This #madeinsandwell Monday we are revisiting local classic car parts company David Manners Group (DMG). We first featured the firm in our #madeinsandwell spotlight way back in 2017 and since then it has continued down the road to success.

Following our first #madeinsandwell Monday feature on the company it went on to win New Employer of the Year Award at the Sandwell Business Awards 2017 for its work with apprentices, and in 2018 it scooped two awards at the Family Business Awards.

DMG was thrilled to win in both the Employer of the Year and Corporate Social Responsibility categories. The company was also featured in our 2018 Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Index.

DMG is a family-run business that manufactures and supplies parts for classic and modern cars. It specialises in parts for classic Mini, Jaguar and Daimler, MG and Triumph, Morris Minor and MX5 cars. Based in Oldbury since 1997, the firm is a global supplier of car parts.

The company was founded in 1977 by David Manners, who handed over the reins as managing director to his daughter Kate in 2011, while he took on the role of chairman. This year marks the company’s 42nd year in business and DMG continues to go from strength to strength.

Two years ago we reported that DMG employed around 50 staff. Now with continued growth in employee numbers it now has 65 highly skilled team members, employed in many specialist areas within the business.

DMG is proud of the fact that most of its staff remain with the company long-term and many members of its team are now celebrating over 20 years of service. Despite the growing number of employees and increasing company performance, DMG continues to place great importance on maintaining family values and creating a friendly atmosphere in the workplace.

DMG is also proud to boast a high percentage of female staff on its workforce. As well as having a female managing director, approximately half of the senior management team are female.

Kate Manners said of her own appointment: “In too many countries I wouldn’t have even been given the opportunity to join a business, family or otherwise, never mind lead one.

“In our own country the disparity of pay between men and women has become well publicised and this makes us no better than those countries where women aren’t even allowed to get an education.

“It’s time all people of all genders, backgrounds, religions and sexual preferences stood together against gender inequality whatever shape that manifests itself in both here in the UK and worldwide.

“We have a diverse group of people, a mix of different religions, educational levels, backgrounds and sexuality and we are proud of the fact that has never been an issue. Work hard and you are welcome to join us whoever you are, just be prepared for the odd disagreement over local football teams!”

As well as promoting gender equality, Kate believes strongly in the importance of the apprenticeship scheme that the company has developed over the past three years in collaboration with Sandwell Council. She is an advocate for creating job opportunities for young people and believes in investing in the next generation.

DMG strives to make a positive impact in other areas too and the family is passionate about supporting the local community. Kate and David are keen supporters of several local charities, including the Sandwell Women’s Aid Charity and Thimblemill Library, regularly organising collections in the workplace to donate to these organisations.

In 2017 the company introduced a scheme called The Family Fund – From Our Family to Yours, and each year staff members nominate worthy local causes that their family are involved in.

So far DMG have sponsored Bustleholme FC, a club set up by parents who wanted to give their children the opportunity to play in a football team, and Ryland Netball Club, who just days before a championship match had their minibus stolen. DMG funded the replacement van hire so that the team could still attend their match.

Closer to home, DMG looks after its own employees with a generous benefits package, which includes a wellbeing allowance, health cash-back plan, birthday day off, and dress-down Fridays. Every Christmas Kate fully embraces the festive spirit by providing each employee with a turkey as a thank you for their hard work throughout the year.

Going forward, DMG is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of its own workforce and its wider support of local charities, whilst continuing to grow the business by focusing on strengthening relationships with its customers and owners’ clubs.

It aims to maintain the high standards of service that it has become known for to ensure further financial success in the future. It is also in the process of creating four new websites and opening up new positions in the company, including an ecommerce manager and a customer relationship manager.

#madeinsandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #madeinsandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.