The Importance of Company Culture

Culture sets the tone. Whether that’s within a business, relationship or family dynamic, the culture you create can be for your benefit or detriment.

We spoke with Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Monument Promotions in Swindon, about the value of good company culture, and how he has injected the positive synergy throughout his business.

STRENGTH / PERSONALITY

omething that’s crystal clear

Sis the appreciation Matt has for his team, providing them with the space to develop their skills and become who they want to be, taking charge of their own teams in ways which are right for them. When asked about his influences for making sensible business decisions, Matt touched upon the fact that as a young business owner, it’s quite often the case that we emulate others. But having piloted Monument Promotions for five years, with several expansions in various cities, he has developed the confidence, know-how and trust in his business decisions to simply be his own self.

We’re part of a network but I’m running my own business, I can do this with my belief system, my strengths, and my personality”. This self validation is perhaps something that has come with time and experience for Matt, but is now a focal point for development within Monument Promotions from the get go.

When asked what he believes to be the top three areas of focus for a fantastic company culture, Matt zero'd in on his love of sports, drawing parallels with pre-match dressing rooms.

“Company culture breeds profitability. A football team that have a good team culture win games, who then get promoted, get sponsors, win competitions and consequently attract great players”.

He believes that profit and culture are intertwined, and the way he put this into practice is by focusing on the following:

The Environment - One of positive and healthy relationships, a trusting environemnt with room for individuality; you don’t have to focus on making your first million or building a vast organisation, you can make this business what you want it to be. There’s also a genuine care for one another, wanting the best for the people you work with.

Purpose - Ensuring that the activities being performed are done so with a goal in mind; is there room for improvement and what’s actually having an impact?

Recognising the importance of the nonprofit sector - Every single sale that goes through the business goes to charity, that’s incredible.

Matt extends his last point by saying:

“The ethics needs to be reflected in the work we do. What do you imagine about a company that works with charities? I’d expect them to have a kindness, a genuine passion for the causes they represent, honesty, and strong ethics.”

Monument Promotions are very much in sync with the charity partners they represent, and they take ownership of that within their company culture.

Having always been proud of the funds his business raises, Matt knew from day one that the company culture had to shine through. Reflecting on the time and headspace he was involuntarily gifted thanks to Covid-19, he notes how it really elevated the importance of the impact he could, and wanted to have, on not only the beneficiaries of each charity, but those directly around him.

“I started to ask myself questions: what kind of a business do I want to build? Am I making an impact? The answer was yes, but I wanted to build a legacy with genuine purpose; a company that I could be proud of from top to bottom, not just certain aspects.”

So, what are the biggest changes he’s noticed? Matt explains how he uses his own emotional gauge when in the office as a barometer for how the business is doing. Is he enjoying himself? Is it a fun place to be? Is it a productive space?

With positive energy and a focus on individuals and their goals, the atmosphere is productive. Everyone is proactive, getting involved with their own learning and development, using their initiative and focussing on the challenges and goals that lie ahead.

If the office is the sports team dressing room, then the sales field is the match. The result is definitive of the environment pre-game. How are you setting yourself up, or your team, for a win?

Matt wanted to highlight a few team members that are great examples of the company culture he aims for.

First up is Fidel Nanton for the way in which he treats everyone around him, the positivity and the care he pours into people. We asked him what he thought about this, to which he told us:

“I come from a big family, and all my brothers and sisters are different. I speak to them all differently, but care about them all”

He also believes that no matter what, you have to have respect for people, and treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Emily Gara is noted as being someone who brings great energy wherever she goes, contributing positively, having fun and putting in genuine effort to relationships within the team.

Mollie Hayes is their Event Coordinator, but on top her daily tasks and responsibilities, she takes it upon herself to organise social events for the team’s benefit.

Meg Ball, the Recruitment Administrator, never fails to walk into the office with a smile and a bundle of energy to match. That first interaction can really make a difference to someone’s day so Matt is forever grateful for her positive attitude.

If you want to see the Monument Promotions company culture for yourself, call Matt to arrange a visit, they’d be glad to welcome you.