CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber award winner sings the praises of the ISPO service
Retail House Solutions (RHS), winner of the Chamber’s Business Improvement through Technology award at the 2017 Leicestershire Business Awards, is the latest member to benefit from the Chamber’s International Student Placement Office (ISPO) service. Now in its 25th year, ISPO is
recognised by businesses of all sizes and sectors for working with the region’s business community to match companies’ specific requirements with that of ambitious, dedicated and skilled international students. Leicester-based RHS, which
designs, manufactures and installs projects throughout the UK and Europe, took on Greek student Niki, having heard of the benefits that the ISPO programme has to offer. It’s a decision that the business
hasn’t looked back from and one which proved to be an immensely positive experience right from the start as Matt Dakin, Client and Operations Director at RHS, explains. “We were discussing our
business at a Chamber training event and got talking to Maria (the Chamber’s International Recruitment Service Manager) about possible students,” said Matt. “I was instantly interested and
filled out a brief form to outline our work opportunity. The position was advertised on the Chamber website and within a week I had shortlisted and conducted Skype interviews. “I was impressed with the academic qualifications of the students and surprised by how committed and keen they were. When Niki described what she wanted to get out of her time with us I realised the mutual benefit of working together and we offered her the position. We worked with Maria to arrange her accommodation and within a few months Niki had started work with us.”
Over the next six months, Niki
became an integral member of the RHS team. So much so, in fact, that Niki is now a permanent member of staff, with a new ISPO student also recruited. “Niki worked really hard, helping
the company achieve great results which we were recently recognised for. She has been instrumental in pushing the development of our Real Time Project Tracking System, driving significant efficiencies throughout our business,” explained Matt.
“The programme was so
successful that our biggest worry was how we were going to replace her once she left! Fortunately, she decided to join us permanently. Since then we have taken on another placement in Nathalie, who is working with us in a client-facing role.” While the ISPO experience has
been, and continues to be, an extremely positive one for RHS, the same can be said for Niki both culturally and professionally.
“The business culture in the UK is
a lot different to my country, Greece,” said Niki. “When I first started my
internship, I found it impressive how people are so polite, funny and remain calm under difficult and demanding situations. Leicester is a lively and lovely city as it combines everything. What I like most is the multiculturalism, everybody lives peacefully here and accept other people differences; this is what made me feel comfortable from day one.
“As my internship was coming to
an end, RHS offered me the permanent position of Business Performance Analyst, which I accepted with pleasure.” So is ISPO a service Niki would
recommend to other would-be international students? “Right from the start ISPO was
there to help me with my searching and make sure my career plans matched the company. The ISPO team made me feel like there is someone I can rely on to make this experience happen, to get all the paperwork on time and have the smoothest transition to the UK. For all these reasons I definitely recommend it to my fellow students.” While Dutch student Nathalie has
only just started her journey with RHS, the early signs are that her experience will be similarly rewarding and productive. “The placement relates to my
study at different angles. In college I learn a lot about marketing, sales, communication and financial aspects. In my current position I feel like I can use all my knowledge I’ve learned in college,” said Nathalie. “Even though I have only been
here a short time I am much more independent. “On a professional level I’m sure I
will develop since I have never worked at this level in a company before. “I would definitely recommend
ISPO to other students. It is quite a big step to go on an internship abroad so it is very comforting to have ISPO to support you in this.” As for RHD, the positive
L-R Niki, Nathalie (pictured with the Business Awards trophy) and Matt
‘When Niki described what she wanted to get out of her time with us I realised the mutual benefit of working together and we offered her the position’
contribution ISPO continues to make means that the business is looking to recruit further international students in 2018 and Matt would certainly recommend others do the same. “The ISPO service is a great way
to create a step change in your business without over stretching the existing team. The process itself is fully supported by the Chamber and the people you can attract are of an exceptional standard across a multitude of disciplines. “The service has been excellent
as we have been supported every step of the way.”
To understand more about how ISPO can enhance your business, contact Maria Martin-Albarran on 0333 320 0333 ext. 2141, email
maria.albarran@
emc-dnl.co.uk or visit
www.ispo.co.uk
business network February 2018 29
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