Fostering long-term relationships for lasting success
Jonathan Walton, Director at Whitley Stimpson, examines how comprehensive staff training benefits the entire company.
(Pictured above: Some of the team that earlier this year attended Whitley Stimpson’s celebration lunch thanking employees for their longstanding service.)
In today’s business world, where turnover rates are high, Whitley Stimpson takes pride in its long-term employees, reflecting a focus on building enduring relationships within a supportive environment.
With 90 staff members, 61 per cent have served for more than three years, 53 per cent for over five years, and an impressive 21 per cent for more than ten years. These experienced employees not only bring stability and invaluable skills to the firm but impart a sense of belonging and purpose, giving confidence to new recruits.
Ten per cent of our employees consists of family and friends recommended by current staff, reflecting a strong sense of camaraderie and trust within the firm. Such referrals are a testament to the belief that Whitley Stimpson is a place where people can reach their full potential.
Whitley Stimpson offers apprenticeships spanning various areas of the business, including payroll and accountancy. We welcome not only school leavers and graduates but also individuals who have transitioned from different career paths to join our firm.
The training we provide is not just about the basics required to complete exams.
"We have created a culture of learning and growth from the youngest apprentice to long-standing directors, where staff continue their learning through continued professional development."
This year we have 14 apprentices across our four offices in Banbury, Bicester, High Wycombe, and Witney. All new starters receive instruction through our induction programme including IT training, health and safety, compliance, and other essential skills.
Accountants are trained either through the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants England (ICAEW) curriculum provided by the Reed Business School.
Experienced staff work with their colleagues on their individual personal development plans to ensure they reach their goals. For example, our payroll administrator Maddi Cooper came to the fi rm for work experience in 2018 after completing her GCSEs. Her potential was quickly recognised, and she became an apprentice in the payroll department.
She spent two months working in the department to build up knowledge of legislation and payments practice which she then carried into the apprenticeship. After achieving a distinction, Maddi was awarded Apprentice of the Year in the national LUCA Awards 2020 run by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
Now she is an integral member of the payroll team, having achieved her BTEC Level 3 award in Payroll Procedures and works with a diverse range of clients as well as helping train new starters herself.
As well as providing a positive and rewarding work environment, the firm recognises the financial benefits of nurturing long-term relationships. Retaining employees reduces the costly process of hiring and training new talent, and the continuity provided by long-serving staff also aids in mitigating disruptions and maintaining a high level of service.
Whitley Stimpson has now been operating for more than 90 years and has many long-standing clients benefiting from sector specific advice in areas such as agriculture, charities, property and construction, and service charge accounting.
We are proud of our team and the strength of our relationships, and we look forward to the next chapter in our history from a position of strength and confidence.
For more information about how Whitley Stimpson can support your business visit www.whitleystimpson.co.uk
Banbury | Bicester | High Wycombe | Witney
