HAVELOCK International, the Fife fit-out company, is introducing reduced hours and four day weeks depending on seasonal peaks and troughs, in a “sustainable manufacturing” push designed to support its growth plans, the firm said.
The Kirkaldy-based company, which employs 295 staff, has developed a programme that includes flexible working, extra training, and the introduction of skills “passport”, which it said will mean it maximises the skills of employees and effectively manages seasonal rises in demand, and “provide the highest quality products and services to customers”.
Havelock, formerly stock market-listed, was rescued from administration last year.
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It says its programme will also help boost efficiency.
George McAdam, Havelock chef executive, said: “Like any growing business, we are constantly looking at ways of using our valuable resources as effectively as possible to the benefit of both employees and customers.
“Our sustainable manufacturing initiative is designed to ensure that the business is operating as efficiently as possible through commitments such as training and development, and that we continue to provide customers with truly innovative designs, high quality manufacturing and service excellence.”
It said flexible working reflects the seasonality of the business.
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Havelock said that during quieter periods employees will work shorter hours and four days a week and revert to five days a week through peak periods such as the summer months.
Under the construction skills certification scheme, Havelock’s employees qualify for a card which effectively provides them with a “passport” to customer premises and construction sites where they can work directly on projects.
The company said the move is supported by the GMB Union and it “ensures that customer projects can be fully resourced and provides the workforce with greater stability”.
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Rcapital, a London private equity house, relaunched Havelock Europa as Havelock International after buying it out of administration in July.
The specialist in shop and office fit-out said it offers services including concept and technical design and manufacture and logistics, as well as installation and project management.
The firm works across both the private and public sectors with brands including M&S, Lloyds Banking Group, Boots, Primark, Premier Inn and the Post Office.
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