I read a really interesting article about staff and customer retention in the insurance industry which made me think about my own business and its priorities.

I think it was Sir Martin Sorrell who famously said that a company’s biggest assets leave the building at 6.00 every evening and I have always supported this viewpoint – keep your staff happy and motivated and your customers/clients will inevitably reap the rewards.

One of our key priorities at Alchemis is to encourage our team of Business Development Managers to take responsibility for helping their clients win new business, thus engendering a sense of ownership for what otherwise could be seen as a monotonous job.

As each Business Development Manager works on a variety of clients from a consumer PR agency to a full service agency targeting the public sector, this also prevents ennui from setting in.

A successful sales team will also thrive on team and individual incentives, which also help to create a competitive and dynamic atmosphere – all of which will ultimately help us to help our clients win more business, which is, after all, why we’re here!

Well, Saturday was a great day – not only was the weather fabulous but 7 hardy souls from Alchemis gave up one of their precious days off and spent it gardening for a homeless charity in Vauxhall called Thamesreach.

Having raised over £2,500 for the Sport Relief run we wanted to devote our time and energy to something equally deserving and found Thamesreach through one of our Business Development Managers.

They have a large garden which is an ideal space for residents and visitors to relax in. Although hiding some hidden treasures (rose bushes, sweet peas and a variety of vegetables), the garden had become very overgrown with weeds and thigh high grass. Within 4-5 hours the Alchemis team, ably commanded by our very own Monty Don (aka Leggers) transformed the space into a weed free garden worthy of a spot at the Chelsea Flower Show! Most satisfying for all of us were the number of residents who either helped or who were clearly interested in the project.

Our plan now is to visit the garden weekly to help maintain its weed free state and to start planting – watch this space.

If anyone has any good ideas for a south facing wall with hard soil, do let us know (I’m thinking lavender, clematis….)

Sunday saw some much welcome sunshine for the Alchemis team to stretch their legs in The Sport Relief Mile whilst raising more than £2000 for charity.

Richard “Leggers” Legget certainly lived up to his name, completing six miles in a very impressive 39 minutes. I believe he was spurred on when he heard a rumour that his mates Charles and Camilla were handing out the medals at the finishing line and those with the fastest times won a year’s free subscription to Cheshire Life.

Another mention should go to Algie Salmon, who thought he’d done a Roger Bannister after completing his three mile run in a staggering 12 minutes before realising he’d only been round the course twice. Just as well there are no flies on him when it comes to his business development skills!

On a serious note, it was a great day out for a good cause and a special thanks should also go to the WAGS (and kids) who turned up to give their support and encouragement to the team… and to look after the bags.