Platinum result for Gateley Smithers Purslow with Investors in People accreditation

We are pleased to announce that we have retained platinum status of the Investors in People (IIP) We invest in people accreditation until 2025, demonstrating our commitment to the development and well-being of our employees.

The globally recognised standard for people management is awarded to companies that demonstrate investment and dedication in creating an engaging, supportive and productive workplace culture.

A leader within the construction and insurance sectors

After becoming the first company within the construction and insurance sectors to achieve platinum status in 2016, we are thrilled to have maintained this level over the last seven years which is only achieved by 6% of organisations.  

During this period, we have grown from a small business with two offices to a medium-sized business with a national footprint. Since 2016, we have had a 61% increase in staff numbers, taking us to a team of nearly 200. Additionally, Smithers Purslow was acquired by Gateley in 2022 and has now become part of its Property Platform, further expanding our resource, service offerings and client base.

Platinum feedback from our employees

The detailed IIP assessment process involves an employee survey, as well as individual interviews with the team, including senior management, to see how an organisation performs against the We invest in people framework.

As well as increasing our own score since the last IIP assessment, we have remained ahead of the average benchmark within our industry peer group. We were also recognised for bucking the UK trend and decreasing our staff turnover in the last year.

Following the staff feedback captured during the assessment process, we were commended on our staff communications and involvement, strengthened objective setting, implemented learning and development framework, colleague recognition and reward scheme and encouraged greater ownership of improvements and innovation.

Stephen Fraser, managing director at Gateley Smithers Purslow, said: “We are delighted to have retained our platinum Investors in People accreditation. It is a massive achievement to have maintained this level for nearly a decade and continue to be recognised as a leader within our sector peer group.

“IIP is so important to us as inspiring our people is a key element of Gateley’s purpose. This approach enables us to attract, develop and retain the best industry talent which is vital for delivering outstanding results for our clients. The outcome really is testament to the supportive and resilient nature of our brilliant team, and I can’t thank them enough for their continuous dedication.”

Top feedback from employees during the IIP assessment process:

“I feel in control. The management above me is right: if I need help, it’s there; I’ve agreed targets, but I’ve no pressure; I’ve the tools to do the job; I’m rewarded for doing the job; and they’ll engage in any good idea. They’re doing everything that lets me perform.”

“The values describe who we are, what we do and how we want to work… they really are the Gateley Smithers Purslow way and, for many of us, are an essential element to why we work here.”

“To be the best, to be straightforward, to look after our people and to be independent and fair… these are things we live and breathe every day.”

“I manage my own diary… I decide how I work each project… I can be working on a number of projects at any one time, but how I manage each will depend on my assessment of what I can do to make it run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. That’s how we get repeat business.”

“We’re challenging everything… Is this really the best it can be? Is this really the best service? We’re standing back and re-assessing everything as a team.”

“Objective setting can be hard. I’m lucky my manager is amazing. She keeps pushing me to be the best, to push myself for progress in an area. And she gives her backing, support and knowledge to ensure I’m successful.”

“They do little things, things that lift the spirit and show that they appreciate us. I don’t know if that’s reward, but they don’t have to do it and it makes us feel good.”

“There are so many good people here – it’s a resource to tap into. People are there with all sorts of information to share, discuss and debate.”

Picture caption (L-R): Andrew Bussey – Director at Gateley Smithers Purslow, Dr Sarah Furness – the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Stephen Fraser – Managing Director at Gateley Smithers Purslow, Estelle Warwick-Wilson – IIP Practitioner with IIPCIC and Alicia Kearns – the Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton.