When Kent Brushes needed a better way to find and retain people who were well matched to its roles, a partnership with BASE member Step2Skills opened the door to a more inclusive approach. Andy Harris, Kent Brushes’, Production and Warehouse Manager shares their experience of supported employment and reflects on how thoughtful job matching, practical workplace support and opportunities to progress can create lasting benefits for employees and the business.
Understanding the business need
When Andy Harris joined Kent Brushes (G.B. Kent & Sons PLC) as Production and Warehouse Manager, the business was facing a familiar challenge: finding and keeping people who were a good match for the work. Traditional recruitment routes, including agencies and Jobcentres, were proving costly and did not always lead to long-term, well-matched placements.
After attending a Hertfordshire Growth Hub event focused on recruitment and retention, Andy connected with BASE Member, Step2Skills, Hertfordshire. Staff from Step2Skills visited the workplace, took time to understand the roles and helped Kent Brushes explore support including Disability Confident and Access to Work. Crucially, the focus was not simply on filling vacancies, but on understanding the person, the job and the support needed for both to succeed
Meeting the business need
Kent Brushes has now employed four people through Step2Skills, and Andy confirmed that all four remain with the business and are working well. He was clear that they were employed on merit and because they wanted the opportunity to work. Step2Skills is now the company’s preferred recruitment route, and Andy contacts the service first when a vacancy arises.
The experience has changed how Kent Brushes recruits. Candidates can take part in work tasters, relaxed interviews or more formal interviews, depending on what enables them to participate comfortably. In the workplace, the company makes practical adjustments such as providing ear defenders, adapting instructions and demonstrating tasks for people who learn best by watching.
What changed for the business
Andy Harris, Kent Brushes’ Production and Warehouse Manager, explained that efficiency had increased by around 15%. He said this reflected not only the contribution of the new employees, but also the wider effect of better matching, stronger retention and a more positive workplace culture. For Kent Brushes, inclusive recruitment began with a clear business need and has become a practical way to build a more stable, skilled and confident team.
Supporting people to grow in work
Kent Brushes also looks beyond an employee’s immediate job description to identify wider strengths that can meet a business need. One employee with an art degree contributed designs and hand-painted work for a project connected with designer Dries Van Noten. Another employee with graphic design experience was asked to develop a new factory poster and was trusted to take the project from start to finish.
One employee who performs strongly in the warehouse has been supported to gain a forklift truck licence. He now carries out racking inspections, supports health and safety activity, and helps with inductions and training for Step2Skills work tasters. Andy recognised that his ability to demonstrate tasks made him particularly effective at helping others learn.
Opening doors through work tasters, apprenticeships and community links
The partnership reaches beyond direct recruitment. Kent Brushes has hosted more than 20 work tasters across its office, graphic design, packing, factory and warehouse functions. These opportunities help people explore their strengths, rebuild confidence and become familiar with workplace routines. The company has also worked with the local Jobcentre on mock interviews and work experience and participates in an inclusive employer forum with other local organisations.
Kent Brushes has developed an apprenticeship route that reflects the specialist nature of its manufacturing work. Its first apprentice, recruited through a service for young people, is a care leaver who has learned skills across the business and is approaching the end of the apprenticeship. A second apprentice has also joined. Andy explained that apprenticeships are important for transferring long-established brush-making skills from experienced employees to a new generation.
The company has also welcomed pupils from local specialist schools. Thirteen pupils attended an open day where they toured the factory, tried workplace tasks with support from their teachers, followed the brush-making process from beginning to end and packed products themselves. Kent Brushes planned a further session with St Luke’s during the current term.
Impact beyond the workplace
Kent Brushes’ experience shows how employment can give people purpose, communication opportunities and a secure sense of belonging. Andy also said that parents and family members had contacted the company to explain the wider difference employment had made. The impact is therefore felt not only by the employee and the business, but by families and the local community.
Why this story matters
Kent Brushes shows that small and medium-sized employers can make a significant difference when they are supported to recruit differently. Its experience brings together the core ingredients of good, supported employment: understanding employer need, recognising individual strengths, shaping roles, providing practical support and creating opportunities for people to progress.
Supporting the BASE Awards
Kent Brushes is supporting the BASE Awards because its experience shows why this work matters. The company’s story reflects the best of supported employment: strong partnerships, thoughtful job matching, practical workplace support and a belief that people should have the chance to contribute, progress and be valued at work.
The people that we’ve employed are here by pure merit and just wanting to be here, wanting that opportunity
Andy, Kent Brushes
Book your place at the 16th European Supported Employment Conference
