Manufacturing Today Issue - 244 January 2026 | Page 178

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bringing in new people at every level.“ We’ re looking for people with key skills such as frame making, sewing, upholstering, and driving. We’ re in the midst of a massive recruitment drive to bring in 30 new members of staff, with more on the way.”
Offering an exciting new venture for skilled professionals across the industry, Buoyant Upholstery also opens the door to a smart and collaborative working culture. As Glen explains:“ Staff retention has always been high on our agenda. As part of our policy, we hold regular strategy days that bring the entire team together. These sessions showcase the creative talents of our staff and give everyone the opportunity to shine.
“ Beyond this, we have established an employee panel with representatives from every department. These staff spokespeople are kept informed about developments across the business and encouraged to communicate their experiences directly with senior management.
“ Our Managing Directors and Chairman are always present at these meetings to discuss our latest strategies, accomplishments, and goals for the future. This brings everyone together and helps us work towards a shared objective. It also provides a forum for raising employee concerns and requests, allowing us to agree on clear actions and timelines together.
“ We also take a broader interest in the lives and wellbeing of our staff. The company has previously run health-related workshops covering everything from stress management to menopause. These sessions consistently receive positive feedback and help break down barriers, allowing people to feel more comfortable discussing their experiences.
“ Our ethos is rooted in seeing people as individuals and giving everyone’ s
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