Corporate social responsibility

Strong and supportive culture

We continually strive to challenge the status quo in our market, aiming to be the most convenient and efficient provider of a high-quality service in fluid power. 

Fundamental to this vision is a strong culture focused on recruiting and developing the
right people in the right roles within our business – encouraging employees to work collaboratively with customers, suppliers and each other and empowering them to directly shape the future of our business and fluid power. This, we feel, breeds passion and a genuine desire to achieve the best solutions for our customers, and through a friendly, supportive culture focused on efficiency, technical competence and unrivalled service, we’re in a strong position to drive added value right through the fluid power supply chain.

Attracting, Retaining & Developing Talent

Engaged and committed employees are integral to our overall Group performance and for delivering outstanding customer service. We focus strongly on recruiting and retaining a high calibre of personnel who are a good fit for both the Company and their role, ensuring each and every employee is duly rewarded for hard work and commitment through rewards schemes and softer perks. We readily support employee development through annual performance reviews, training, mentoring and Group collaboration platforms. This is achieved under a decentralised management structure, whereby each Managing Director can access various centralised resources to help develop their teams. 

Read our Case studies section for examples of how we support and encourage our employees.

We are an equal opportunities employer and recruit based on merit. We respect the rights of all employees and ensuring we safeguard our businesses against acts of modern slavery. For more information read our Modern Slavery Statement.

Maintaining & Promoting Diversity

It is our Group policy to recruit and promote based on ability and attitude, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or belief, parenting, caring or marital status. Promoting a culture of respect and equal opportunity is as important as ensuring the right skills fit our business. In instances where an employee becomes disabled, where practicable the Group has policies to providing continuing employment and career development where appropriate. The Group recognises the importance of work-life balance, especially for employees with family commitments. Where the demands of the business allow, flexible working is encouraged. We have witnessed a very high return rate of female employees following maternity leave, additional flexibility, and in many cases career progression, has increased their commitment and attitude towards the business. We currently employ 27% females across the Group with 20% of senior management positions occupied by females.

Human Rights & Modern Slavery

We are an equal opportunities employer and recruit based on merit. The Group does not tolerate bullying or harassment. We are committed to fair employment practices and comply with national legal requirements regarding wages and working hours. Our respect for human rights is implicit in our employment practices; the rights of every employee are respected and every employee is treated with dignity and consideration. Our employment practices are designed to attract, retain, motivate and train people and to respect their rights. We do not use child labour, nor do we use forced labour. We make regular supplier visits to ensure our supply chain maintains the same standards of integrity and is free from modern slavery. We recognise freedom of association by permitting our employees to establish and join organisations of their own choosing on their own initiative, and we recognise collective bargaining where required by local laws. 

We respect the rights of all employees and ensuring we safeguard our businesses against acts of modern slavery. For more information read our Modern Slavery Statement.

Boosting Engagement & Productivity

Engaged and committed employees are integral to our overall Group performance and the delivery of great customer service.

In 2018 the Group introduced an Employee Engagement Programme; surveys are conducted annually by a third party provider and each business unit is responsible for implementing ways to boost engagement. The second round of surveys will be completed by October 2020, at which point we’ll be able to see progress made. We currently share information via email and noticeboard communications as well as forums, meetings and shared servers or Dropbox. To improve efficiencies and Group collaboration we are exploring an intranet platform; we also see this as a positive step towards boosting employee engagement by virtually uniting teams in different locations. 

Providing a Healthy Work Environment

The Group remains committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and supports individual Profit Centre efforts to promote and maintain physical and mental health in the workplace. Through our Standard Practice Instructions, Health and Safety committees and various Group-wide and localised initiatives, we ensure that best practices are adopted. 

Further information about our Health and Safety progress can be found within the CSR section of our latest Annual Report.