v BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU SINCE 1994 v 1st August 2024 • The HERALD • Page 63 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Elliotts Builders Merchant, one of the largest independent suppliers of building materials in the South, was named “Employer of the Year” at the tenth annual Solent 250 Business Awards. e Solent 250 Business Awards evening, which took place on Tuesday 18th June, celebrated the achievements of some of the top privatelyowned businesses with headquarters in the Solent region. “I’m really proud and humbled to have won Employer of the Year”, says Tom Elliott, CEO of Elliotts. “It all comes down to how we look after our team, because they are core to our success. Once you’re part of the team, we’ll go out of our way to support you, and we’ve created an environment where people can thrive.” Elliotts, who have 13 branches across Hampshire, including in Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Lymington, employs over 300 people across their branch network and head office site. First established in 1842, Elliotts continues to be family owned and run (currently in its sixth generation). “We’ve chosen to do things that feel right and are genuinely valued by the team rather than follow a formula or a tickbox exercise”, continues Tom. As well as pizzas for the team on payday and hampers at Christmas, Elliotts has a range of other bene ts to support their team members when they most need it. e Elliotts Team Trust fund aims to assist employees financially when life doesn’t go to plan, with no rules on what will or will not be funded. Elliotts also has an Employee Assistance Programme that gives every team member 24/7 access to GPs and mental health support. Elliotts also o ers their team members enhanced pay for maternity and paternity leave, with 6 months full pay for maternity and 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave. “Winning this award is recognition of the way we’ve been running the business and doing something you probably wouldn’t expect from a long standing, family owned, traditional builders’ merchants”, says Paul Chadwick, COO at Elliotts. “It’s the small things that really count for people. Treating our people like humans, feeling supported when they’ve got other things going on outside of work and having a safe environment.” Sarah Clements, Head of HR at Elliotts, also comments: “One of the key reasons I joined Elliotts just over a year ago was its reputation as a great place to work, which genuinely looks after and invests in its people.” Elliotts didn’t selfnominate for the Employer of the Year Award and were surprised to learn that they had been selected to participate by the Solent 250 team, due to their great reputation in the area. An interview process with the University of Southampton Business School followed, before learning that they were nalists for the award. “Elliotts Builders Merchant has established itself not only as a successful business but as a pioneering employer that prioritises the empowerment, development, and wellbeing of its staff”, says Richard Cartwright at the University of Southampton Business School. “Through its progressive management practices, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that nurtures innovation and simplification, Elliotts not only exemplifies the qualities of an Employer of the Year but also sets a benchmark in the sector for fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect” To nd out more, visit: www.elliotts.uk 182 YEAR OLD LOCAL FIRM WINS EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Elliotts with their Employer of the Year award at the Solent 250 Business Awards (Tom Elliott pictured holding the award)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=