Oodle Car Finance Scoops Prestigious ‘Growing Business’ Award

Three years after launching, Oodle Car Finance, the company changing the way people buy used cars has been recognised for its leadership and management with an Employer of the Year award at the  Growing Business Awards.

Now in their 21^st year, the Growing Business Awards recognise credible and highly valued privately-owned companies that are headquartered in the UK. It champions and celebrates the strength, vision and resilience of fast-growing SMEs. Following an initial entry submission, Oodle Car Finance was shortlisted for the award and were later invited to attend a judging day in October where they met with the panel of judges. After a presentation stage, the judges then narrowed down the shortlist to decide on the winner.

The focus on ensuring its fast-growing team of 310 ‘Oodlers’ felt involved in the company's growth plans and progress was a distinguishing feature for the judges.

Founder and CEO Jonny Clayton said: “Winning the Employer of the Year award is of huge importance to our business since it acknowledges the approaches we’ve taken to being an unforgettable employer. We’ve created an inclusive, transparent and energetic culture, with a clear set of values to inform, inspire and engage Oodle’s community – our people and our partners. We strongly encourage everyone to be ‘bravely honest’ in their work and to ‘strive for awesome’ – ensuring that everyone is the best versions of themselves.”

Oodle Car Finance's Oodle Academy provides employees with training, skills and personal development. Launched in 2018, training ranges from influence and persuasion through to presentation and negotiation skills. Management training is also made available to all of its leaders.

Other features lauded by the judges included the way in which Oodle Car Finance onboard its newcomers (with personalised welcomes), well-managed progression pathways and reward schemes – complete with competitive pay and contributory pension. The HR team at Oodle Car Finance also received a special mention for their employee feedback methods, recruitment tactics and the positive way that they try to accommodate all requests for flexible working, part-time options and home-working.

The company's wellbeing culture was also praised. People are supported with an onsite counsellor, there are health checks and a gym alongside free healthy breakfasts, fortnightly team lunches and a much-loved tea lady. The open plan offices fuel a vibrant workspace and there's even a " zen room" to switch off. The culture team work hard as well to provide social events too.

Jonny adds: “In the past 9 months we’ve doubled in size, so you can imagine, as the fastest growing business in Oxford, recruitment’s been a huge focus for us. We’re building out a compelling employer brand to consistently attract the best talent for the outstanding career opportunities we offer, here at HQ and our London, Manchester and Cardiff offices and I’d encourage those interested in our openings to apply.We believe in treating our people like grown-ups and our strong well-being culture and socially-conscious workplace is attracting exactly the type of people we want to work with.

"It’s been an incredible ride in these 3 short years and we’re gearing up for the next stage of growth. We have lots of exciting times ahead and look forward to welcoming more Oodlers to be a part of our journey.”