Leading Durham-based business and technology consultancy Waterstons is the only North East company in its category to be a national finalist of the Investors in People Awards 2017.
Waterstons, which operates throughout the UK from its headquarters at Belmont Business Park in Durham, is among companies nationwide to be shortlisted in the Gold Employer of the Year (50-249 employees) category at the Investors in People Awards 2017.
The firm, which employs nearly 130 people, will now go forward to the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London, on Thursday 23rd November. The awards, which are nominated independently, recognise the very best Investors in People (IiP) accredited organisations and Waterstons has been selected as a finalist following thorough data analysis.
Waterstons’ IIP announcement comes two months after it was shortlisted as one of the Best Tech Places to Work in the National Technology Awards. The firm, one of the fastest growing in the region, was also tipped as ‘one to watch’ at the recent CBI North East dinner.
The privately owned company, established in 1994, has a strong culture of trust and transparency which extends throughout their highly skilled workforce to clients and suppliers. It believes in empowering employees at every level to take ownership for their work, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence on behalf of their clients, with a clear focus placed on client outcomes rather than working hours.
In return, employees are liberated to work how they want, when they want, to achieve the desired outcome for their clients and colleagues. Waterstons empowers its employees with a range of benefits which include: self-directed flexible working hours; the option to work from the most appropriate place; unlimited holidays; and time to learn, develop and innovate through hack days or training and professional development programmes.
CEO Susan Bell said: “As an IT consultancy with a keen business focus, technology is a huge part of our DNA, but we also believe in putting people first and this is at the heart of everything we do, from our staff to our clients. By taking this approach, we have attracted a world-class team of individuals who we continually enable to be their very best. Our people are smart, funny, clever, innovative and just brilliant. They are our greatest asset and that’s why we take the time to invest in them.
“We’re open and honest and we like to challenge ourselves and our clients to ensure that we are continually, and consistently, adding value and enhancing client performance. We have a very flat hierarchy in terms of our management structure, with an approachable senior management team where all views are welcome. We place value on innovation and development; it benefits everyone and helps give us the edge, and we encourage and support our people to capitalise on this.
“We believe our approach makes Waterstons an exciting and fun place to work and I am delighted that Investors in People has recognised this with our national Gold Employer of the year award nomination.”