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culture and we knew how to identify these qualities in potential recruits. Our training academy had evolved to become truly market leading. A large percentage of our fresh recruits in the early 2000s have grown into leaders and managers within GCS, including Lawrence Kelly, Sam Mehta and Lisa Forrester, all of whom have received nominations for the Global Recruiter’s Consultant of the Year Award.”
In part due to the creation of this formidable ‘next generation’, GCS was more prepared than most for the recent recession. “We made it through the 2002 downturn with a combination of hard work and optimism,” offers Bartlett. “During the latest recession, I was more realistic with the company about the challenges we were facing. We made sure our employees knew it was going to be tough but we were going to give them all the support and guidance we could.”
In spite of the recession, the company began its most ambitious project to date. Having established a strong standing within the technology market, the company expanded into a new sector. “GCS Financial Services has been a resounding success thus far,” says Bloxham of the new brand. “The division now accounts for 15% of our gross profit. Given that this brand has been operational for only two years as opposed
to GCS Technology’s 21, this is a remarkable achievement.”
The company has also revitalised its corporate social responsibility initiative – the attitude towards CSR within GCS has gone from good to great, with more staff than ever getting involved with causes such as Age Concern and the Heart of the City programme. Employees have undertaken sponsored bike rides, half and full marathons for charity – GCS Ireland manager Tim Dunne even climbed Kilimanjaro to add to GCS’ fundraising. Bartlett himself takes a hands-on approach to CSR, leading by example; he recently completed his fourth London Marathon. It is achievements like this, combined with an inexhaustible determination to always “give something back”, which have led to his nomination as Director of the Year in the Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 2012 national IoD Awards.
Currently two years into their ambitious five- year plan, GCS is on target to over achieve their original goals. “Everybody knows the part they have to play,” says Bartlett. “We have been absolutely transparent with our goals and what we all need to do to achieve them. We are all united by the GCS Vision – engagement has never been greater within GCS.”
With the first 21 years completed, what lies in store for GCS’ next 21 years? “We’ll get to the end of our five-year plan and then we’ll see,” laughed Bartlett. “We have enough exciting projects lined up over the next three years to keep us thoroughly occupied. Taking our financial services division to the next level is, of course, of paramount importance, whilst we will continue to increase the awareness of our technology business through various new marketing channels. We have always been delighted with the high quality of our service – the next step is to make sure more people are aware of it. Beyond that, opening further regional offices is certainly on the horizon. Each day, Tim Dunne takes us closer to having a fully operational Irish office and we are always looking for the right time, opportunity and people to help us open new offices in the UK and Europe. We certainly have great ambitions but I have no intention of rushing unnecessarily. When we do something, we make sure we do it right. If there is one thing about GCS that I have been most proud of over the last 21 years, it is that we have never compromised our quality.”
Details: Chris Bartlett 0118-9563900
reading@gcsltd.com www.gcsltd.com
GR Awards – David Bloxham, managing director, (2nd from left) collecting the Global Recruiter Magazine’s Best Medium Recruitment Business 2012 Award along with Chris Devonshire, head of GCS technology (2nd from right)
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – SEPTEMBER 2012
www.businessmag.co.uk
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