Growth Hub support puts mental wellbeing in the spotlight
June 8, 2020
A global supplier of liquid chemicals has put the health and wellbeing of its staff on the radar thanks to HR advice from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.
Leek-based Tennants Fine Chemicals has made key improvements to its wellbeing policy, as well as developed ways to further support its 106 employees, with advice from the county’s business support service.
Tennants Fine Chemicals is now implementing a training course for nine members of staff to become mental health first aiders, in a bid to encourage employees to be more open about their feelings.
A world-leader in the manufacture of acetate esters and aroma chemicals, Tennants Fine Chemicals produces over 24,000 tonnes of liquid chemicals each year, from its site in Leek, Staffordshire – exporting worldwide to over 90 countries.
HR Controller, Kim Nieto, said: “Joe Gill from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub came out to visit us and together we went through our wellbeing policies to see if there were any improvements we could make across our site.
“At that time, we were looking at our mental health wellbeing policy in particular, to see how we could support our employees a bit more.
“Being the only HR professional in a large SME, it was nice to get an impartial second opinion and a fresh pair of eyes to reassure us that the plans we were looking to implement were going to benefit our employees and the business as a whole.
“It was very useful. The Growth Hub was easy to deal with and the service they have provided was very helpful to us.
“I would encourage other companies to get involved with the Growth Hub as it’s an ideal opportunity to network with other businesses.”
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub is the core of support for Staffordshire SME’s who have growth aspirations.
Nicola Kent, Growth Hub Manager, said: “Tennants Fine Chemicals is a great example of a company who needed a helping hand with their HR.
“Our team is able to offer expert advice and templates to help companies establish policies that will really benefit their workforce.
“My advice to other companies who feel they need extra support to succeed in Staffs, is to get in touch.”
