Growing Welsh SME upskills staff to enhance operations

Transforming the lives of those with food allergies globally, clinical diagnostic company Reacta Healthcare is positioning itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.

Thanks to Coleg Cambria’s Employer Skills North Wales programme, the Deeside-based business has successfully upskilled more than 50 per cent of its 60-strong workforce through 18 bespoke training courses.

Established in 2013, the company plays a critical role in manufacturing challenge meals which are used to assess safety and effectiveness of new food allergy treatments. 

With Employer Skills North Wales receiving £975,893 from Flintshire’s allocation of the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the firm benefitted from a selection of fully funded professional development opportunities delivered both virtually and in-house. 

As a result, Reacta Healthcare has seen seven members of staff qualify as mental health champions through the Introduction to Health Champions course, equipping them to deliver internal monthly wellbeing initiatives including men’s health in November. 

In addition, the business reinforced its understanding of good safety practices through the IOSH Working Safely course and bolstered its project management skills via the Prince2 Practitioner.

The company further invested in its future as its current and prospective leaders engaged in the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) courses up to level four; resulting in some gaining internal promotions.   

Reacta Healthcare head of people Sophie Griffiths said: “With the help of Employer Skills North Wales we have been able to strengthen our workforce and map our internal needs with suitable, quality training, which is something that is invaluable for the long-term.

“Our dedicated teams have been very receptive toward upskilling and some have even assumed new roles and greater responsibilities as a result.  

“It’s also been very rewarding to establish a wellbeing team and run regular sessions for our staff as we now have a better understanding of how best to nurture our employees.

“Furthermore, the training has helped us enhance our I.T. capabilities through an improved grasp of various Microsoft software including Excel and PowerPoint – essential for daily workloads.” 

Employer Skills North Wales project support officer Rachel Mardon said: “During these challenging economic times, it’s important to help companies across North Wales thrive, so funding from the UKSPF has been crucial in enabling us to deliver training with minimal financial strain on firms.

“Seeing the positive impact the scheme has had on Reacta Healthcare is just one example of the difference the programme has made, and we eagerly anticipate a bright future for Flintshire’s businesses.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: “Equipping local firms with the necessary skillsets to achieve their goals is important not only to build a talented workforce, but to accelerate regional growth.

“With that in mind it’s fantastic to see the progress that Reacta Healthcare has made towards its objectives.”