Case Study

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September 2009

Increasing staff development in a challenging market

Based in the South of England, and employing 320 staff across 20 locations in estate agency, lettings, auctions, new homes, financial services, planning, architecture, surveying and land division, the Romans Group is a property company with a vast remit.

Like many businesses, the group was not immune to the effects of the recession. However, Romans responded by investing in more training and skills development for its workforce, on the premise it would emerge stronger once the downturn was over - especially at senior level, to maintain the company's business winning potential.

The business emerged from 2008 still making a profit, and 2009 has been even more promising.

"We believe that when the market really picks up, our increased commitment to training will give us a distinct competitive advantage, and ensure our teams offer the very best customer service," says Joanne Bloomfield, Group HR Manager at Romans. "Skilled employees operate more effectively on a day-to-day basis, but they also help attract new business too."

A training powerhouse

The in-house training offered by the Romans Group starts with an induction period for new recruits, followed by a 12 week programme in residential property services. Employees study for a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at levels 2 and 3 in Property. Romans have also just launched the 'The Romans Apprenticeship in Property' that focuses on any new starters with either no experience or less than 12 months in the industry.

Next year, Romans plans to roll out a Skills Development Programme for potential future managers, and hopes to extend a graduate scheme for surveyors. It has also established a specialist training manager assigned to areas growing in demand, such as residential lettings.

"We felt that because the market was changing, we needed to give our staff new skills, such as customer service, winning new business and motivation skills," says Joanne. "As a result, I believe we offer a great deal more than most property companies. The investment we make in our people ends up paying for itself.""As a company we are definitely not letting the market stop our commitment to supporting our employees, we see every market as an opportunity, we just have to change with the market".