The CEO of an automotive component manufacturer has been awarded a Visiting Industrial Fellowship by Aston Business School in recognition of his contribution to the university and its students in the area of business growth and entrepreneurship.
Jim Griffin of The Autins Group was one of just 18 alumni from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme to be awarded a fellowship. As a result, Jim will be a fellow of the university for two years.
Based in the West Midlands, Autins (www.autins.co.uk) specialise in the manufacture of lightweight acoustic and thermal insulation materials for the automotive and industrial markets, making parts for interior cabins, engine bays and boots, as well as the underbody and exterior of a whole range of vehicles.
Jim first joined the 10,000 Small Businesses programme in 2012 as a way of implementing a new business strategy to generate growth within the company. Funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and led by Aston Business School in conjunction with other local partners, the programme aims to help small businesses with high growth potential to develop and expand.
In addition to participating in the programme, Jim has also played an active role in supporting the university, its students, research and staff in a range of activities such as policy development, recruitment and by acting as a case study in taught modules.
It is our responsibility as business leaders to support the next generation of engineers, manufacturers and managers by offering practical help and advice so they are well qualified to enter the commercial world, comments Jim. The 10,000 Small Businesses programme has helped my company enormously: we have more than tripled production, capacity and turnover since joining the programme. We feel that its important to share the lessons that we have learned with students so they can apply that experience to their future place of work.
The Autins Group employ up to 200 people at their 65,000 sq. ft. UK site and also have sites in Germany, Sweden and India making parts for the UK and global automotive market. The company s portfolio of clients includes Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Volkswagen and Bentley.