BUSINESS SUPPORT ATTRACT AND RETAIN
S killed personnel are in short supply – and SME construction firms are feeling the effects. So how can FMB members not only attract the right people to work for them but keep them engaged over the long term? For Christian Bowerman, Director of Atlantic Dwellings in Wales, it begins with company culture, which he defines as “the way we do business”. “It starts with the basics: appearance and personal admin,” Bowerman says. “We expect every individual to be ready on site promptly at the agreed time, wearing the correct company kit, and armed with the correct PPE and tools. We then need to be organised, with site managers communicating a daily plan, checking in at break and at the end of the day. “Our site managers run their day like a Swiss watch. We make it clear to customers that we prefer that they don’t disturb us when we are on break. It’s time for the team to recharge and connect with each other.” Having an organised company culture is good for business because, as Bowerman explains, “New team members are attracted to us because we are professional.” Being a gentle leader The culture of a company also depends on how leaders shape it. Vyncent Brett of Brett Homes in Kent has been in business for more than two decades, launching his company in his early 20s. Over the years, he’s learnt what it means to lead. “In my early 20s I was a lot more reactive,” Brett recalls. “I would scream. I would shout. I would demand to know why a task was not being done. And that is not how to get along with people on site.”
Attracting the right people to your business takes time, patience and definitive leadership. The result, though, is a reliable and efficient team A PERFECT MATCH
practice, this includes creating a culture or environment where those working with him feel they can raise concerns and issues, and troubleshoot any
cause a problem, then I’m not going to get anything from anybody.” Key to Brett’s approach to leadership is to be a “solutions man” rather than someone who fixates on problems. In
As time passed, Brett adopted a far more gentle leadership style. “I get the most out of people by being kind and understanding that if I’m going to go in screaming and shouting and
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Master Builder
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