Client: Mercona GB – a German owned business producing own brand health and beauty products. The sales and marketing function is based in the UK.

Challenge: When the new General Manager, Sally Woods, took over she wanted people processes for the business, and to put in place procedures for motivating, engaging and measuring staff.

How we solved it: First we implemented a competency framework – detailing expectations at each staff level, against the business requirements; because Mercona is very customer focused, we were able to tailor the framework accordingly. We then set up an appraisal system, including training of the management team.

Having identified that many of the staff were ambitious and keen to develop in their careers, we created personal development plans. Each plan was defined specifically for the needs of the business with an emphasis on developing the staff member and focusing on the steps they needed to move to the next level at Mercona.

This scheme has been augmented with bespoke training programmes to enable each staff member to reach their personal goals in career development.

The results: The staff are now fully engaged and motivated, which has manifested itself in more confident job performance. They are effective, and know what is expected of them. They are also equipping themselves with all the skills they need to fulfil not only their current roles, but their aspirational roles.

Sally Woods says: “When I took the role of General Manager, I inherited a number of people issues, and knew we needed some expert HR help. Working with HR Solutions we quickly identified that creating a competency framework and robust performance management structure was key to resolving people challenges. But both HR Solutions and I saw it as the foundation for much bigger impact.

Many of our staff are young, ambitious and intelligent people who are keen to progress in their careers. HR Solutions put together personal development programmes for staff members to help them get to the next level, and ensure the training was available to give them the skills. They did some work on helping us understand the team dynamics and how everybody fits together. It also showed where the gaps were, which helps us with recruitment.

Sally-Ann is a fantastic support for the business. The staff see her as a sounding board for ideas, and the opportunity to speak confidentially on a one to one basis if needed. She has even coached some of them through specific challenges. My team are all more motivated and it has given them confidence to perform better, as well as equipping them with skills for the future success of the business.

I believe HR Solutions are worth their weight in gold. I am absolutely delighted with all the work they have done, and continue to work with them on developing our staff.”

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