business
Human Resources for the 21st Century MFC HR is a human resources consultancy firm based in Gibraltar encompassing all that is professional within 21st Century HR, offering a variety of services for every size and type of business. Knowledgeable, experienced and qualified, we interviewed MFC’s Michael Ford who has recently launched his company, to find out why he feels it is the best on offer to the local business community. Michael began by telling us a little about his background and how he got started in HR. “I spent the majority of my 20s in the nightclubs of the north west of England as a DJ,” he explains. “These were great times but as my 30s approached it became clear I had to take my career more seriously. So in 1997 I began an Honours Degree in Organisation and Management Studies at the University of Lancaster, not really sure of which direction it would take me. By the end of year one it was clear HR was the discipline that interested me most and best complimented my personal style.” On completing his degree Michael began work at the Tote in Wigan, followed by a couple of years at Ladbrokes on Merseyside as an HR Officer. He went on to achieve post-graduate qualifications and became a Chartered Member of the CIPD. “My first big break came in the form of Stan James in Oxfordshire, where I spent close to three years as their Head of HR,” Michael (who also offers courses in gaming, especially sports and fixed odds to Gibraltar companies) says. “From here I relocated to Gibraltar, becoming the Head of HR, Training and Development at 888.com. Five years and a lot of great experience later, the time came to branch out on my own and launch MFC.”
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MFC now offers off the shelf and bespoke training programmes on everything from Effective Absence Management to the Basics of Gibraltar Employment Law, and Michael believes they differ from other courses available locally. “Firstly, I believe strongly in ‘Workshop Engagement’, setting challenges to all delegates from the start of the day. Secondly, my courses are fun, not stuffy and boring,” he says with his characteristic smile. “Contemporary examples are used throughout, as are visual aids such as today’s news items, film and TV clips — we fully embrace 21st Century technology and make the learning interesting and stimulating.” Another key element Michael highlights is the end of day test and report created for the client, highlighting areas of strength for each delegate, as well as suggested areas of improvement that are still required to bring the individual up to speed with current best practice. Employers in Gibraltar face special challenges, and the past five years have been a huge learning curve for Michael. “I have found my time working in Gibraltar fascinating; there are many similarities with the way in which a UK-based HR professional would approach an issue. However, there were equally as many times where I was swimming in completely
new waters — this sort of experience cannot be bought,” he emphasises. With regard to Gibraltar’s legislation and employment law he adds “Employers need to ensure their policies and procedures fully embrace each relevant piece of legislation. I would add, however, that in my experience the differences in statute to that of the UK are very relevant, and serve the needs of such a unique and diverse working environment as Gibraltar very well indeed.” Michael works with various other professionals associated with the company, and he was keen to explain his committment philosophy: “I am not a person who deals in empty promises: the ‘yes, I can do that, regardless’ attitude does not exist at MFC. If a matter requires a different skill base I will let the client know immediately. Through my years at 888 I have formed very strong bonds with a variety of Gibraltar professionals, and am more than happy to refer a client to one of these trusted people when the need arises: in essence, a ‘one-stop HR shop.” He uses several examples such as Gillian Guzman of Hassans law firm, a well-respected expert on Gibraltar Law, as well as being a qualified mediator should this service be required, and Joanne Shelly of the College Clinic, should Occupational Health matters need addressing.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2009