case studies

Lara Nichols Ltd

Contract cleaning is highly labour-intensive, and with cleaners working often in isolation, out of hours in deserted offices, it can be a difficult business to manage.  Quality of personnel at all levels is crucial and it is therefore all the more important that employees are motivated properly in what is a less than glamorous area to work in.  “The HR side is absolutely key in Lara Nichols’ business – it’s all about people”, explained MD Mike Nichols.

He should know.  The business has grown from nothing to 200 employees in just three years but the company’s ambitious plans for expansion have yet to include an in-house HR department.  Instead, the introduction of a regularly updated Company Handbook from Employer Solutions has provided welcome reassurance that the company’s policies fully reflect current legislation. This handbook is accessible on-line to all staff, so that they can immediately obtain answers to questions, or download forms such as holiday booking or self-certification.

The net effect – in a ‘no news is good news’ sense - has been that there is no great stream of questions. Everyone knows how to find out what they want, and Mike has concluded that his employees appreciate the care and commitment on the part of the company. He considers that the increased openness about company policy is a positive attribute and he advertises the fact to his customers.

Employer Solutions also provide training and are retained to provide professional advice and support on personnel issues as required.  This has been particularly welcome to Annabel Lumsden, as she took on the post of Operations Manager at an impressively early stage in her career. “It’s just excellent to have this kind of guidance behind you”, she enthused, appreciating especially the knowledge that procedures are being carried out as they should.  “I’ve found it extremely useful.” Employer Solutions are just at other end of a telephone call or e-mail, and Annabel has found that she gets a response straight away.

Mike Nichols summed it up: “Employer Solutions have been absolutely what we needed and we’ve been very pleased with what they’ve given us – it has proved invaluable.”