Import Servicesí recognised for its people vision

Technically considered an SME, Import Services shows the same commitment and dedication to its people as a multinational.

As a respected logistics provider to the UK retail market, Import Services appreciates its people and values the contribution they make to the company and its wider associations. This emphasis is particularly well reflected in excellent client retention and long term commercial partnerships.

The Southampton-based logistics specialist employs 51 people, with additional temporary staff operating in peak periods of the year. Import Servicesí commitment and passion to staff training and progression has been recognised with an Investors in People accreditation.

Jane Buckton, HR manager at Import Services, said that training is an inherent part of Import Servicesí business strategy. Training is crucial to improve the bottom line ñ one of the firmís aims is to develop and drive warehouse processes to improve efficiency by at least 10 per cent. ìAs an employer we invest in training because it makes business sense, and makes us a more profitable business. We can see the return we get from our investment in coaching.î

With an ethos that recognises the potential of every member of staff, Import Services has employees who are coming up to five, 10 and 20 year anniversaries. People stay as they feel there are opportunities.

ìWe are always keen to promote from within the company and are continually talent spotting. There is a real sense of upward promotions which builds loyalty. We have lots of agency staff who have become permanent and our treatment of our staff is the same whether they are here for 20 years or two days,î added Jane.

ìWe employ people with a huge range of skills, we need staff to work in the warehouse, just as much as we need sales people and strategic thinkers, so our training programme is not a one-off, one size fits all but is tailored to each individual and the role they are doing and is on-going.

ìItís a challenging environment, our people are given respect and trusted to get on and deliver an excellent service. Staff know where they stand, we have clear objectives and are a trusted board and secure company.

ìWe have a full time staff member dedicated to training, which demonstrates our commitment to our people as it is a considerable investment for a company of our size.î

The in-house, on the job coaching is given by training and development manager Bob Shayler, an experienced employee who has been with Import Services for 18 years. Bob began at Import Services in a junior role on the warehouse floor, and progressed rapidly through the ranks.

Bob explained: ìIt is always beneficial to use our own people to train rather than outsource and I have an excellent knowledge about the various operations and how things run here ññbefore I came here, I was a college lecturer and also in the army, so had the relevant skills to coach others.î

Bobís role includes planning how to achieve the businessí objectives through enhancing the workforce skillset. Import Services also has an internal forklift trainer, a job normally outsourced.

The logistics firm achieved top marks from the IIP assessor for its dedicated training and development programme and the clear way it progresses its people.

The HR manager, Jane Buckton continued: ìThere is the feeling in this industry that the majority of staff will be male, however we have a healthy balance, and this starts at a high level, with half of our senior management team being female ñ a big inspiration for other women in the company.

ìCommunications are very important. We have a meeting for all staff every three months with regular trading updates, news and strategy so that all our people know where the business is and how it plans to grow.î

Speaking of the recognised national quality standard, Roger Loveless, operations director at Import Services who oversaw the IIP assessment, said: ìThis process took 18 months; the standard is not easy to achieve and weíre delighted to have been awarded it. We are proud to have a very loyal workforce with a low staff turnover. It has been a real journey and this is only the beginning, with continual improvement weíll make this an even better company to work for.

ìImport Services is fully committed to developing workforce skills in order to achieve our wider business aims in the third party logistics sector. Delivering an up-to-date skills training system is a major factor in driving our future success.î

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of Investors in People UK commented: ìPutting people development at the heart of every function is the most cost-effective decision a business can make. Employees are central to business success so it is vital for staff to be skilled, flexible and motivated. This can best be achieved through planned and consistent training and development. The Investors in People framework ensures that if you look after the inputs the outputs will look after themselves.î

Research conducted among recognised Investor in People organisations has shown that 80% have increased levels of customer satisfaction and 70% have become more competitive and increased productivity. (Building Capability for the 21st Century Create 1999).

Log on to www.importservices.co.uk for more details or for further information on Import Services, call Mike Thomas on 01489 799500.

Pictured front row, Roger Loveless, operations director with John Eynon managing director at Import Services, with some of the logistics companyís valued people.