To build an energetic, hard-working, fun, and exciting place to work that attracts, retains, and inspires people to give their best is the commitment of IT & Telecommunication Provider, Chess.

Born in 1993, Chess was originally a utilities reseller. Following deregulation, it started focusing on telecoms, purchasing fixed-line, mobile and broadband products.

Utilising a buy-and-build growth strategy, Chess acquired specialist companies in software design, development, and support; partner and mobile sales; hosted and cloud solutions and, most recently, cybersecurity consultancy. It is now one of the UK’s leading independent technology service providers, employing 300 skilled people and supporting over 20,000 organisations.

Protecting its culture is so important to Chess that it has a dedicated team of 28 Cultural Ambassadors (CAs). Drawn from all parts of the company at a non-management level and voted for by their colleagues, the role of the CA is to ensure that the culture, values, and principles of the company are protected and adhered to by Chess employees across the business.

Also key to Chess’ culture is its commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DE&I). Recently, the firm launched a ‘Diversity and Inclusion Week’, with all colleagues undergoing training. To celebrate its diverse makeup, the week saw colleagues talk about their experiences as members of the BAME, LGBT, and disabled community and held a cooking event to showcase foods from different communities and cultures.