Investors in People has been a core part of the engine that has driven us as a business, and our experience of winning UK Employer of the Year (Silver) for 2023 gave us a huge confidence boost. We’re incredibly proud to be a modern, forward-thinking organisation and to show that even in the most specialist corners of the construction industry, there are modern and progressive employers.
We’ve gained a huge amount from working on our people, culture, and ways of working and it’s really important to us to see that recognised. The impact of that work can be hard to see, hard to touch, and it lacks the physical permanence of a groundwork project. The Investors in People 2024 Awards provides a way to recognise all of the hard but unseen work we’ve put in goes to delivering those projects consistently, in line with our values, and giving our clients the experience they want. Thanks to working with IIP we’ve got much better at measuring the impact of that work in real terms, but the validation of an objective, expert body is invaluable in building our confidence. Where our IIP accreditation gives us that, the Awards are our opportunity to celebrate the special and unique things that we believe make us different.
The award for Leader of the Year is a personal one, it is rooted in the amazing impact she’s had on the business and its people, this is above all about Lorraine. She took some persuading to enter her for the award. It sits alongside her quiet leadership, her humility, and her belief that it’s her people who deserve the celebration. But for us, those fortunate enough to work with her, this award provided an opportunity to set out, objectively and honestly, why we value that leadership so much. We want to reassure, celebrate, empower, validate, boost, and recognise Lorraine’s remarkable, human leadership and the better world it has created for Mostrim’s people and beyond. It’s a genuine belief that her leadership is improving the business, our lives and the world better
We’re a growing organisation with humble beginnings, and as an owner-managed business with a family ethos, we’ve had to develop our confidence as we’ve grown. That’s been challenging personally and professionally for everyone, as we navigate the challenges while trying to hold on to what makes us special. Without the organisational maturity of a large corporation, it’s easy to develop ‘imposter syndrome’ and wonder if everyone is being nice to you when they tell you how good you are at something. Knowing what good looks like and having a reliable compass to give us confidence, is invaluable to us. As a business, as teams, and very much as individuals we all benefit from the validation of our peers to flourish.
Being shortlisted is a huge boost for Lorraine, and although we know she’ll cringe at the attention and would rather share it with others, the validating message that her achievements, skills, ethos, and generosity of spirit have been recognised by an esteemed awarding body could be transformational.
It’s not about the award, the event or the social engagement. It’s about lives, growth, and knowing that throughout your doubts you were doing the right thing, and you’ve made a difference because of it.
It’s about being able to trust your instincts, being able to feel more resilient, to see through that tough discussion because, in the end, you know you’re on solid ground. Being able to hold your head high in a world very good at making us doubt ourselves and understanding that great leadership doesn’t only manifest at the leading edge of corporate or purpose-driven life but can be found in shining examples within SMEs and owner-managed enterprises. It’s about the fact that great leaders can look and be like us, trust their instincts and work through the pain. Amazing leaders can have humility, buck the trend, and be wonderful warm people while delivering real and lasting gains for their business.
Winning at The Investors in People Awards would be a significant milestone for the organisation, highlighting its commitment to employee development, positive workplace culture, and sustainable growth. This recognition would validate the hard work and dedication in improving people and culture, enhancing confidence in the organisation’s practices and values.
It would enhance our reputation as a modern and progressive employer within the construction industry, attracting top talent seeking supportive and innovative work environments. It would uplift employee morale, creating a sense of pride among staff and fostering greater team cohesion as everyone shares in this success.
It provides reassurance that the organisation is aligning with best practices. It would open doors for further development opportunities through networking with other recognised organisations, facilitating valuable insights and fostering operational effectiveness.
Specifically recognising leaders like Lorraine highlights their contributions, promoting a culture of appreciation and inspiring others to adopt similar values. The journey towards the award emphasises a commitment to continuous improvement, encouraging ongoing reflection and adaptation in response to challenges.
The award not only serves the internal workforce but also positively impacts external stakeholders, enhancing the organisation’s credibility in the eyes of clients and partners. Moreover, it celebrates our unique strengths and achievements, distinguishing it from competitors while underscoring the importance of its values and approach to people management.
Ultimately, winning at The Investors in People Awards represents more than just a trophy; it embodies the culmination of a transformative journey and reflects the dedication to employee welfare and excellence. It affirms the organisation as a leader in the industry, capable of inspiring change and innovation, and positively influencing the broader community.
Engaging with IIP has been a powerful part of our transformational journey. From the beginning, it has helped us to navigate choices, challenges and difficult decisions that come with growth. We moved from a small family business to a significant player, but we’re moving again with the help of Investors in People to a new level of effectiveness. It’s an ongoing journey, and at times the commitment to be different can feel like a lonely challenge. Being part of the IIP community reminds us, that we’re not alone. That there are thousands of other organisations out there succeeding, and improving, because of their approach to their people and desire to make their workplaces different.
It’s powerful to know that we are working to the same standards as brand names and organisations we respect and to see that other organisations committed to improving also see the value in what we’re doing. In a small business, the confidence that allows us is powerful.
Our IIP practitioner has been invaluable, and a great source of advice and guidance that’s come from a range of experiences and learning we could never hope to develop ourselves, at our size.
Awards, events, and networking opportunities help us to widen our horizons in a similar way. We’re trying to leverage our ability to learn quickly as a real advantage, so it’s vital for us to get exposure to new and challenging thinking, and to be able to learn from others and hear the views of experts.
We really appreciate the opportunity the awards give us to build more team cohesion and share our work with a wide range of staff. The event itself is a fantastic opportunity to show those whose jobs are touched by the work we do on our people, and just how much we put into it. For our people, wider stakeholders and customers to know that we are comparing ourselves to the best out there, challenging ourselves to grow and be more effective, is also a really powerful place to be.
Share to:
Share to:
Attract Top Talent.
Boost Business Growth.
Get Recognition.
Discover how we can assess your organisation against established benchmarks to improve your business performance.
Our calendar of webinars and live events has something for everyone. Browse our upcoming events and let us guide you to a better workplace for your people.
Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.
Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.
