A thriving Halesowen firm is getting help and support through Dudley Council to boost the number of apprentices it employs.

Taylex Displays is looking for a number of apprentices to help with the business. The leader of the council toured the company last week to find out more about its expansion which has seen it move from a 3,000 sq ft site to a 30,000 sq ft premises in Amber way, Halesowen.

Dudley Business First is now working with the business to not only link them up with apprentices but also tap into funding sources to aid its continued growth. Councillor Zada recently announced a raft of proposals at the council to help support local businesses and create local jobs for people.

It includes creating posts for 50 apprentices a year over the next three years, offering work experience for people who have been out of work and improving links with local businesses and planners to cut perceived red tape and also encouraging other local business to employ local people.

Dudley Business First offers help and support to firms across the borough including links to funding opportunities, growth advice and other useful help in helping them flourish. Councillor Qadar Zada, leader of Dudley Council, said:

"We have made a very firm commitment to help grow Dudley’s economy and create jobs – supporting local businesses is key to that. Through our work with Dudley Business First we are offering support to Taylex to help build on the successes they have already made.

"There is also an on-going drive to “keep the Dudley pound in Dudley” in a bid to grow the local economy and to secure Dudley jobs for Dudley people, a further initiative which will encourage local businesses to take on apprentices. I am extremely grateful to Taylex for putting forward these exciting opportunities. I would urge other local business to take advantage of the skills and energy of young people in the borough.”

The council recently announced plans to improve links with businesses including offering more pre-planning applications discussions, hosting an annual small business forum and creating a dedicated small business team to offer advice. It also announced plans to offer 150 apprenticeships over the next three years, as well as opening its doors to work experience for 16-29 year olds as well as create 150 apprentice posts over three years. Karl Clark, managing director at Taylex Displays, added:

"We’ve experienced a lot of growth in recent months and we’re excited about the future. We want to offer local jobs to local people and that starts with apprenticeships.

"We’re working with Dudley Business First to look at ways of giving young people that opportunity in a busy industry at a business that’s really going places.”

For information on business help and support, you can visit dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk.