About Ellis Whittam

Their engagement plan comprises many elements implemented in the last 12 months, including a thorough and comprehensive induction programme for new starters. Twice yearly unique “Sharing The Vision” sessions at which they take the entire business off site for half a day to report on progress towards achieving their mission, vision and values. The organisation also holds “Afternoon Tea & Cake with Chairman & CEO” sessions for all new starters. An appraisal programme, refreshed within the last 12 months and their “Client Champion” reward scheme. The leader of Ellis Whittam, Deven Thakrar, is certainly distinctive. It is the unique combination of many traits and qualities that make him distinctive, including his ability to inspire colleagues. His ability to mentor and develop and genuine passion and commitment to achieving EW’s Mission, Vision and Values. His tremendous work rate, pace and ambition – all of which are infectious. Deven is also accessible to all colleagues, his active involvement with all teams and attendance at all team meetings. He also has a personable nature, knowing all colleagues by name and taking the time to build a rapport with all of them.

The organisation does a lot to enhance the welfare of their colleagues. They offer many traditional benefits such as a pension, free life assurance, private medical insurance, dental care, optical care, an employee assistance programme, child care voucher scheme, an enhanced service day and unpaid leave package. Ellis Whittam has their own apple trees, colleagues pick their own apples and their committee arranges for those apples to be pressed and bottled. Their home grown organic Ellis Whittam apple juice is then available free of charge for colleagues to drink throughout the winter months. In addition, they have a vegetable patch and produce from it is offered to colleagues with an honesty box. Any funds raised go towards their annual chosen charity. They also organise regular sports competitions including cycle challenges, 'It’s a Knockout' and an annual sports day. Taking time out in the fresh air to play and compete together has proven to be hugely successful in enhancing the feeling of wellbeing and morale amongst their colleagues.

They are committed to operating their business in a way that gives something back to the wider world. They are proud to support local community projects as well as a range of deserving and charitable causes. Ellis Whittam actively encourages colleague participation, support and contribution through numerous fund raising events. They have raised many thousands of pounds for good causes and also financially support their local village youth club, village hall and village fete. Providing EW services free of charge to a national organisation that supports third sector organisations. Supporting Children in Need, Operation of the Workplace Giving UK Scheme, The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and Forgotten Children charities are just some of the organisations they help. Offering free support to jobseekers from the local communities in terms of acquiring job market skills, including help with focused job search activity, CV writing and interview techniques. It is the combination of all of their charity and local community initiatives that together make an innovative and effective method of giving back to the wider world. In the last 12 months they have set up and supported the Cheshire Skills Share initiative. Skills Share encourages local businesses to donate skills and time to support local voluntary and charitable organisations.