Family firm sets sights on further expansion

A family-run manufacturing firm, which has nearly doubled its workforce in six months, is setting its sights on further growth with the help of a new scheme designed to help businesses to expand.
Booths Manufacturing in Barnsley. 
Top row: left to right Craig Booth, Debbie Booth, Derek Booth and Adam Booth.
Bottom row: left to right Cameron Ramsden, Sam Andrews and Jooren Bloomaerte.Booths Manufacturing in Barnsley. 
Top row: left to right Craig Booth, Debbie Booth, Derek Booth and Adam Booth.
Bottom row: left to right Cameron Ramsden, Sam Andrews and Jooren Bloomaerte.
Booths Manufacturing in Barnsley. Top row: left to right Craig Booth, Debbie Booth, Derek Booth and Adam Booth. Bottom row: left to right Cameron Ramsden, Sam Andrews and Jooren Bloomaerte.

Worsbrough-based Booths Manufacturing, which produces a range of more than 500 wooden products for the home, was launched by father and son team Derek and Adam Booth in 2010.

Faced with a bulging order book, Derek turned to the internet for help where he discovered Skills Made Easy, a unique programme aimed at helping businesses to overcome skills shortages.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Skills Made Easy helped the firm to identify suitable candidates and after interviewing two potential apprentices Derek was unable to distinguish between them, so he decided to offer them both a job.

Since joining the company, Sam Andrews and Jooren Bloomaerte, both aged 17, have learned how to produce products using precision laser cutting equipment as well as spending time working towards apprenticeship qualifications in design. Derek decided to further expand the apprenticeship programme and gave 17-year-old Cameron Ramsden a job.

Since appointing the apprentices, Booths Manufacturing has also invested £25,000 in purchasing additional machinery allowing the company to continue to expand its range of products.

Derek said: “Although we only originally planned to recruit one apprentice, all three have made a huge impact on our business. They’ve added a new dynamic, bringing with them lots of energy and enthusiasm.”