories across our region.

This time, we're catching up with Samantha Lees of Nuneaton & Bedworth Community Enterprises Limited (NABCEL) - asking questions about recent business challenges, why being based in Nuneaton is key in their success and good advice they are able to offer to other local businesses!

If you enjoy entrepreneurial spirit, learning more about local business and understanding how business are working to overcome challenging times, read more below!

What's your role in the business?

As Operations Manager, I am responsible for operational outcomes and for managing the company integrated management system to drive continuous improvement, efficiency and customer satisfaction. I am also responsible for ensuring the Company is compliant with all its legal and regulatory requirements.

What does the business do?

Nuneaton and Bedworth Community Enterprises Limited (NABCEL) offer a wide range of property services to both the commercial and private sectors, including:

• gas and electrical works.
• property lettings.
• management of temporary accommodation.
• extensive cleaning services.
• Gardening works.
• building surveying and consultancy.

Each of our business streams are led by an experienced manager who has full ownership of their department and is supported by a dedicated unit within their service area.

What advantage does being based in the Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough give to your business?

Although we do work wider afield, the majority of our work is based within Nuneaton and Bedworth. Our work takes us into the heart of the community, and we understand the impact our services have on many people within the borough. Being based in Nuneaton means that we are able to respond swiftly and efficiently to urgent calls, whilst encouraging recruitment and growth within the local area.

How has the business changed over time?

Initially, NABCEL was formed in 2013 to provide property management services across the borough. From then, our company has grown exponentially through investment in our team and our desire to provide quality services throughout the community. We are delighted that over 6,000 people currently benefit from our property management and gas services alone. During the pandemic, we developed our cleaning services to provide deep cleans and in the last six months have taken on additional cleaning contracts that have seen our workforce double.

What are the biggest challenges you've faced in the last 12 months?

Recruitment is certainly one of the biggest challenges that we have faced, as our job advertisements receive a limited response. Subsequently, we have reviewed our current recruitment processes and reached out to various groups including the Warwickshire Skills Hub and CW Growth Hub to explore other avenues. Through the Fair Chance programme we recruited an office administrator who has been with us for six months now. A Coventry University student recently carried out a marketing analysis, and we have just arranged a year’s placement for a student from North Warwickshire and South Leicester College to manage our social media accounts.

What advice would you give to other businesses facing similar challenges?

I would advise other businesses to reach out for support from the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub and Warwickshire Skills Hub, to see what other options may be available to them. This may be with recruitment, training, or even grants to assist the growth of their business. I would also encourage businesses to look at areas of society that may be unfairly overlooked, or to think about encouraging the workforce of tomorrow by facilitating work experience or placement opportunities!

How has working with the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth hub helped you?

The Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub has provided a wealth of information which has helped NABCEL to address their recruitment issues and explore alternative avenues. We are proud to be working with the local colleges to provide guidance and mentorship to students and enable them to have valuable work experience whilst they continue to study. This connection has also allowed for greater networking within the local business community and to extend NABCEL’s profile to a wider audience.