CW Print Group realised that to thrive in today's industry and to make the most of the latest printing technology and business practices it had to invest heavily in its people. Director Richard Wayman decided to put training at the heart of the operation on taking the helm in 2007, as the fourth-generation of his family to run the Essex-based business. As a result, it addressed specific skills needs in pre-press, digital colour, finishing and CIP4 computer integrated manufacturing. In addition to this it introduced a mentoring scheme as part of a longer-term view of staff development. Their are two mentors in the print department and a further two in finishing, who are there to transfer their skills and experience to the next generation and to ensure continued best practice and high quality. Last summer, four management trainees were employed and after an initial induction, settled into roles in estimating, production, accounts and IT, all under the supervision of a management mentor. Management training is taken seriously across the firm with printers, finishers, overseers, management trainees and mentors all enrolled in NVQs in business administration. The firm has even taken a leaf out of the Excellence Awards book and launched its own internal awards scheme.

Highly commended: Newsprinters
Newsprinters faced an enormous task getting all the crews across its three UK plants at Knowsley, Eurocentral in Glasgow and Broxbourne near London up to speed with the £600m investment in state-of-the-art equipment. The judges praised the mammoth training programme, which encompassed 19 presses and took 18 months, for its execution. In particular they highlighted the meticulous planning behind the scenes and the use of ‘super users' to cascade skills across the factories.


For the full run-down of the Excellence Awards 2009 winners, click here.