We entered the Investors in People 2025 Awards to firstly celebrate the phenomenal team we have at Arrow, and secondly, recognise the progress we’ve made using the Investors in People Framework over the past 9 years.
Achieving Platinum status for two consecutive years was a huge milestone for us, and entering the Awards felt like the perfect way to make this achievement even more special – after our initial ‘Platinum or Bust!’ mission was complete.
The past year has been a real landmark year for Arrow, combining record-breaking growth with key changes in our management structure, infrastructure and operations. This submission was one way we felt we could really recognise the ‘A’ team who made this success possible and helped make the year truly Platinum-worthy.
It was also a chance to recognise the transformative journey we’ve been on and how, through the Investors in People framework and support of our brilliant assessor, Howard, we’ve remained true to who Arrow as a company are despite seismic business changes. With their help, we’ve been able to not just maintain, but strengthen our family-focused, people-first culture – an achievement we felt needed celebrating.
However, at its heart, this award is a showcase of the talented, passionate and diverse individuals who bring the ‘Arrow Way’ to life. From our delivery drivers and warehouse operatives to our customer service team, account managers, buyers, finance team, IT geniuses and marketeers – our people are our DNA. We couldn’t operate without them and we’re proud to put them front and centre in this celebration.
The reaction from out to being shortlisted was instant – and impressive.
From Absolutely chuffed!” “Wow, wow and wow!” and even “Feel like I can go home now!”- the excitement and sheer joy across Arrow was intoxicating.
For our leadership team, especially those who have championed our people strategies and led the Investors in People assessment process – it was a moment of real pride, reflecting the time, care and commitment we’ve invested in building a workplace where people feel empowered, valued and supported. The shortlisting has brought real meaning to the changes we’ve made, showing that our approach is not only working, but truly embedded in our culture.
Across the organisation, it’s amplified what we’ve always believed: our people are what set us apart. Being shortlisted demonstrates the meaning of the ‘Arrow Way’ and the belief we have in our ‘A-Team’ – the intelligent, passionate and talented team who make Arrow the success it is.
Finally, following last year’s success (ranked as a finalists in two categories and winning of the Young Person of the Year Award) this year’s Award shortlisting feels like a whole-team celebration: a chance to say thank you, reflect on how far we’ve come, and remind every person at Arrow that this recognition is directly down to them, their belief in our mission and our shared passion to “Make work better”.
Winning an Investors in People 2025 Award would be a true milestone – a reflection of our ambition, growth, progress and star quality of the ‘Arrow Way’.
It would send a powerful message to our people, our leadership team and wider stakeholders that what we believe and live every day is real: Arrow is one of a kind, our team is exceptional, and we – as an organisation – truly live our values.
For our team, it would be a reminder that they’re part of something bigger. This award would be a collective achievement – not won by one person, team or department, but achieved through the daily actions of every individual – showing how important they are to our success and how their commitment really does matter.
Winning would also help us strengthen our team by attracting people who want to work in an organisation where they are truly valued – recruiting and retaining values-aligned, growth-ready talent who are a clear ‘Arrow’ fit. The award would demonstrate that culture and people are truly central to our growth journey – and within our wider Group, inspire other businesses to see the Investors in People framework as a to key success and a catalyst for building people-centred, values-led workplaces.
Ultimately, it would emphasise our belief that investing in people is the most powerful investment a business can make – and a proud moment to say “This is what our ‘A’-team delivers”.
Working with Investors in People since 2016, being part of the Investors in People community is hugely important to Arrow. The framework has been a driving force behind our success and growth, helping us understand what good people management looks like, benchmark our progress, and embed best practice across our organisation. The framework has become a core part and measure of our strategy, helping us maintain our strong, values-led culture alongside our commercial goals.
The Investors in People community connects us with organisations and professionals who inspire us to continually improve how we support, develop and value our people. Awards and events like this give us the opportunity to celebrate achievements, share ideas and learn from others – taking us out of the day-to-day and reminding us what it really means to be a people-first organisation.
For our team, it’s a clear signal that we’re serious about investing in people – not just in words, but in action. It shows that recognition, development and wellbeing are part of our culture. Externally, it reassures customers and stakeholders that our people are respected, skilled and supported – and we deliver a better service as a result.
Working with Investors in People helps us build and maintain a team who live and breathe Arrow – ensuring we never lose sight of what makes us special: our people.
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