Bastockfirth Ltd

BastockFirth (BFL) was formed in 2005 by Nick Bastock and Eddie Firth who were both previously senior managers with large PLCs. Initially, specialising in management and leadership training, typically for Blue Chip organisations, BFL quickly gained a reputation for delivering ‘high end’ solutions, incorporating an innovative use of leading edge diagnostic and psychometric tools. Delivering indoor and outdoor development events for senior teams; Car Phone Warehouse, Cooperative Food, Cemex PLC, Heinz & Interserve PLC were just a few of their early clients. BFL’s values are that any interventions offered must make a return on the investment, therefore BFL follow up these events with 1:1 executive coaching sessions and facilitated team workshops to sustain the learning longer term. In late 2006 BFL became involved with funded training after successfully tendering to become one of seven Black Country Knowledge Societies (BCKS) partners (part of Black Country Consortium & the Free Potential Project) offering training to Black Country SME’s. At this juncture BFL widened its offering to include Health and Safety training, Lean Manufacturing and Brand Positioning. These later additions were delivered by a small number of specialist key associates, who still deliver solutions for BFL. As the Free Potential Project was part funded, BFL took the decision to create a separate brand trading under the name of Skill-Shop; this keeps the BFL brand aimed at large corporates and Skill-Shop for SME solutions. In September 2008 BFL became involved in Team Leader & Management NVQs, partnering with Halesowen College. They were again highly successful in both engagement and delivery. Halesowen are recognised as ‘excellent’ by OFSTED and have been highly commended in all LSC Audits. As a partner, BFL was included in these inspections and audits.