About Business West

GWE Business West are a not-for-profit organisation working with 21,000 businesses to help them start and grow as well as lobby government on their behalf. Profits are reinvested back into the business in order to achieve their mission.

Business West were formed nearly 200 years ago as Bristol Chamber of Commerce Industry and Shipping. Like their founding members before them, they still continue to look after the wealth creating businesses of Bristol, however, they now also support business communities in Bath, Swindon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

As an organisation, Business West try to follow their own good advice; they believe in the employee as a whole person and try to operate in a way that allows staff to balance work and life.

Their employees are an engaged and committed group and so Business West do their best to look after them. They encourage employees to shadow colleagues in teams across the organisation and offer volunteering days for staff to go out into the communities in which they operate.

Business West have a flat structure where every employee is encouraged to think about what they do could be done better in order to have an even greater positive impact on the businesses and communities that they serve.

What is it like to work for Business West

Leadership

72% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

The Managing Director meets with every new employee in a company induction session. They operate an open door policy so staff understand they can approach them at any time about anything.

72% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

Wellbeing

80% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Business West have a cellar at their Head Office which has been made into a rest area for staff. This has sofa's, a TV, magazines, books, a kitchen, vending machine, dart board and table football and table tennis. All staff are able to use this area for breaks and at lunch time.

80% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Giving Something Back

96% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

Business West have used thermal imaging equipment on their buildings to pinpoint areas of heat lost to maximise the efficiency of any improvement works that take place, such as window and door insulation.

96% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or subsidised gym membership for all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%
Long Service

40% of employees have more than 5 years' service
Family Friendly

School hours contracts offered to all staff