Norfolk company, Brian Fisher & Sons, which specialises in hand-made & machine sewn curtains and soft furnishings, have begun the first phase of a twelve month expansion, which they hope will create up to 100 new jobs and apprenticeships for the local market.

In conjunction with Jobcentre Plus and local training company, EYS, they hosted an Open Day on 12th February, where groups of hopeful applicants travelled to The Apollo Club in Mendham Lane, Harleston to learn more about the company and apply for the various positions available.

Over 98 people booked into the day, with more turning up on the day, which made over 110 applicants in total and the event was organised over 6 sessions between 9.00am and 4.00pm. Each session began with an introduction and overview of Brian Fisher & Sons, by Company Director, Paul Fisher and Business Consultant, Gary Beet. Following this, applicants were given an introduction to the bespoke pre-employment training programme which has been designed for the company by EYS. Those attendees who still wished to pursue their application then underwent a brief “suitability” interview, which, for some, will lead to a more formal interview at Jobcentre Plus in the coming weeks.

The applicants were divided almost equally between men and women, but there was a broad age range, from those in their teens, to people in their 50’s and 60’s.

Karen Scott at Jobcentre Plus, Diss, said :
 
“We are really pleased with the turnout for this recruitment day. We have been very busy helping a diverse range of people, from those looking to change careers or looking for something new, to those who have been made redundant and need a new role or people who want a job closer to home, to reduce their commute. We are determined to help all our customers find a job that suits them.”

Positions available included machinists and seamstresses, warehouse attendants and administrators and there was certainly a great deal of interest in all aspects of the business. It is hoped that a minimum of 25-30 trainees will now start the 6 week pre-employment skills training in the first week of March, in a specially created training facility the company are hiring for the new learners. As well as being taught the technical skills required to the exacting standards of the company, trainees will benefit from soft skills training in areas such as Health and Safety, customer service and numeracy.

Paul Fisher, Company Director, said :

“We are obviously delighted with the turnout for the recruitment day. In the first instance, we are fulfilling an immediate need the business has for more production staff, due to a dramatic increase in business over the last 12 months, but looking to the future, we are hoping to hold more days like this, as it seems a really positive way to generate interest in the company.”.

Brian Fisher & Sons, which was established by Brian Fisher and is now run by his twin sons, Paul and Stephen, are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than to grow the business over 200% in 12 months.