MCP Consulting Group: Driving productivity and growth through skills training with BGWM support
For over three decades, MCP Consulting Group has been a cornerstone in delivering technical skills training and consultancy. Serving global giants like Jaguar Land Rover, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson, MCP’s commitment to enhancing workforce productivity has set it apart in the manufacturing and maintenance sectors. However, with a post-pandemic surge in demand for its services, the company faced new challenges requiring innovative solutions.
Pictured left to right: Celia Cionnagh, Head of Operations at MCP. Tim Robson, Managing Director at MCP, Peter Gagg, Chief Executive at MCP. Charlotte Weller, Head of Marketing. Christine Hancock, Account Manager, Business Growth West Midlands.
The challenge: Scaling to meet demand
Since 2020, MCP has witnessed a staggering 200% increase in demand for its training services. The company’s state-of-the-art training facility in Blythe Valley, opened in 2023, has quickly reached 90% utilisation. While this growth reflects MCP’s market leadership, it also exposed operational bottlenecks, including a shortage of training equipment and tools to keep up with a hybrid training environment.
Recognising the need for strategic investment, MCP turned to the Business Growth West Midlands where they identified the WM SME Grant programme to address these challenges and continue its upward trajectory.
The solution: Investing in equipment and virtual training
Through the SME Grant, MCP was able to acquire new training equipment, ensuring they could meet the growing demands of their clients without compromising quality. This equipment has not only enhanced their in-person training sessions but has also improved operational efficiency by allowing their trainers to better serve a wide range of industries.
Additionally, MCP invested in advanced software to enable virtual training. This innovation proved critical as businesses increasingly adopted flexible training solutions post-pandemic. By integrating virtual training capabilities, MCP expanded its reach, offering clients an engaging learning experience regardless of location. This dual investment has empowered MCP to meet both current needs and future challenges, solidifying their role as a leader in technical skills training.
The impact: Transforming challenges into opportunities
BGWM’s tailored support has enabled MCP to scale its operations effectively. With new equipment in place and virtual training software implemented, MCP is poised to handle surging demand while maintaining its reputation for excellence.
- Revenue Growth: MCP’s Training sales have already reached £1.2 million, with projections indicating further growth driven by increased capacity and efficiency.
- Enhanced Flexibility: The addition of virtual training capabilities has allowed MCP to serve a more diverse client base, offering flexible solutions that meet modern workforce needs.
- Improved Client Experience: New equipment and hybrid training options ensure that MCP continues to deliver high-quality, impactful training tailored to its clients’ specific challenges.
MCP’s growth story highlights the critical role of their long-standing relationship with Christine Hancock, their dedicated Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Account Manager. Over the past five years, Christine has proactively nurtured this partnership, offering tailored support and ensuring MCP’s evolving business needs are consistently met. Instead of waiting for MCP to seek assistance, Christine has taken the time to understand their goals and challenges, alerting them to relevant opportunities, including grants and strategic programmes like the WM SME Grant Programme, Export Support Programme and High Growth Accelerator.
Jon Lander, Business Investment Manager at Solihull Council, has also played a pivotal role in fostering MCP’s local presence, strengthening ties between the council and businesses operating in the area. Notably, MCP’s presence at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre underscores their commitment to innovation and excellence, and Jon’s ongoing involvement reflects his dedication to nurturing thriving business environments within Solihull.
A bright future ahead
The long-term, personalised relationship with Christine has given MCP the confidence and reassurance of having a trusted advisor for practical, unbiased advice. Their story is a powerful testament to the value of BGWM’s tailored support and demonstrates how having a dedicated Account Manager like Christine can drive business growth and success for SMEs.
Talking about her work with MCP, Christine Hancock said: ‘It has been a pleasure to work with MCP Consulting Ltd. I am looking forward to continuing to engage with MCP to ensure they access further support to facilitate their continued growth.’
Reflecting on the impact of BGWM’s support, Peter Gagg, MCP’s CEO, remarked:
“We have found BGWM’s support as invaluable in supporting our training and consultancy business to grow both in the UK and overseas. Christine keeps us updated of possible support opportunities which may be relevant to us; these are not always for financial support but also offering advice and guidance I would recommend any small to medium sized business, wishing to grow whilst managing day to day business, to seek assistance from BGWM."
MCP’s story is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the vital role that BGWM plays in supporting businesses across the West Midlands. By connecting SMEs with the resources and expertise they need, BGWM is not only driving growth but also shaping a more resilient, innovative business community.
