How West Midlands entrepreneurs are leading the way in upskilling the workforce of the future

Today’s workplace is rapidly transforming. Technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation, is reshaping how businesses operate and what skills employees need to thrive. 

In addition, shifting employee expectations mean talented individuals increasingly seek employers who invest in their growth and development rather than simply offering a job.

For businesses across the West Midlands, the ability to adapt to these changes whilst maintaining competitiveness has become essential to survival and success.

Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role, representing over 99 per cent of businesses in the UK and a significant driver of economic activity.

The 2025 Skills Horizon Barometer which looks at the recruitment and skills landscape for SMEs for the year ahead reported that 70 per cent of participants planned to invest in upskilling their existing workforce and 90 per cent of businesses identifying skills gaps within their business.

Businesses understand that innovation in products or services must be matched by how they develop their people. These business leaders recognise that upskilling their workforce is not simply a benefit to offer employees, but a driver of business growth.

Across the region, forward-thinking entrepreneurs are putting these principles into practice, demonstrating the tangible benefits of investing in their workforce.

Two West Midlands entrepreneurs who are demonstrating how upskilling is vital to the success of their businesses are Rem3dy Health CEO Melissa Snover and Tri Wellness Club director Rob Butler (pictured below).

Melissa Snover and Rem3dy Health

Rem3dy Health is a fast-growing Smethwick-based health and nutrition company founded and led by award-winning entrepreneur and CEO Melissa Snover. 

The company's flagship brand, Nourished, launched in 2020 to provide the world's first personalised nutrition gummy. In 2025, Nourished expanded into major retailers including Holland & Barrett, Boots and Ocado.

The company’s international expansion into markets across Europe, Asia and America has generated new roles across production, operations, quality control, R&D and commercial teams. However, during this period, Melissa has ensured that growth has been supported by investment in her team and infrastructure.

An example of this is Baljinder Singh known as ‘Goldie’ who joined the business in 2022 as a food production operative. Through continuous development, exposure to new technologies and a strong learning culture, Goldie has progressed to Head of Supply Chain, playing a crucial role in the company’s expansion.

As part of his development, Goldie completed an artificial intelligence apprenticeship with training provider Multiverse and has used his training to develop a custom AI powered dashboard that automates inventory management, improves data accuracy, reduces waste and saves around eight hours of manual work per week.

Goldie is currently developing a predictive tool designed to forecast demand and optimise stock levels which is expected to save tens of thousands of pounds whilst enhancing supply chain performance.

Melissa said: “When employees are given opportunities to learn and apply new skills in real time, the impact extends far beyond individual development and strengthens the entire business. Goldie's progression from shop floor to senior leadership demonstrates how targeted investment in skills, apprenticeships and technology can unlock talent, improve productivity and create long-term career pathways within the region.”

Rob Butler and Tri Wellness

Rob Butler's journey and his approach to developing talent at Tri Wellness Club, based in Earlswood, is another example of how entrepreneurs can create opportunity through upskilling.

Rob founded Tri Wellness Club from his own life experiences, having personally experienced how fitness and counselling supported his own mental health journey. This personal journey shaped his vision of providing holistic health and wellbeing services for businesses.

Since its formation in 2019, Tri Wellness Club has grown from a one-person operation to a team of 12. The business has expanded by introducing employee wellbeing services, physiotherapy, acupuncture and breathwork over the past three years. In 2024, the company began providing services for organisations including EON, NPower, National Grid and others.

Weekly trainer development sessions focussing on upskilling the personal training team have become a vital part of the business’s colleague development plan.

Each week, colleagues are supported with training and education sessions to help trainers to deliver comprehensive and tailored wellbeing strategies for each client. Colleagues have a personal development plan with regular workshops and individual sessions to ensure the team meet their goals and targets.

Ed Sirmbardis is an example of Rob’s commitment to upskilling his workforce. Ed joined the business as a personal trainer and has advanced to master personal trainer, providing personal training and group exercise classes.

Reflecting on the importance of developing talent, Rob said: “Developing talent is key to our success. It ensures we deliver the best for our clients and creates a positive, motivated culture.

“I believe investing in people leads to better outcomes for everyone. Since opening Tri Wellness Club, I have had to do a lot of self-evaluation to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and I feel that being able to evaluate yourself open and honestly enables you to become a greater leader.”

Top tips from Rob Butler to upskill teams:

• Listen to your team and always allow them to see the most authentic you.
• Provide regular feedback and support, no matter how uncomfortable these conversations may be.
• Encourage continuous learning, even in small ways (weekly CPD)
• Celebrate progress and make development part of your business strategy

How can Business Growth West Midlands help?

Business Growth West Midlands offers a whole host of initiatives to support businesses in addressing skills issues. 

We run regular free webinars and workshops on a range of topics including sales, marketing, digital skills and HR issues. Events are tailored to SMEs and entrepreneurs looking to get practical tips and hear from industry experts to grow their business.

Our Business Advisers can support by helping you to access a range of practical training solutions to foster growth and promote business success. From apprenticeships, higher education opportunities, bootcamps and sector-based skills academies, our team of Advisers can get you on the right path to upskill and grow your workforce. Start speaking to a Business Adviser - there is no cost to your business.