Leadership Skills Bootcamp Success at Harrison Packaging - Manufacturing Leadership Training in the North East
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Key Takeaways:
Delivered a bespoke Leadership Skills Bootcamp tailored to Harrison Packaging's operational and leadership requirements
13 team members completed 60 hours of leadership and operational development training over 16 weeks
Strengthened leadership capability across the management team to support business growth and operational performance
Combined practical leadership development with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles
Enabled participants to apply new skills directly within the workplace through onsite delivery
Currently supporting Harrison Packaging's wider workforce development strategy with apprenticeships and technical training
As an independent training provider based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, we work with employers across the North East to deliver leadership training, apprenticeships and workforce development programmes that strengthen operational performance and support business growth.
We believe that investing in people is one of the most effective ways organisations can strengthen performance, improve operational excellence and support long-term growth.
That’s why we were proud to partner with Harrison Packaging to design and deliver a bespoke Leadership Skills Bootcamp, helping develop leadership capability across its team while supporting wider business objectives.
Supporting Workforce Development in Manufacturing and Engineering
Harrison Packaging is a leading provider of sustainable carton packaging solutions, supplying customers across healthcare, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, industrial and household sectors. Based in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, its manufacturing facility is split across two sites and employs over 100 people.
As the business continues to grow, its management team recognised the importance of investing in leadership development to ensure people have the skills, confidence and operational knowledge required to support future growth.
To identify opportunities for workforce development, we carried out a comprehensive training audit at Harrison Packaging’s site. Through consultations with key personnel and an in-depth review of current skills and business objectives, we developed a tailored training strategy aligned to the company’s operational goals and future ambitions.
One of the key outcomes of the audit process was the creation of a bespoke Leadership Skills Bootcamp - designed specifically around the needs of Harrison Packaging’s leadership team.
Delivering Leadership Training for Manufacturing Businesses in the North East
As a specialist Ofsted Outstanding training provider with extensive experience supporting engineering, manufacturing and operational businesses, we understand the challenges faced by modern production environments.
By delivering training onsite at Harrison Packaging, participants were able to learn within their own operational setting, allowing them to directly apply new knowledge and leadership techniques to real workplace situations.
Over a 16-week programme, comprising 60 hours of training, 13 members of the Harrison Packaging team completed a range of leadership and operational development modules delivered by NC Group tutor Graham Watson.
The programme covered a broad range of subjects, including:
Assessing leadership capability
Leading innovation and change
Planning and leading complex team activity
Managing business improvement
Managing information
Developing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
Leading teams and building effective working relationships
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Stress awareness and resilience
Managing difficult conversations and conflict
People management
Discipline and grievance procedures
Performance management and appraisal
Warehouse management
Principles of Gemba
Problem-solving and decision-making
Standard operations
Finance and operational performance
Lean production methodologies and continuous improvement
The leadership training programme provides practical, industry-relevant learning that employees can immediately apply within their roles, helping improve communication, leadership effectiveness and operational performance across the business.
Building Skills That Deliver Immediate Impact
One of the key strengths of the Leadership Skills Bootcamp was its practical focus.
Rather than relying solely on theory, participants were encouraged to apply their learning directly to workplace challenges, helping embed new behaviours and leadership approaches throughout the programme.
By combining leadership development with operational improvement techniques, Harrison Packaging’s leaders could strengthen both their people management capabilities and their understanding of how leadership can influence the wider business performance.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants received certificates recognising their commitment to professional development and the successful completion of the training.
Strengthening Leadership for the Future
Craig Turnbull, Managing Director at Harrison Packaging, said: “The bootcamp has been a fantastic opportunity for our management team to enhance their leadership skills while directly applying learning to our day-to-day operations.
“In a competitive market, investing in our people ensures we can continue delivering the high levels of service our customers expect while building strong relationships across every sector we serve.”
Liam Noble, Managing Director at NC Group, added: “Working with Harrison Packaging to deliver a tailored leadership programme onsite demonstrates how practical, industry-focused training can create immediate impact. Managers have developed skills they can apply straight away, strengthening both teams and operational performance.
A Wider Commitment to Workforce Development
The Leadership Skills Bootcamp forms part of a broader workforce development strategy at Harrison Packaging.
Alongside leadership training, the company is continuing to invest in training and apprenticeship programmes to support skills development across multiple areas of the business.
Matthew Turnbull, Facilities Technician at Harrison Packaging, is currently completing a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician HNC.
In addition, Craig Tennant, Manufacturing Manager, and Craig Martin, Technical Manager, are enrolled on the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship.
The Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship helps aspiring and existing managers develop strategic leadership, people management and operational improvement skills. The programme is particularly valuable for manufacturing, engineering and industrial organisations looking to strengthen leadership capability.
By combining leadership development, technical training, HNC and apprenticeship pathways, Harrison Packaging is building a workforce equipped to support future growth while maintaining the high standards of quality, service and reliability its customers expect.
Leadership Training and Skills Bootcamps for Employers Across the North East
As an Ofsted Outstanding training provider based in Newton Aycliffe, we support employers across County Durham, Teesside, Darlington, Sunderland, and the wider North East with leadership training, apprenticeships, and workforce development programmes designed to improve productivity, develop talent, and support sustainable business growth.
We work with employers across manufacturing, engineering and industrial sectors to deliver tailored training programmes that create measurable business impact, designed around the real-world challenges businesses face every day.
To find out how NC Group can support your workforce development goals, get in touch with our team today. Contact 01388 737121 or email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk.
