Gibbs & Dandy helps build the building industry with launch of business skills scheme

Gibbs & Dandy has announced its latest investment in the UK building industry, as the merchant introduces its Entrepreneurship Foundation.

The new educational scheme will provide free training and support for trades in running a small business.

Launched at Gibbs & Dandy’s Luton head office, the scheme will see twelve tradespeople from across the country benefit from both face-to-face sessions and online learning in partnership with the IOEE, CITB and Supply Chain Sustainability School.

A wide range of core business skills will be covered, from finance and team management to marketing and social media.

In addition, the scheme provides each customer with a dedicated mentor from within Gibbs & Dandy’s parent company Saint-Gobain, offering guidance on issues faced by the trades in their individual business.

Securing a place after being recommended by Gibbs & Dandy’s sales team, Foundation participants must have been trading with Gibbs for three months or more and run a limited company.

Launching on a year-long trial basis, customers will provide feedback on the Foundation’s development, with a view to it being rolled out as an annual scheme.

Gibbs & Dandy Managing Director Neil Lawrence said: “I’m excited to announce the launch of Gibbs & Dandy’s Entrepreneurship Foundation.

“Our customers are experts in building, however we understand that building a business is an entirely different proposition, requiring skills and insight that can be hard to come by.

“At Gibbs & Dandy we are passionate about supporting enthusiastic, hard-working tradespeople to improve their skillset and move forward in their careers. They are the future of our industry and this scheme will provide them with the tools they need to flourish.

“The mentor element to the Foundation is truly stand out: to have one-on-one business guidance from a senior individual at a multinational organisation is a unique opportunity for any small business owner, and we are pleased to be able to support our customers in this way.

“Schemes such as this are just part of the “above and beyond” service Gibbs & Dandy delivers to all of our customers nationwide. We are proud to support the UK’s trades, supplying them with far more than the physical building materials we stock.

“We look forward to seeing our customers and their businesses thrive as they progress through the scheme.”