Movember at Clarkewood Consulting

For those that aren't  familiar, Movember is the annual celebration of the moustache to raise awareness of male health issues and to raise funds for the first and second largest male health concerns testicular cancer and prostate cancer. Funds raised go to programmes run either directly by Movember, or their partners including The prostate Cancer charity, and the Institute of Cancer Research.

More than five men die every hour from potentially curable diseases, and according to recent research, around half of all male cancer cases could be prevented by making making healthier lifestyle choices. As such, the event aims raise awareness and encourage education surrounding men's health, to help break down stigmas and encourage men to take greater responsibility.

One in nine men will contract prostate cancer in their lives, and with the disease claiming 10,000 lives every year, the boys at ClarkeWood Consulting have stepped up to the plate to do our bit (albeit, with a couple of members of the team relying on "prosthetic 'tashes")

We’re pleased to have raised a total of £756 for the charity; to see the teams' hairy efforts and to donate, go to: http://mobro.co/ClarkeWoodConsulting

Hair Raising Men's Health Facts

The average male life expectancy is four years less than women's

In 2008 37,051 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed and 10,168 men died

The rate of cancer diagnoses in men is considerably higher than the rate in women. In every 100,000 men there will be 417 cases diagnosed, compared to 366 cases per 100,000 females

Testicular cancer in the UK affects younger men between the ages of 20 and 50. 1,990 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2007

1 in 4 men in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives
 

Why it is Important to have a good strong Vision

In our last blog we talked about why it is important for a company to have a clearly defined vision and a set of value statements. A common goal which both the business and the employees engage with, work towards and completely believe in. It also has to have a meaning externally towards its customer base and clearly represent how they interact with the customer.

At ClarkeWood Consulting we totally understand the benefits of having a clear Vision, having a common goal we all believe in passionately and are striving to achieve.

To define our Vision and Values all the employees were involved. We ran a workshop away from the day to day business so everyone could focus on the objective and could clearly see the importance of what we wanted to achieve.

We were all encouraged to describe the core values that inspired us to join ClarkeWood, what values are important to us whilst we go about our core business working with each other, with candidates and companies.

Our vision is special to us, it was worked on by all members of the team and the final definitions of both the vision and the value statements were written by the ClarkeWood team.

Here is our Vision and Values statement......

Vision of ClarkeWood Consulting

To be the specialist IT Recruitment partner of choice.

Core Values

v We deliver success by placing quality and service excellence at our core.

v We provide a stable platform for the development of our team through personal development, reward, promotion, succession and fun.

v We have a respectful, passionate and fulfilling environment which enhances the professional relationships we enjoy with our clients and candidates.

v We fulfil the specialist requirements and needs of our clients and candidates.

v We respect our team, clients and candidates and value their reputations.

v We value trust and integrity in all relationships both internal and external.

Why do Companies have a Vision and Values Statement?

Why do Companies have a Vision and Values Statement?

A company vision is all about what is possible, what the potential is for that company to achieve and it’s ultimate end state.

The vision allows the company to clearly define it’s long term goals for achieving that vision and of course through using subset mission statements create short term targets and goals to achieve these.

A clear set of value statements support the vision by using strong words and ideals that transcend through the business.

Vision and Value statements help to create an identity for the company and helps define the company culture.

It is important that these statements are not just words stuck up on posters with no explanation. Every employee needs to be aware of the words but more importantly the meaning, the energy and the source from which these statements came. Only then is it possible for all to work together in one direction for a common goal.

In short both business owners and their employees need to know what the company does on a daily basis, what it is trying to achieve and therefore be able to answer uniformly the ultimate question – “why do you do what you do?”

A good vision allows the business owners to keep the end goal in mind at all times, it will engage with and inspire the employees whilst also sending out a clear message to it’s customers.

Employees are a companies biggest asset they need to know they are relevant. Empowering employees to help a business define it’s vision by getting them involved from the start is a really powerful motivational tool.

An employee who has connected with the business at a deeper level, who has felt a part of defining the companies strategy will ultimately feel that their hard work is relevant to the bigger picture and will be more motivated to perform, helping to form a more loyal work force.

A good vision is a precise definition of what the company does and what it wants to accomplish. It should describe the business you are in and provide a definition of why the business exists. For this to be clear and precise it should really only be one or two sentances long.

Once you have a clear vision a good set of value statements are a great way to frame the vison and allow you to draw on the beliefs and environment of the organisation. They allow you to be positive and inspiring always linking back to the vision itself.

In summary a companies vision is what drives the owners and employees on a day to day basis. It is the reason the company exists, it is the end state to which the company is ultimately striving to become. It is the inspiration the business owners, the company management and it’s employees need to be successfull.

Next week ClarkeWood owner Lee Clarke is holding several workshops with his team to discuss and define ClarkeWood’s Vision and Value’s statement. Lee has firsthand experience and knows the benefit of an empowered workforce; he wants his team to be completely ingrained in to what ClarkeWood is and what it will surely become.

Check out next week’s blog for the ClarkeWood Vision.

Working Hard, Playing Hard and the Importance of Team Building

ClarkeWood Consulting places great emphasis on the importance of team building, team work and motivating it’s staff through regular social events and a “work hard, play hard” approach . Recruitment Consultant James Bicknell discusses his experiences, and the benefits of taking the time to motivate your team in this way, from the perspective of the employee:

"After the best talent, relationships play the most importance in a consistently high performing team"

Many organisations talk about the importance of having the right people and working as a team; but how many of us out there are really doing all we can to ensure our team's are working together as well they possibly can, so that they’re as motivated as possible to "go the extra mile"?

Prior to starting with ClarkeWood one cold January morning, I'd typically worked with companies with a more traditional approach to staffing and topics like employer sponsored social events. As such, I’d tended to view them an unnecessary expenditure, which could have allowed resources to be allocated more effectively and was surprised to receive a call from my soon to be boss some weeks before, inviting me out for the ClarkeWood Christmas meal.

Having eaten with the new team, followed by a few drinks at Keystones Bar in Worcester, I was surprised at how much I'd actually taken from the night. As a new employee of the company, it immediately allows you to feel more relaxed amongst your new colleagues, and to focus on the task at hand of learning your new role, and how to undertake it as effectively as possible.

The following February our MD Lee, arranged for us to go bowling as a team followed by something to eat and a few drinks. Especially with three of us starting with the company at the same time, the night really gave us the opportunity to gel as a team and share our experiences with the company so far. The positive impact on the team dynamic was immediately noticeable the following week. It allowed us to identify our strengths, where we could work together to develop and allowed for a friendlier, more relaxed atmosphere.

On a monthly basis since,  there's always been at least one team social event, whether it's a day at the races at Pitchcroft Racecourse in Worcester, or black tie charity event. Why? Because, we're a much stronger team for it. Such social events allow you and your team to discuss the inevitable challenges which arise in any busy working environment, in a relaxed atmosphere. They ensure your team get the time to "blow off steam" after a busy week, and most importantly, they allow your staff to build the kind of relationships with one another which mean they'll enjoy their working day, and stay motivated because of it. As a team you respect your colleagues more for getting to know them on a personal level. The result? A more motivated team, pulling in the same direction, keen to do all they can to help one another meet and exceed the expectations of their customers.

"Ladies Day" at Pitchcorft Racecourse, Worcester

Our most recent outing was to Network4Charity, an event raising money for the Education for the Children Foundation. With our own Victoria Taylor heavily involved in the organising of the night, there was a real buzz in the office in the run up to the event itself, and furthermore, it was great to spend some time getting to know a number of our clients who joined us on the night. With our upcoming attendance at an outdoor cinema at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club, I can honestly say, our approach to team building through events such as these, plays a massive part in the group effort to consistently provide the best possible service to our clients and candidates alike.

In short, yes, there's an expenditure associated to sponsoring the "work hard, play hard" mentality within your team, but, the benefits of doing so are unquantifiable, and well worth it the long run. As a rule, people are good at what they enjoy doing, and your day job is certainly no different. Motivated staff are committed staff. They are happy to "put in the extra(maybe try go the extra mile)" when needed, work better together, and will stay with you for longer.

Benefits of team building and employer sponsored social events in a nutshell:
 

> Increase team performance

> Reduce tension and friction

> Identify and maximize team strengths

> Anticipate problems and prevent them

> Optimise understanding

> Reduced Staff Turnover

Is Corporate Social Responsibility important for your business?

“The time is always right to do what is right." (Martin Luther King Jr)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been debated for some time now; with business owners commonly questioning and doubting whether or not CSR is beneficial for us as a company? Will it help to increase profits? How much is this going to cost me, taking into consideration time, effort and money?

Or is this just a “nice idea”.

Often businesses have taken a strong skeptical viewpoint, accusing CSR of being merely window-dressing and public relations puffery. This initial standpoint from corporate businesses however were usually the opinions of the individuals directly benefitting from the company’s profit levels.

“Generosity with shareholders money is not philanthropy, it is theft!” (Hopkins 2007)

CSR on any scale can be seen as positive for both the professionals and beneficiaries involved, ultimately larger corporate powers need to be shouldering the responsibility they have to aid and support less fortunate environments or structures.

Unfortunately CSR is still very much an optional strategy which while this is not ideal for the greater good, does open up the opportunity for smaller SME’s to use as a tool very much in their advantage.

It is easy to understand why a business would potentially place the concept on the back burner in climates such as these; however are you overlooking CSR as something to take part in only when times are affluent when in actual fact it’s during the challenging times that being a “responsible business” is more important than ever!

Companies that are finding themselves affected by difficult climates are needing to change their short term thinking into longer term strategies, several of which could be strongly influenced by positive CSR.

Five beneficial reasons why your company should embark on their CSR journey:-

1.       Enhanced brand image and reputation

A good reputation is vital for a successful company, with the rapid growth of social networking it is becoming more and more relevant and vital for SME’s as well as corporate to have a strong positive brand image. Companies gain referrals and testimonials to increase trust and reputation for prospective clients to view, this same theory can be applied to positive CSR.

2.       Increased sales and customer loyalty

More and more consumers and suppliers are focusing their purchases towards socially and environmentally responsible products/services.

In European studies results have shown that 2 in 5 people would be willing to pay more for a product/service that have a positive CSR and conversely 3/6 people actively boycott or support products/services also on their public CSR.

Coupled together with a company’s USP’s these elements provide a powerful statement to be utilized.

3.       Increased productivity

Employees are vital to a company’s success and it has become more and more apparent that by investing in your work staff and valuing their input, strongly increases productivity.

Peoples awareness of social issues are greatly increasing with easier access to information becoming readily available and on a personal level there has recently been a massive increase in the number of volunteers received within local communities.

This therefore implies that employees on a personal note are taking action more and will naturally expect the same attitude and sense of responsibility to be applied within their working environment also.

4.       Attraction and retention of Employees

A company’s dedication to CSR can really be a drawing point for potential employees at all levels. Graduates are aware of the current climate and therefore leaving university in search of career prospects within a company that have longevity and security; no longer are people solely driven by salaries.

The same can be applied to the senior individuals where slight salary increases matter even less, employees look for values and respect not only in them but within the organization itself and CSR can provide the perfect tool to display this effectively.

5.       ‘Keeping up’ with competitors

This is where business is heading regardless of the company and regional culture, no matter how small your input CSR can only provide your company with positivity.

A companies reasons for beginning their CSR will all be differing however more often are local authorities, employees , investors and suppliers beginning to place pressure on the decision maker to “do the right thing” this is for your CSR but also and inevitably for your business.

Those that get left behind especially in a business climate such as this are going to be missing out on business opportunities, competitor advantage and improved management opportunities.

Here are just five points that will hopefully encourage you to embark on your CSR journey if you have not begun it already.

Those company’s not engaging in CSR are not only under managing their impact on society and the environment, they are under managing their own economic self interest.

“The future belongs to those who understand that doing more with less is compassionate, prosperous, and enduring, and thus more intelligent, even competitive." (Paul Hawken)

Check out our latest blog to see how ClarkeWood Consulting have been actively promoting their CSR!!Network4Charity

Doing our bit for CSR in style!

Here at ClarkeWood Consulting we take our Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously and on the 29^th of July we played a large part in sponsoring a Network4Charity Black Tie evening that was held at the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club.

The evening was in support of Education for the Children and saw a true mix of business with pleasure for several of the local business owners who attended.

With an eclectic mix of guests, champagne reception, great food, plenty of wine and some exceptional live music that even tempted a few of our guests up to dance (you know who you are!) the night proved to be a success.

ClarkeWood Consulting were the main sponsors for the evening and along with their guest clients who attended; played a pivotal part in helping to raise the £2800 on the night itself.

Pictured here is Lee Clarke and Lynn Taylor as the two sponsors for the evening, with the founder of Education for the Children David McKee; Rhiannon, Carol and Christine who all work for the charity here in England and the two organisers for the night Cady Walker and our own recruiter Victoria Taylor.

(Lee holding onto his prized rugby ball bought in the auction which was kindly signed by the Warriors) 

Despite popular belief not all recruiters are evil and sent here simply to harass you at the most in opportune moments of the day; the whole team here at ClarkeWood really believe in giving back to those less fortunate than ourselves as often as we can and thoroughly enjoyed  being a part of supporting such a fantastic cause like Education for the Children.

Please take the time to watch this short video which was shown on the night as it really demonstrates the positive work that the charity have and are continuing to do.

For more information on the charity and the great work that they do please follow this link www.eftc.org.uk

How to fill your Worcester IT job vacancies

ClarkeWood Consulting has a specialist team focusing on recruitment of IT & Technical Professionals across the 3 Counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The team works with a wide variety of organisations, varying from SMEs through to large, blue-chip companies, providing a bespoke recruitment service that is highly valued by our clients and candidate alike.

What we do for clients…

·        We make sure we understand your requirement. Our large database and comprehensive advertising and CV search facilities ensure that we track down the best person for the job.

·        Each applicant is thoroughly profiled to produce a shortlist of candidates suitable for your role – we will not bombard you with pointless CVs!

·        ClarkeWood Consulting has a reputation for excellence – we will manage the recruitment process from taking the initial job spec through to delivering and closing offers.

·        We offer a tailored recruitment service to best suit your needs from search & select to headhunting from your competitors!

What we do for candidates…

·        ClarkeWood Consulting has an unrivaled network of clients across the local area giving us access to a constant flow of new IT & Technical requirements.

·        Our close relationships with our clients ensure you will always be well prepared for any interviews and will receive full feedback on how you have performed.

·        We understand that the job market can be tough so we look to provide as much help and support as possible during your hunt for a new role.

If you are a company who would like to find out more about the service we provide, or perhaps a candidate interested in talking about current opportunities then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Contact Lee on 01905 727750 or email lee.clarke@clarkewoodconsulting.com