New staff and training opportunities as business celebrates its 20th anniversary

A thriving business is set to recruit new staff and expand its training opportunities to fuel continued growth as it marks its 20th anniversary.

Sarah Parrin founded Solutions Services Ltd in a small office on Spring Street, Rugby, in 2004, which has evolved into a leading commercial cleaning and facilities management company.

The business, now headquartered in offices and a warehouse at Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, has grown its customer base to 108 across Coventry and Warwickshire and employs 63 dedicated members of staff.

With plans to further increase its workforce and invest in employee development, Sarah has emphasised the importance of skill enhancement and career progression within her team.

She said: “We are proud of our 63 staff members and plan to expand by another 10 to meet the demands of our growing customer base.

“Our partnership with Adam Plumb from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has been invaluable. He regularly informs us of available funding opportunities that support our focus on staff development. It’s crucial for me to ensure that everyone has the chance to improve their skills, whether they continue with us or move on to other opportunities.”

Thanks to the Warwickshire County Council Apprenticeship Levy Share Programme, Solutions Services has been able to provide significant training for its team.

Payroll Administrator Sarah Peabody is now undertaking a multi-media marketing course, while Contract Manager Kate Hutt is pursuing an NVQ Level 5 in Operations Management.

Additionally, HR Manager Stacee Callaghan is embarking on her second apprenticeship, working towards an NVQ Level 3 in HR Management with Warwickshire Skills Hub providing further support with an Apprenticeship Progression payment of £1,000.

Sarah believes that investing in her employees is key to the company’s success.

She said: “The apprenticeships that Stacee, Sarah, and Kate are pursuing will bring valuable new skills to our business. Currently, we don’t have the funds for external marketing services, so having Sarah develop her marketing expertise is critical to our growth plans. We aim to grow by 20 per cent over the next year, and the Apprenticeship Levy Share Programme is instrumental for a business of our size.”

Adam Plumb, Account Manager for Rugby at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, praised Solutions Services as a cornerstone of the local economy.

He said: “SMEs are crucial to the growth of any local area, and Solutions Services has steadily expanded over the last 20 years to employ people from Rugby and the surrounding area.

“One of the biggest areas of concern that we hear from businesses is around skills and it is fantastic that Sarah places such an emphasis on upskilling her staff which also leads to high staff retention because employees are happy working there and know they have career progression.”

Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We want Warwickshire to have a thriving economy and it’s great to see local businesses like Solutions Services utilising the range of support available to help them grow their skills and workforce.

“Solutions Services is also part of our Fair Chance Employment Programme which was set up to support employers in their recruitment process to be more flexible, inclusive and reduce any barriers to anyone wanting to gain skills and employment.

“The programme has benefitted Solutions Services and they have been able to create inclusive employment opportunities and make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview stage, as well as when they join the workplace.”

Further information about Warwickshire Skills Hub can be found at: skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk

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Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,