The Greater Manchester Employer Coalition awards, now in their third year, seek to demonstrate what can be achieved when employers focus on their people. With the strapline of “Employers who make the difference” the coalition wants to recognise businesses that see their people as their best asset.
The judges were looking for examples of businesses that used insight, creativity and innovation to make a difference. Not just to their own commercial gain, but to the social and economic fabric of the wider community.
The Workforce Development Employer of the Year award recognises businesses that have made, and are making, significant investment into the development of their workforces.
Chess was picked out by the judges as it clearly demonstrated its passion for people development, as well as an understanding of the long-term commercial benefits there were to be had from this. Chess’ policy of personal development is all encompassing. It extends right throughout the business – from new recruits to Senior Management – and this was something that stood out during the judging.
It is part of Chess’ vision to win business and industry awards for excellence, innovation and customer service and since the launch of its Blueprint 18 months ago the business has enjoyed considerable success in this area including the National Business Awards Business Improvement through People and Cheshire Business Awards Large Business of the Year.
People Development is one of the key areas for Chess to focus on in order to achieve its vision. It has made significant investment in recent months into the development of its Personal Performance Programme.
PPP, which will be launched in June, is designed to develop the four most important elements needed for peak performance. These elements of knowledge, skill, belief and motivation are the essential ingredients needed to take Chess to the next level of success.
Winning the Workforce Development Employer of the Year is testament to Chess’ commitment to implementing programmes such as this that will grow its people and consequently the business as a whole.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Chess and we are all very proud,” said Chief Executive David Pollock. “Everyone in our business is focused on people development. It is in our culture to identify our own personal development needs, as well as to help and support others with theirs. This award recognises not just the emphasis we have put on people development in the past, but also the effort we have put in to ensure the continued growth of Chess through our best asset – our people.”