Door firm’s success hinges on effective mentoring

Pendle Doors has benefited from Boost Business Lancashire’s Growth Mentoring programme as part of a longer term relationship with Community & Business Partners’ mentor Victor Giannandrea.

Pendle Doors is a manufacturer of high quality internal and external timber doors, fire-rated doors and doorsets, as well as secured by design entrance systems, glazed screens and purpose made joinery.

The business has seen a 10 per cent rise in turnover, plus an increase in profits of eight per cent in the year to date and part of this can be attributed to the mentoring support received.

Purchased in 1994, Pendle Doors now has a workforce of 30 employees and is looking at fresh opportunities for growth. Three members of the family work in the business, which aims to grow turnover to £3m and staff to 33 by 2015.

Darwen-based Pendle Doors has been working alongside Victor and the business has prospered as a result of his knowledge of sales, marketing, manufacturing and consumer durables.

By working with managing director Stephen Anderson and finance director Sue Anderson, Victor has helped to implement measures including improved leadership development, change management, HR practices, and new production line techniques. In addition, the business has enhanced its systems and processes as well as investing in another two machines to keep up with demand, and updated its marketing strategy to include social media.

One element of the programme was broaching the succession management strategy involving Stephen and Sue’s son Ryan. Ryan has also attended the Business Growth Skills Assist workshop and planned aspects of the new production system.

Managing director, Stephen Anderson, said: “The help and support received from Victor has been invaluable as we strive to grow our business in an efficient and sustainable way.” Victor commented: “It's been a great pleasure working with Steve and Sue, as well as the entire team; they are all so eager and keen to embrace new ways to improve the value of the business and increase the knowledge of their people.”