Stability in business is everyone’s dream. But continuity of custom relies on maintaining a continuity of knowledgeable, confident staff with whom customers are pleased and willing to deal. Business surveys have found a direct relationship between staff retention and customer retention. Put simply, familiarity breeds content.
The secret of retaining good staff comes down to valuing employees sufficiently to invest in their development through training. We’re not the largest company, but no-one has left us for over three years. It’s part of our development plan to invest in training. It’s good for morale and promotes staff loyalty. That loyalty is directly reflected in our bottom line.
Our aim is to build MDM Timber by satisfying customers’ needs for quick, reliable service, competitive prices and friendly, knowledgeable advice. This cannot be done without committed, well-trained staff.
Each employee is assessed regularly with training plans in mind. The training often takes a formal route. It can involve professional agencies, who offer in-depth training in management skills, and product and environmental education, as provided on the SCA Timber Supply course. It also has to cover the variety of skills needed in today’s fast-changing market place.
We supplement external courses with in-house training. Experienced staff pass on the benefit of their knowledge to colleagues in the everyday working environment. During regular assessments, staff contribute by discussing types of training needed to develop their career, its value to them and the company.
The timber trade is varied and complex, but training has not always been a priority. The way forward lies in a professional approach to career development and a more formal structure for career paths.
While we only employ 17 people, from the managing director to part-time clerical staff, MDM Timber recently won the “Education & Lifelong Learning” award at the Basildon District Business Awards 2004. We firmly believe that all our staff benefit and, in turn, benefit the company by getting the best available training.
