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ENLIGHTENED EMPLOYER


Newly introduced to seek nominations from businesses that have shown a proactive, forward-thinking and creative approach to enabling women to realise their full potential in the workplace


Winner


The judging panel was led by Deloitte and its director Kate Reynolds commented: “Our 2015 winner has set the benchmark for change with an innovative programme that we believe has the potential to have a positive impact on some of the challenges faced by women working in the construction industry.“


Reynolds presented the award to: Fourfront Group


Operating since 2000, Fourfront Group is the leading UK commercial interior specialist consisting of four businesses specialising in design and fit-out interior solutions, commercial furniture and workplace design.


Recognising that the Group didn‘t have enough women in their business and wanting to support those already there, Fourfront launched a programme specifically for their female employees.


Kate Reynolds (left) and Naomi Riches (right) with winner Fourfront Group represented by Pippa Savory


Role Models


The programme focused on improving women‘s confidence, communication, contribution, credibility and career success in the workplace – ‘helping women to be the best they can be‘. The age of the women participating ranged from late 20s to early 50s. A number of them have since gained promotion and alumni are now acting as mentors in their own right.


Fourfront has expanded rapidly and is set to post a record £120-million plus turnover for 2014-15. It employs 250 people and operates from its Egham campus as well as offices in central London and Heathrow.


Interviewed after receiving her award . . . Pippa Savory, head


of HR for the Fourfront Group, spoke about the importance of having committed top-down support for the ‘Women in Fourfront‘ programme.


While the Fourfront Group had seen unprecedented growth, tripling its workforce in the past four years, it had remained true to its values, one of which is embracing a diverse workforce, she explained.


Kate Reynolds (left) and Naomi Riches (right) with ‘Role Model‘ FISCAL Technologies represented by Lesley Reeve


Chosen by the judges as ‘Enlightened Employer‘ Role Models were:


FISCAL Technologies – “With its commitment to being a great place to work, we commend this company for their efforts.“ While most technology companies have between 17-20% female employees, FISCAL Technologies has achieved an industry high of 40% through focused recruitment, training and coaching.


The Malins Group – “A shining example of what can be achieved by a family business. Not only do they offer flexible working, fund external qualifications and training for their team, but MD Lauren Atkins personally coaches all members of her staff.


The other category finalists were: Reality HR


Blandy & Blandy Eric Robinson Solicitors


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2015 www.businessmag.co.uk


“I feel very privileged to work for Fourfront. The founding Fourfront members have been very supportive, have helped drive the ideas of women, and have encouraged a fresh perspective to women within the business, which is fantastic. It genuinely is a company that believes that women can bring something different to the workplace.“


“At Fourfront, we are professional but have fun; we are like a family, and to have different groups of people within our business only plays to our strengths.


More women now hold senior roles in the company and performance has improved says Savory (she is a Fourfront board member). “There are successes coming through.“


The WiB award (pleasantly ‘adding the icing to her cake‘ on her actual birthday) would raise awareness of the Fourfront programme, she noted. “I‘d be delighted to talk to people about it.“


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