A timber frame boss who employed a man standing on a roundabout holding a “Give me a job” placard said his new recruit is a big success.
Vince Champion, managing director of the Smart Timber Frame Company in Stoke-on-Trent, also told TTJ that he had been amazed that his spontaneous act of recruiting unemployed Mark Wheeldon on the Stoke-on-Trent roundabout in the pouring rain had attracted so much press coverage, with the BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Daily Express all writing stories.
“I drove past him the first time while taking bacon sandwiches to the office and thought he showed dedication by being prepared to stand there in the rain,” he said.
“I came back and asked him a few questions by the road. I was not looking for staff but I’m always looking for anybody that shows initiative and thinking outside the box.”
Mr Champion said Mr Wheeldon, who has previously worked as an engineer and done decorating, was a “goldmine” and fitted well in the factory, where he is working assembling timber frames. He will now be put on an NVQ course.
“If he carries on the way he’s going then I’ll put him on a supervisor’s course.”
Mr Champion said the company, formed two years ago, was looking to expand and move to a two-shift operation and was currently negotiating a large contract.
It has also developed a modular roof system which is attracting interest in the housebuilding sector.
“We need to get British manufacturing on its feet. The last 20 years it has been in decline,” said Mr Champion.
Smart manufactures a flexible timber frame system featuring sliding panels which means the structure can be adjusted on site according to conditions.
