BackgroundThe Garden and Leisure group comprises seven outlets, covering a large tranche of the South West and Midlands, with its Head Office based at its Cadbury’s branch near Bristol. The company was first formed in 1997, although the branches existed as independent outlets prior to then. It now employs 850 staff, rising to 900 at peak times such as Christmas, across a number of departments, including Group, Pets and Aquatics, Plants and Food Hall.
By 2008, Garden and Leisure had become a large retail organisation, with the inherent problems associated with training in this environment. Such problems included a large number of staff requiring training; a multi-site environment; many short term and seasonal staff and the usual staff turnover associated with the retail industry. The company, and specifically the Human Resources department, therefore felt they were unable to address these training needs, and also felt vulnerable, particularly where Health and Safety, and Food Safety legislation were concerned. A final, but equally important issue was the fact that any training needed to fit in with the demands of the retail business, ie long opening hours and seven days a week, with huge peaks of trade around public and school holidays. Although some of this training could be met in house, the organisation decided they wanted their staff to have C.I.E.H. accredited qualifications, with all the respect they command in the eyes of the enforcing authorities. They also needed a company that understood the business and would be flexible to their requirements.
Through the ‘wonders’ of internet searching, Lara Proctor, one of the Group’s H.R. advisers, came across Envesca. Looking through the website, it soon became apparent that this was a company that might well fit the bill, so Lara set up a fact finding meeting with Sue. Being comparatively new to the role, Lara found it really helpful and useful to understand what the legal requirements were around training, particularly with regard to Food Safety and Health and Safety. She said she found Sue’s advice constructive and impartial, with everything clearly set out with course outlines and costs, the latter being very reasonable.
Since that initial meeting Envesca has run a whole suite of courses for Garden and Leisure, both at Branch and Group levels. Sue has also revisited on a number of occasions to discuss progress and future plans. Lara also said the relationship was an extremely strong one, not least because often last minute changes have to be made due to the nature of the business, but Sue has always been very understanding and accommodating. Staff feedback on the training has been very positive, and they have even been asking for more!
Even more excitingly Garden and Leisure has since scooped two national awards – Gold in the annual Best Retailer Awards, which are the ultimate recognition of the hard work and professionalism of retailers in the housewares, DIY and garden sectors. WHAT’S MORE they also grabbed the “Commitment to Training & Education Award” at the Garden Retail Awards.
Well deserved indeed!
