2006 Big Tick winner

Big Tick winner in 2006

Big Tick Winner

Styles and Wood - Impact on Society

Impact on Society for Small Companies Award 2006 in association with the Institute of Directors

Styles & Wood (S&W) have implemented robust processes ensuring that Pathway, AOP and CSR are delivered, with objectives agreed and regularly measured. Highlights include a PeopleFirst Team formed to direct strategic HR. Policies and Benefits are reviewed in line with Best Practice and Diversification issues. S&W Academy delivers 2-3 days Personal Development training for each colleague per year, working with Manchester Business School.

Processes

S&W is a private limited company and the leading provider of Property Services to Britain's major retailers. Their business model is aligned to that of their customer requirements following their Store Development cycle. They provide an integrated service through their four business units: StoreFit, StorePlanning, StoreCare and StoreData. Their customers can select the complete integrated service or 1, 2 or 3 of the services offered.

S&W has launched 'Flying Start', a new Induction process, and 'Refer a Friend', where Colleagues are incentivised for introducing new Colleagues to S&W. Environmental Training was delivered to 147 Colleagues by professional bodies and in-house experts and S&W ensure that at least 65% of all their Waste is recycled or reclaimed. Three S&W offices have adopted local schools to be community partners and their Chairman has mentored the Headteacher of a Manchester school. S&W has also worked with BEST (Business and Education Succeed Together) to deliver business assistance to children currently still in education.

Now 87% of turnover is negotiated through framework agreements and working with their Supply Chain has resulted in 50% of their turnover through 45 Suppliers. All of their suppliers are pre-qualified to ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Environment, Training and other society impact areas. S&W operates similarly to a Public Company with high levels of information disclosure that includes their accounts and values. For the last 4 years their community focus has been Sport and Education in Young People. Their Big Challenge 2005 was the refurbishing of a local shop at the David Lewis Centre, a residential centre for epilepsy in children and adults.

Impact

  • Over 50 Colleagues involved in Community Activities in 2005, committing 1,250 hours.
  • Total number of hours in 2005: 1,250 (£25,840 at £20 per hour).
  • Donations: £10,000, The Big Challenge: £65,000 (some of which was donated by their Supply Chain) - a total Investment of over £100,000.
  • Over 10 Colleagues have participated in the Aim Higher events run by BEST. This is a great opportunity to challenge stereotypes, especially in terms of gender.

See also