Parents at Work Award for Innovation

Farrelly (M&E) Building Services Limited Ltd have recently become winners for Employer of the Year award, and we are absolutely delighted to be recognised as a family friendly organisation, as people are the most important part of our organisation. We were up against organisation such as BP and Scottish Legal Aid Board.

For more information about Farrelly Facilities and how they are working with the NSPCC to improve work/parenting lifestyles please view the 'Getting it Right' PDF document (1.6MB) . You will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader download to view this file.

You can also view the 'Employers of Work-Life Balance' Case Study for Farrelly Facilities as a PDF document (100K). Work-life balance benefits organisations, individuals and the UK as a whole. When people have a measure of control over when, where and how they work, they enjoy a better quality of life. Organisations benefit through increased productivity, lower overheads and satisfied customers. You will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader download to view this file.

The role was offered to Gerry Farrelly due to the exceptional success the company received through the implementation of the national standards in both people and business success.

Gerry Farrelly is regularly asked to attend conferences around the UK on behalf of Investor in People to speak about the changes which have come about in their enterprise.

Investors in People UK

Investors in People launched the ‘Tipped for Success’ small business competition in October 2000, aimed at celebrating business innovation among people who run small organisations. The competition has been run in partnership with the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) and Cranfield School of Management. Olympian Roger Black at the event on 27 March announced awards, which was attended by over 150 business leaders from across the country.

The competition was aimed at celebrating the imagination and dynamism of people who run small firms and has revealed a treasure trove of real tips for small businesses. Gerry Farrelly is one of ten winner’s chosen out of over 150 entries that came pouring in.

Gerry Farrelly’s tip offers advice on reducing stress in the workplace and is now published, along with the other winning tips and some of the commended entries, in the form of a ‘tips for success’ booklet that is being distributed to small businesses involved in the event along with other interested parties.

Below is Farrelly Facilities winner entry.

The little book of tips

"Business, happiness and money do mix. As part of our commitment to our employees to make work fun and enjoyable, we asked staff for suggestions on how to reduce pressure and stress in the workplace. Many suggestions come back such as; Wear casual clothes at work, and only wear a suit when meeting a client/VIP.

All of the suggestions were implemented and the difference it has made to our organisation is tremendous. We now have a ‘Happiness Centred Business’, people smile, make eye contact and look on each other as a member of the family, and it has provided a framework for a better way of doing business.

• Happinesscentredbusiness
• Introduce a courtesy system into the company
• Have a team leader for every four engineers
• Introduce a bonus system for exceptional and well-run projects
• More empowerment for engineers and if a mistake is made, learn from it
• Socialise with the team at least once a month

Our clients do not mind our new way of doing business because we have explained to them what we are trying to achieve. They have also taken part in it, and think it’s a good idea. We are giving a better service now because everyone is happier".

Investors in People, West Midlands Quality Centre
Farrelly (M&E) Building Services Limited Ltd Review Report, July 1 2002.
By Dennis Coakley - Assessor

"I recommend that Farrelly (M&E) Building Services Limited Co. Ltd. continue to be recognised as an Investor in People. On a personal note this assessor has never encountered an
organisation where the spirit of Investors is so alive. These are exhilarating and interesting people to be around".

Read the full report in PDF format here.

Midlands Building Engineering Services Training Group
Apprentice Of The Year 2001 Award

Each year five M.B.E.S.T. apprentices taking either the ONC or HNC certificate in Building Services within the Midlands are put forward as candidates by their tutors based on college results and attendance, to receive the 'Midlands Apprentice of the Year Award' for that particular college year.

Each candidate is then given an in depth interview so the judging board can establish the candidates personality, communication skills, team skills, thoughts towards the course, industry, and their every day working environment.

It is from this interview that the award winner is chosen so it pays to make a confident and enthusiastic impression.

The winner of the M.B.E.S.T. Apprentice of the year 2001 Award was James Taylor of Farrelly Facilities and Engineering Ltd.

James said of the award: "It was in the interview that I personally explained that the results I received at college and my positive attitude towards the industry were influenced my placement at Farrelly Facilities, in which I was given the guidance and advice in my learning by my peers, and without those people around me within the work place I don't think I would have achieved the award".