World of Interserve
March 2020 - Quarter 1
Introduction from Liz Cummins
There is an old African proverb that simply says, “Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors”. I think that we can all agree that the current climate is anything but smooth, and the challenges that we have had to face together are like storms that no sailor has seen before. There is no textbook or set of instructions as to how we deal with this. We have simply had to pull together and figure it out using the knowledge and experience we have to make it work.
And make it work we have.
As I sit here and write this, my heart genuinely swells with pride knowing that every single person across our business is not only working harder, and more positively than before, but is also, in their own way, making personal sacrifices to ensure that they deliver a level of service that makes this business stand head and shoulders above the rest. For that, I thank you.
For every piece of despondency and tragedy the news brings us, there are so many more tales of unselfishness, hope and generosity that goes unreported. I think we all need to focus on those tales of selflessness and the unsung heroes in our immediacy that allow us to continue delivering the level of dedication that we are renowned for, and that makes us all proud to be a part of.
Some of you have had to realign your working day to integrate with an unfamiliar home life, and as a working parent, I truly understand the challenges that brings. I will do everything I can to ensure that you have everything you need to allow this to be as balanced as the circumstances allow.
For those of you who have had to move away from what you have known for so long, had more difficult journeys to and from work, some are home alone without loved ones and family far away, and others who have had to adapt to a new environment, I want to personally thank you for your understanding and tenure. Whilst we are a company large in number, we are small enough to appreciate the effect it may have on you, and please be assured that you are never just another faceless number, but a valued member of a team.
If you have concerns, fears or worries please don’t think twice about reaching out to me or your line manager or someone you trust and we’ll find an answer with you. My primary concern is your wellbeing.
All this leaves me to say is, thank you, stay well and stay safe.
Liz Cummins
Sector Director – London Markets
Learning and Development
Whilst January was a quiet month for training, February and March have kicked off with our welcome days and Service First training for our JLL contract.
Supporting our strategy to develop our team members I have recently had the pleasure in spending time with one of our reception managers Nathan Webber. Nathan from The White Building in Reading is currently developing his skills in training to take over and host our Perception Welcome Days.
It is a pleasure too see our talented team members progressing in their roles, challenging themselves and developing their own behaviours. I look forward to Nathans contribution to training delivery and welcoming our new starters across all contracts.
Lenita Minarelli
People Development Manager
Wellbeing - Our Talented Teams
This quarter has been unusual for us all and that also applies from a People Development perspective. I thought we could share what our talented team members have been up to in the evenings and over the weekends to embrace this new way of living in the extraordinary circumstances we all find ourselves in. Seeing what keeps those around us happy and calm day to day can also influence our own moods.
It's so important that we remain positive and explore our interests, perhaps utilising this time to develop our loves and talents and share those with our Perception family.
I am delighted to share some fantastic details of what some of us have been doing to keep our minds busy and to look after our own wellbeing. I really hope you all enjoy….
Paris Vlachos - 10 Hammersmith Grove
'I want to believe that one of my talents (and my biggest love), is baking! I even have my own brand which is called “Big Fat Greek Baking by Paris”!
During quarantine, I have prepared quite a few things for the A&E of the Whittington Health NHS Trust. It was such a lovely experience to see the appreciation on the nurses’ faces when they received the bags!'
Zivile has recently started creating handcrafted and hand painted cotton bags:
These are a few of the artwork pieces created by Ana-Maria:
International Women's Day Event
On Friday 6th March we were lucky enough to attend the City of London International Women’s Day breakfast event. The morning was chaired by Ranvir Singh, the award-winning presenter and Political Editor for Good Morning Britain. The panel of distinguished speakers included Professor Fiona Wilcox, Senior Coroner for Inner West London, Sonita Alleyne OBE FRSA Master of Jesus College Cambridge and structural engineer Roma Agrawal MBE FICE.
The event celebrates the contribution of women to the Square Mile with a particular focus on encouraging and supporting young people on their chosen career pathway and brought new ideas and inspiration to us all.
Over the last thirteen years the International Women’s Day City breakfasts have raised over £300,000 for Refuge. Since opening the world’s first refuge 47 years ago the charity has been saving and rebuilding the lives of thousands of women and children who experience domestic abuse every year.
Lenita Minarelli
People Development Manager
Business Highlights
Sidney Lima from LSEG won employee of the month in January. Sidney is an absolute ambassador for excellence and his consistency in delivering amazing service not only to our clients but to our teams is inspirational.
A huge well done and thank you to him for his hard work.
First Security team attended the Outstanding Security Performance Awards and awarded the trophy for Outstanding team of the Year.
On the 24th January 2020 1 Finsbury Circus celebrated the Chinese New Year.
They shared Chinese treats with their tenants, such as lucky candies, gold chocolate coins, prawn crackers and fortune cookies… without missing the fortune scratch cards!