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Darlington's Paragon Rapid Technologies sights growth boost through KF Training link-up

Darlington-based Paragon Rapid Technologies has partnered with Peterlee-based KF Training in order to upskill the entirety of its staff.

Prototype specialist Paragon manufactures rapid prototypes and components for the automotive, motorsport and medical sectors.

Recently completing a two-year growth plan, which saw turnover rise from £2.8m to £4.1m and staff numbers from 35 to 53, Paragon believes the next stage of its growth will stem from a business-wide training programme.

The company’s 53 staff will be exposed to teachings including: strategic management and leadership, sales and marketing, business improvement techniques and store and warehouse management.

Paragon hopes the skills boost will put it on course to reach a £7m turnover by 2018.

Paragon general manager Ian Jobling, who will undergo leadership and management training, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with KF Training on this exciting project. As a company we’ve expanded rapidly in recent years but to achieve the next phase of our growth plan we have to improve the skills base of our business.

“This training scheme will allow us to do that and if we meet our turnover projections we’ll be able to create more jobs at Paragon.”

Peterlee-headquartered KF Training delivers business-focused skills programmes and consultancy services across the North of England.

Sara O’Brien, commercial director at KF Training, said: “We work with fast-growth companies that require extra skills to help them become more competitive. We are finding that many of our clients, including Paragon, are asking for leadership and management training to help improve the performance of their staff.

“It’s great to be working with Paragon and playing a key role in its expansion plans.”

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