Dukinfield business barking up the right tree

A Dukinfield business has been able to grow and thrive, thanks to an innovative fund which has supported them to create apprenticeship roles.

Happy Dogs Daycare was able to take on staff using funding from the council’s Tameside Employment Fund (TEF). 

Tameside Council’s Employment & Skills team ensured that the company were supported to find the right training provider and create a position that matched their needs, as well as providing a fantastic first step for a local young person.

Paul McCarthy, owner and director at Happy Dogs Daycare, said: “As we’re a small business, investment in staff is crucial, however staffing costs and training can be quite expensive and time consuming.”

Having apprentices has helped Happy Dogs as they’ve freed management time and allowed the company to invest in the growth of the business, so they can expand at a faster rate.

The additional capacity provided through the TEF means the business can also focus on advertising and marketing, knowing there are trained and capable junior staff who can support.

Paul said: “Looking back over our first two years of trading we can confidently say that employing apprentices through the TEF scheme has benefited our business unquestionably. As well as looking at the obvious business benefits, it’s very satisfying and rewarding to help young people get that first foothold into a career which they can enjoy and thrive in.”

Tameside Business Grants of £1,500 are available to local, non-levy paying small businesses for each Tameside young person aged 16-24 they recruit into employment through an apprenticeship programme which they would not otherwise be in a position to offer.

Eligible businesses can apply for a maximum of two business grants until 31 March 2021. Further funding of up to approximately £6,000 is also available under the Youth Employment Scheme and the Employment & Skills team can provide advice to help decide which scheme is best for a business.

Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Employment, said: “Thanks to the Tameside Employment Fund, local businesses are able to grow and expand while also providing young people in the borough for what may well be their first job. I encourage Tameside companies to get in touch as soon as possible to find out how this could benefit them.”

Any businesses interested in an informal discussion about the Tameside Employment Fund should contact a member of the Employment and Skills team by emailing employmentandskills@tameside.gov.uk or calling 0161 342 3111. Visit https://www.tameside.gov.uk/tef to find out more.

Main image:

Apprentice Laticia Hodson at Happy Dogs Daycare.