.avif)
“We build future” is the calling card of Stourbridge-based tech company cloudThing, which aims to help organisations and clients, ranging from Comic Relief to central government, achieve positive social impact. To enable this, it provides software development, digital transformation, and DevOps support services.
The firm's Build Future mission statement encapsulates doing what is right for the long-term success of customers, the community, and, of course, cloudThing people. Employees are encouraged to have a great work/life balance and to work flexibly. Benefits include an employee assistance programme, private healthcare, performance-related pay and a share option scheme. A Golden Globes-style ceremony recognises achievement and cloudThing finances study that furthers people's skills and talent, plus pays a reward for passing exams.
Founded in 2012, and in partnership with Microsoft, cloudThing started out by working with disruptive EdTech organisations that were focused on improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged children, young people and families. This initial emphasis had overlaps into the not-for-profit sector and allowed the business to develop projects directly with non-profits. Charity now makes up over half of the firm's revenue.
Nobody at cloudThing was furloughed during the coronavirus crisis but the company used the working-from-home hiatus to set up a bigger and better office to welcome back employees – and new joiners – when greenlighted to do so. All employees have input on matters discussed at board level, which included influencing the office move decision.
