A TILE roofing manufacturer in Blackburn is on course to increase sales by 10 per cent after teaming up with a mentoring scheme.

Prefix Systems is also taking on five extra staff, swelling their workforce to 70, following its association with Lancashire County Council's Boost Growth initiative.

The makers of glazed and insulated tile roofs seconded officer manager Steve Hoyle and production manager Shane Parker to work with mentor John Fisher, from the European Regional Development Fund backed project.

Mr Fisher, who works for scheme partner Orvia, was able to provide one-to-one coaching and group mentoring, to help the Cunliffe Road firm's cause.

Samantha Thompson, Prefix's human resources manager, said: "The process of applying for business mentoring support was easy and straightforward.

"Our mentor proved to be highly effective, with a natural ability to connect with our senior leaders to spark inspiration and change.

"The support assisted the development of our people and brought about lasting productivity improvements.”

The process had helped to build closer links between the front office and production department, she explained,

Mr Fisher added: "I really enjoyed mentoring the management team at Prefix Systems.

"My experience and background in change management was particularly beneficial and we used various tools including, scenario planning and problem-solving activities to drive the meetings forward, enabling the achievement of company objectives.

"By the end of the sessions, the management team were working effectively together with common goals and defined ownership, which meant the business could adapt to planned changes and move forward."

The company is headquartered in Blackburn but also has manufacturing sites in Northampton, Swansea and Arundel. Boost Business Lancashire has been backed by £3.8m from the ERDF, through the Department of Communities and Local Government.