Visit highlights A&M EDM’s role in promoting employee health and wellbeing 

A&M EDM Ltd, an award-winning engineering solutions company based in Smethwick, welcomed Sir Charlie Mayfield, leader of the new independent "Keep Britain Working" review, to its facility as part of the government’s focus on tackling health-related inactivity and fostering healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

The visit, hosted at A&M EDM’s facility, marked a key opportunity to highlight the company’s involvement with the Thrive at Work programme and its commitment to employee wellbeing. This initiative aligns closely with the broader goals of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to integrate health, jobs, and growth strategies for business across the region.

A showcase of employer best practice

During the visit, Sir Charlie Mayfield and his delegation, including representatives from DWP and DHSC, toured A&M EDM’s operations. The company presented its efforts to support employee health and wellbeing, particularly in mental health and sickness absence management.

A&M EDM has been a standout participant in the Thrive at Work programme, achieving bronze-level certification and aiming for silver. This progress has been noteworthy in a traditional manufacturing setting, where addressing mental health can often be challenging. The company also participates in the Smart City Region preventative healthcare pilot, utilising innovative digital tools to support employees with adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Phil Calcutt, Marketing Manager of A&M EDM, shared insights on how the company fosters a culture of health and inclusivity:

‘We’ve been delighted to welcome Sir Charlie Mayfield with a team from the West Midlands Combined Authority to discuss our participation in the Thrive at Work Programme. Thrive at Work has been really important because it’s been a catalyst for us to understand how important wellbeing in all its aspects is in motivating our workforce and we want to do all we can as a responsible employer to create the best conditions in order for all of our staff to give their best for the company’

Supporting regional growth

Sir Charlie Mayfield visit emphasised the importance of partnerships between employers and government in tackling rising health-related inactivity:

This visit also showcased how regional initiatives like the WMCA’s Thrive at Work and Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) support businesses, with A&M EDM recently benefitting from:

• Capital Funding Support: £61,950 secured via BGWM for new machinery to enhance operations.
• Tailored Growth Support: Regular engagement with WMCA and BGWM advisors to align business goals with funding and innovation opportunities.
• Apprenticeship Levy Transfers: £59,000 in funding to support training through Dudley College.

A broader vision for the West Midlands

The West Midlands region is a vibrant hub of innovation, industry, and economic growth, but it faces ongoing challenges, including health-related inactivity, disparities in physical and mental health, and higher-than-average rates of sickness absence. These issues significantly impact businesses and the workforce, contributing to lost productivity, absenteeism, and barriers to personal and professional growth.

Through targeted initiatives like Thrive at Work and Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the region is addressing these challenges head-on by equipping businesses with the tools to create healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable workplaces.

The Thrive at Work programme plays a critical role in embedding good work principles into employer policies and practices, promoting employee health, and reducing workplace absence. Since its launch, it has supported over 600 employers, delivered hundreds of workshops, and provided direct advisory support to help businesses take tangible steps toward improving workforce wellbeing.

Business Growth West Midlands complements these efforts by offering tailored advice, funding opportunities, and innovation-focused solutions. Together, these initiatives empower businesses to adopt preventative approaches to health challenges, embrace new technologies, and unlock the region's economic potential.

A skilled workforce is also essential for driving economic growth and ensuring businesses remain competitive. Through initiatives like the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer, the WMCA is helping businesses like A&M EDM invest in their people and secure long-term growth.

Julie Orrey, WMCA’s Senior Delivery Manager for Health and Employment, highlighted the importance of initiatives like Thrive at Work:

‘We were delighted to welcome Sir Charlie and his team as part of the review and to showcase our work with employers like A&M EDM. Initiatives like Thrive at Work are pivotal in addressing national policy priorities. By supporting employers to create healthy and inclusive workplaces and enabling the recruitment and retention of workers with health conditions or disabilities, Thrive at Work aligns with the government’s vision for boosting productivity and reducing economic inactivity.

Preventing illness in the workplace is not only a public health imperative but also essential for economic growth. Thrive at Work demonstrates how a focus on workforce wellbeing can mitigate labour market challenges, reduce burdens on the health system, and contribute directly to the government’s Industrial Strategy. As economic inactivity rises, programmes like Thrive are more important than ever in embedding preventative measures and ensuring that health is everyone’s business.’

Mitzi Donovan, WMCA’s Workforce Wellbeing Advisor, who has provided A&M EDM with dedicated support added: 

‘A&M EDM first joined the Thrive at Work programme in 2018 and has since become a strong advocate for its benefits. Participation in the programme has had a transformative impact on both staff and the organisation, fostering greater awareness and understanding of wellbeing, as well as encouraging more positive attitudes towards mental health. The organisation has experienced improvements in communication, sickness absence management, and access to wellbeing resources. Guided by Thrive principles, senior management has adopted a proactive and flexible approach, building resilience and collaboration among staff. I look forward to our continued partnership.’

The road ahead

Sir Charlie Mayfield’s visit to A&M EDM Ltd highlighted the intersection of these programmes and their real-world impact on both businesses and the broader workforce. It also underscored how collaborative partnerships between employers, local authorities, and government can address the drivers of health-related inactivity and create workplaces that empower employees to thrive. The resulting ripple effect is driving improved employee health, enhanced productivity, and regional economic resilience

By engaging with companies like A&M EDM and showcasing their achievements, the Keep Britain Working review is gathering invaluable insights to inform future strategies. The review will continue gathering insights from employers to shape recommendations for the government and businesses. These efforts aim to create a more equitable and thriving labour market, ensuring that businesses and employees alike have the support they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Find out more about the ‘Keep Britain Working’ review here.