Wise Words From The Oracle |
The Oracle, the region’s premier shopping destination, is celebrating after successfully retaining its Investors in People status following a recent review.
Steve Belam, General Manager at The Oracle in Reading for the last six-and-a-half years, believes that making staff a core part of its business during challenging times is a key part of weathering the economic storm. He also recognises that following the framework set by the Government backed Investors in People standard Standard helps an organisation improve its performance and competitiveness through training and development. Initially recognised as Investors in People in 2005, The Oracle has more than 100 retailers and employs 109 people across its marketing department, senior management team, cleaning team and a security and maintenance team, which provides round-the-clock services for the centre. The Oracle also prides itself on its customer service desk where staff speak 17 languages between them. Steve said: “I am a firm believer in keeping everyone involved in every aspect of the way we run the business. If people understand what’s going on, they are much more likely to wholeheartedly support what you’re trying to achieve. “The first time we came to Investors in People most of what we were doing already, in terms of communication and effective line management, was already in place and I found it quite straightforward to meet the criteria. “But Investors in People has now, quite appropriately, set new standards which are more of a challenge. TheIt model has encouraged us to look closely at better communication and to make changes to some challenging aspects of our business plan.” And he Steve also believes more businesses should be publicly proud of bearing the Investors in People Standard. The Oracle displays the crest at its reception desk and at recruitment fairs. Steve continues: “I am very proud of the team culture at The Oracle and of our staff turnover which is lower than the industry average. However difficult the current climate may be, staff development and customer care will continue to be top priorities for us.” Commenting on The Oracle’s achievement, Trish Fraser, Managing Director of Quality South East, the Investors in People Centre for Berkshire, said: “The Oracle sees some fifteen 15 million customers through its doors each year and through team work the staff provide virtually 24/7 service. It’s a tribute to them and to the management team that they have put people at the heart of what they do.” To find out more about the benefits of Investors in People visit www.qse.org.uk , www.investorsinpeople.co.uk or call 01329 822077. |
