THE HAPPY folk at Aspire Outsourcing feel they couldn't work anywhere better. The telemarketing call-centre firm provides its young team with a clear, supportive and fair workplace, employees say. A private company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, it has 132 employees, 64 of whom joined in the past six months. The average age is 27, although half the staff are 25 or under. Outbound sales advisers make about £14,000 a year and nobody in the firm is paid more than £45,000. People are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle, walking during breaks and using the stairs rather than the lifts, so staff don't feel their health suffers due to work (a top-six positive score of 91%). The company has a frank approach to its requirements. “Most of what we do is cold calling,” says a spokesperson. “It's not everyone's cup of tea but it is an essential task for every growing business.” People say they are very clear about what is expected of them (89%), that deadlines are realistic (82%) and that bosses motivate them to give their best every day (84%). Staff find their managers supportive and keen to recognise good work (both 90%), and have access to them at weekly one-to-one meetings. www.aspireoutsourcing.co.uk
