Culture and people at MSBC: Karen Sainsbury
November saw 30 years of Investors in People making work better for companies across the UK.
The Martin Sewell Building Company has been an accredited member for 19 years, most recently achieving our ‘Gold’ status. This is only given to the top two percent of organisations assessed. In 2022, we will be aiming for ‘Platinum’ status, and we are working hard as a company towards this goal.
Karen Sainsbury joined The Martin Sewell Building Company as an administrator earlier this year. She spoke to us about how it felt joining, and why the company ethos influenced her decision to accept the job offer.
“My interview was held at MSBC’s office’s set in the beautiful surroundings of a glorious garden in Fontwell, West Sussex. “I was welcomed by one of the estimators, Adam Chan, and shown to Helen Holloway’s (Finance Director) office. Also present was Martin Sewell, who is the Owner/Managing Director of MSBC.”“I was immediately made welcome and offered refreshments.”
“Helen explained the role they were recruiting for was administration/bookkeeping, and that the job description was going to evolve, as it was a newly created role.”
"I was delighted to be asked about my own requirements for the role and what would work best for me. Considering it was a part-time position for 16 hours per week to be asked the hours/days I would prefer was not something I expected. Previous jobs have not been so flexible! It felt like my needs were important too. We discussed the bookkeeping package. They explained that they were converting to a new system, which works hand-in-hand with a brand-new information processing server called ‘Buildertrend’, and that all the team at MSBC were being taught to incorporate it into their working day. The administration side of things was helping Helen with the day to day running of the office.”
“Martin went on to explain the ethos behind the Company and that they had received a Gold rating from Investors In People, of which they were immensely proud.”
“The soul of the company is based on values and working from a team perspective – they display an emblem with words that were chosen by the MSBC team – some of these being: Honest, Supportive, Team, Professional, Open, Happy, Responsible, Caring and Respectful.”
“I left the interview feeling like I really wanted the position and was so delighted to be offered the job the next day."
“The decision to take this job – as opposed to another I was offered – was based on the whole atmosphere, feeling and openness of the interview process. Although it was professional, Helen and Martin, were incredibly open, honest, and proud of MSBC. Having been an HR Manager previously with experience interviewing prospective employees many times, I felt I learnt the true meaning of teamwork and kindness.”
“I have now worked with MSBC for over 3 months and feel incredibly lucky to have secured a job within this Company – they do not just talk about values and positivity – they use them every day. They believe in opportunities for the team, promotion, training, teaching, and rewarding their staff. A truly wonderful way to spend your working life.”
