BUSINESSNEWS
WELLGIVING PARTNERS WITH ICEBLUE FOR KIDDERMINSTER-SEATTLE CHALLENGE
Ian Smith, Chair of Bishop Fleming
TACKLING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING DURING THE PANDEMIC Bishop Fleming’s employee-led Wellbeing programme started in 2018 and resulted in them winning the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Company of the Year Award in 2019, which stood them in good stead for the trials of Covid-19. In particular, their mental health support, with trained Mental Health First Aiders in all of their seven offices, has been vital, as have a variety of virtual social events.
Worcestershire digital agency IceBlue is taking part in a virtual challenge to travel 4,667 miles from IceBlue’s offices in Kidderminster to Microsoft Headquarters in Seattle. Each mile earned translates into a financial donation from IceBlue to its chosen charities – The Brooke Hospital for Animals, and Cancer Research UK. Lindsey Faulkner, HR Manager at IceBlue, said: “What we loved about the WellGiving platform is that it is truly inclusive so every member of the team can get involved in an activity they enjoy. Not everyone enjoys running or cycling but WellGiving uses minutes of exercise completed – rather than a specific activity – to convert into points which, in turn, get converted into pounds. This way everyone can play their part while taking part in an activity they enjoy.”
the wellbeing and mental health of employees through increased altruistic physical activity. It connects with existing smart devices and wearable technology to make it easy for everyone to take part. The team has got off to a flying start, travelling a virtual 764.23 miles since the challenge began on 4 February. www.iceblue.co.uk
The WellGiving app was developed to encourage people to be more active by ‘training for good’, improving
However, they have found every person’s challenges have been different. For example, carers coping without external support; parents juggling childcare; or trainees studying and working in living accommodation not always suited to it. Thankfully even before the pandemic, Bishop Fleming had made steps to have open discussions about those challenges both internally and externally (when people felt comfortable doing so) on social media. Ian Smith, Chair of Bishop Fleming, said: “By leading by example and being open about reducing my hours for my wellbeing with caring duties has been quoted by our people and has given them the confidence to have these conversations of their own.” Bishop Fleming have successfully onboarded over 70 new employees of all levels from apprentice trainees to new partners during the pandemic. They are all now looking forward to spending some physical time with each other and enjoying the collaboration and innovation that is constrained in the world of video calls. www.bishopfleming.co.uk
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GJS DILLON CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Leading Worcestershire commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon has marked its 10th anniversary by releasing a video animation highlighting the key milestones in its first 10 years. In the last decade, GJS Dillon has won 8 top industry awards, helped over 3,500 business move into commercial premises, carried out £1.5 billion worth of RICS Red Book professional property valuations and now asset manages 3 business parks, 135 commercial premises and 2 neighbourhood shopping centres. Its original remit of sales, lettings and acquisitions has now expanded to include valuations and professional services, property asset management, building
surveying and, more recently, residential surveys and valuations. John Dillon, GJS Dillon’s Managing Director, says: “In these uncertain times, it’s good to be able to take a step back and reflect on what has been a memorable and fantastic 10 years. We’d like to thank everyone who has been part of our journey and look forward to the next decade and beyond.” The GJS Dillon 10th anniversary video animation can be found on YouTube by scanning the following QR code. www.gjsdillon.co.uk
May/June 2021
