About Redcats UK

In April 2013, Redcats announced to all employees that they wanted to ‘make a difference to employees’ and to ‘thank them’ for their hard work so they developed a challenge. If they could beat last years turnover in sales (between April and June 2013) they would close the business for one day and take every employee to Alton Towers for a day out. The finance team developed a dashboard so everyone could track business progress as well as weekly verbal updates by line managers. Employees got involved and excitement grew as the weeks got nearer the provisional date in July. Two weeks prior to the provisional date they were able to announce they had reached the target and were able to have a day off work to have a treat and go to Alton Towers for the day. The fun team got on with organising the details of the day. Transport was organised via coaches, bingo games were held and football cards (monies raised for company charity) on the bus as well provided bacon or egg butties. When they reached their destination they received ‘fast track’ tickets so no queuing on certain rides. Everyone could have a go on any ride they wished or do whatever they they wanted during the day. A private markee was arranged for lunch where there was an extensive buffet with hot and cold food. The weather was kind to them so sitting outside in the sun was a great option. The feedback was fantastic, everyone had a great day out, thoroughly enjoyed it all and didn’t spend a penny!

To ensure that employees are working in a safe and secure environment Redcats have a health and safety structure which consists of the head of HR and three managers based at the contact centre, warehouse and corporate office who are responsible for managing health and safety. There is also a health and safety committe who meet quarterly with a selection of employees from across the business. They discuss current health and safety matters and plan actions to overcome. As part of health and safety they encourage employees to train and become first aiders and fire wardens on all sites. They offer a private medical scheme currently through BUPA to selected employees and hospital plans to all employees. They also ensure that employees who have had time away from work receive a 'return to work' interview with their line manager following any period of absence including sickness and/or bereavement and/or dependency leave. This ensures employees are supported whilst at work. In addition, as part of the company’s sickness and absence policy and procedure, they have twelve week review to ensure employees are fit to work and have not had any further absence or if there is any additional support they can offer. They also do their best to make reasonable adjustments where possible. During the Olympics they provided television sets on all floors and buildings to enable employees to watch sporting events. They also have a sporting event policy and procedue to be able to guide employees.

Redcat installed a new energy efficient heating controller (at significant expense) in the warehouse with guaranteed savings of 25% on fuel usage (expected saving 40% - Vickers Energy Group). Parcel collation – rules in place to ensure majority of orders are despatched in one parcel, saving on fuel and carbon emissions. Movement sensors in the aisles in the Warehouse.