West Midlands graphic solutions company Hollywood Monster is enjoying an epic year, creating jobs in a period of significant growth following major investment in new technology.
In a time of economic turmoil, the ambitious company has been winning new business and has increased its workforce by 40 per cent to cope with demand.
Creating 19 new jobs, including apprenticeships for young people, in a time of rapidly rising unemployment is one of the achievements that gives managing director Tim Andrews huge satisfaction as the company goes from strength to strength.
The Birmingham-based company is set for another successful 12 months after already securing several major new contracts in 2012. By increasing its workforce to 80 the company has put itself in a strong position to meet the anticipated increase in demand for its services.
Annual turnover is expected to increase by around £1 million to £6.5 million this year. A business improvement project designed to provide clients with a better service but also make the company more efficient is paying major dividends. It is also working towards the Quality Assurance standard ISO 9001.
Tim, himself a former apprentice, said: “While many businesses are unfortunately folding or making a some of their workforce redundant, we have been in the fortunate position to create 19 jobs.
“Some of these vacancies have been offered to apprentices as we want to recruit fresh new talent and allow them to train on the job. Many of the people we employ started this way. This approach will allow us to grow a strong, experienced workforce to help secure the business’s future.”
Besides offering apprenticeships, Hollywood Monster is also committed to working with young, creative students from local schools, colleges and academies, providing work experience placements and support with supplies for art projects.
Tim said: “It’s a tough world out there for young people trying to get a foothold in their chosen career so we are delighted to be in a position where we can offer students work experience opportunities.”
The company has invested £2 million in the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to enable it to widen its services to customers – a key ingredient in its current growth.
As well as working with renowned retail names such as Westfield and Next, and Hollywood Monster also has clients in the housing sector, including Lovell Homes, Redrow, Bovis Homes and, more recently, Barratt Developments. Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Ward Homes, has signed a two-year agreement with the company, one of three preferred suppliers, to produce sales and marketing signage across the whole of the UK for one of the nation’s largest housebuilders.
Tim added: “More and more customers are recognizing and appreciating the quality of our work and Hollywood Monster has gained a great reputation for delivering projects on budget and on time. As the business grows, so will our people and that – particularly in this tough economic climate – is one of the most satisfying aspects of the success we are currently enjoying.”