Testimonials

Client Profile & Objective:

The Royal Garden Hotel is a luxury venue, situated next to Kensington Gardens, within easy walking distance of Knightsbridge. Its fabulous location is not the only reason why regular guests come back time and time again – many of the staff have been at the Royal Garden for years, bringing experience and warmth to everything they do. Investment in staff development is one of the many secrets of the Royal Garden’s success. Toojays has been involved in this through the delivery of Leadership Skills training and Mentoring.

Testimonial:

"We’ve always found Toojays to be incredibly flexible in their approach, often working around our needs and allowing for the fact that things are often required on a very ‘last minute’ basis. Lee Martin (Toojays’ Managing Director) has a great understanding of the sector in which we operate, which is absolutely invaluable. We’ve been working with Toojays to develop the Leadership Skills of key staff members, complementing this with Mentoring where appropriate. Toojays’ very ‘down to earth’ approach is like a breath of fresh air, as is the company’s exceptional ability to relate to people at very different levels. The team demonstrates great professionalism in the way training is delivered and we’ve seen some really positive results following their involvement with our staff. The after sales service is also second to none – I know that I can pick up the ‘phone if I need to discuss something following an event, without being exposed to the hard sell. I’ve been so impressed with what the team has helped us to achieve that I’ve already recommended Toojays to various other hotels. Take it from me; if you work with Toojays, you’ll get five-star service!"

Zoe Hiscoke, Human Resources Manager, Royal Garden Hotel

Client Profile & Objective:

Suffolk Probation Area works with offenders throughout the county, to reduce re-offending and thereby protect the public. In 2006, the whole of the National Probation Service was required to undergo Job Evaluation, in order to ensure consistency. Suffolk Probation Area commissioned Toojays to co-ordinate various aspects of this process on their behalf.

Testimonial:

"We initially approached Toojays to perform the Job Analysis element of our Job Evaluation process, as we felt that the company’s expertise would help us to complete the procedure more effectively, within the time and budget constraints we were facing. We also engaged Toojays in the preparatory work, to devise and run workshops for Managers, in order to review and update all our job descriptions in readiness for Job Evaluation.

Toojays’ approach to the workshops was exceptionally thorough. Before embarking upon any aspect of the work, the team showed a genuine commitment to good preparation, making sure that they understood the needs and concerns of our staff members. As a direct result of a recommendation from Suffolk Probation Area, Toojays was commissioned to deliver Job Analysis training on a regional basis to all six Probation Areas that make up the Eastern Region. This was to supplement training provided by the National Probation Directorate and was very well received.

Throughout Toojays’ involvement in Job Evaluation with Suffolk Probation Area, the flow of communication remained open and immediate. Overall, Toojays’ contribution to the process was very successful – we’ve already recommended their services to other areas of the Probation Service and would certainly use them again ourselves.

In fact, we were so pleased with Toojays’ approach that we invited the team to lead three of the seven workshops at our Staff Conference in 2006. These workshops were very well planned and delivered, exploring areas of particular importance to our staff; time management, team-building and relaxation techniques. The workshops had very clear aims, delivered the outcomes specified and were very well received by everyone who attended.

We were impressed by the excellent preparation and level of communication Lee (Lee Martin, Toojays’ Managing Director) maintained both before and after the event; his personal attention to detail, attendance and genuine commitment to the success of the day was tremendously encouraging.

It’s fair to say that Toojays went to great lengths to enable us to achieve our objectives."

Gill Lewis, HR Manager, National Probation Service, Suffolk Area

Client Profile & Objective:

Peterborough-based CCM Associates is a quantity surveying and commercial management business, providing a range of professional services for the construction industry in the UK and overseas. The company has a wealth of experience, developed through its work on major construction projects for public and private sector clients.

Testimonial:

"CCM Associates has benefited from Toojays’ expertise in HR consultancy and recruitment. The company’s approach was well ordered and methodical; they researched our situation and explored our objectives for the future, before proposing new strategies for us to embark upon.

Toojays’ assessment of our needs was very carefully considered and the team came up with some thoughtful and challenging options for us to take forward."

Andrew Morley, Managing Director, CCM Associates

Client Profile & Objective:

Ideal Shopping Direct operates a television home shopping network, reaching more than 18 million households throughout the UK. The company is going from strength to strength, enjoying a level of success, which is in no small part due to its genuine commitment to staff development. Toojays has been working with Ideal Shopping Direct since 2003, delivering training programmes, team building activities, corporate events and executive coaching to ensure the workforce continues to feel valued and motivated.

Testimonial:

"It's now five years since we first began working with Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd, and during this time our expectations have been continually met. In fact, from the very outset, some very important seeds were sown; staff now have an expectation for high quality, ongoing training and development, something that Toojays delivers every single time.

What we like about Toojays is their commitment to the needs of their clients. They have a tremendous knack of being able to get right "under the skin" of an organisation. They have taken the time out to truly understand how we operate. As a result, they tailor the nature of their training activities accordingly, enabling us to apply the learning immediately back to the business.

The delivery of the training is always engaging and the facilitators display extensive knowledge in their fields. The bespoke nature of the programmes they create works fantastically for us as these have been specifically designed to fit in with our long-term operational objectives.

The personal service offered by Toojays is second to none. Between training activities, Lee Martin (Toojays' Managing Director) maintains regular contact to check on our progress. As well as being a great sounding board, Lee is always willing to offer advice. We feel like Toojays is an extension of our team with their thorough understanding of our requirements.

Toojays shows a huge amount of loyalty to us as a client and has a real sense of the whole company, in terms of the "softer" issues - the human side of things. The team demonstrates a great ability to relate well to people at all levels, both at the grass roots of the organisation and in Senior Management positions.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Toojays to other companies looking for real ROI for their training & development needs. We will certainly be looking to continue our relationship with them for the future."

Sally Gibson, Head of HR, Ideal Shopping Direct plc

Client Profile & Objective:

Veterinary Business Development is the UK's leading veterinary communications company, producing the weekly journal, Veterinary Times and distributing a range of technical reference publications. Veterinary Business Development commissioned Toojays to co-ordinate a staff survey, a series of strategy meetings and training sessions to maximise the company’s potential.

Testimonial:

"We have worked with Toojays on a variety of projects and on every occasion, without exception, the outcomes have far exceeded all of our expectations. When undertaking our staff survey, Toojays ensured that everyone understood the entire process, from start to finish, so that we got as much out of it as possible. Toojays’ involvement enabled Managers to really engage with the process, which meant that employees really felt that their voices were being heard. We’ve invited Lee Martin (Toojays’ Managing Director) to speak at a major industry event that we’re organising at the ICC. Following this Management Symposium, the Toojays team have agreed to facilitate at a series Management Workshops. Lee’s expert advice and guidance in co-ordinating these events have been invaluable. In short, I’d say that whenever we work with Toojays, we know that we’re in safe hands."

Jo Dean, Commercial Director, Veterinary Business Development

Client Profile & Objective:

HMD Kontro is a division of the Sundyne Corporation. The company manufactures process pumps for industrial applications and serves industries worldwide, which work in a variety of extremely hostile environments. As part of its commitment to maintaining a high level of staff development, HMD Kontro purchased the entire range of Toojays’ workbooks, for use in a series of in-house training courses.

Testimonial:

"I chose to use Toojays’ training materials because when working with Lee Martin (Toojays’ Managing Director) on a Management Development Programme, it became clear that we share a very similar approach to HR. From a training point of view, Toojays’ resources have proved invaluable. As a Trainer, I found the workbooks very easy to use; they demonstrated a good, basic approach and never got too complicated. In fact, many of the trainees found the workbooks so user-friendly that I imagine certain topics could be self-taught, if necessary. Over the next year, I intend to extend the range of Toojays’ workbooks we use and I would certainly recommend them to other companies, looking for a self-contained, high quality collection of training materials.

In short, Toojays represents a great resource; the company is practical and has the flexibility to adapt solutions to your needs. The company’s expertise in this field meant that when I could not source appropriate training materials on a particular subject, Lee was happy to produce a brand new workbook to suit my very specific requirements.

I highly recommend Toojays’ friendly and personalised service – it’s second to none."

Cressida Roberts, HR Manager, HMD Kontro

Client Profile & Objective:

With 27 branches and a growing online business, John Lewis continues to be Britain's favourite retailer. It takes its role as an Employer of Distinction seriously, with the happiness of all its members at the heart of the Partnership. There are four elements to this: work/life balance, competitive pay and benefits, fulfilling potential and fair treatment. Toojays has worked with John Lewis on an ongoing basis, primarily to encourage effective team practice and enhance group performance back in branch.

Testimonial:

"I just wanted to send you and the team a huge thank you for last week. Everyone had a great couple of days as well as managing to learn something about themselves and how they work in teams.

Thanks again for a great couple of days."

Sarah Fisher, Recruitment & Development Manager, John Lewis Peterborough Branch

"I just wanted to thank you for your expertise last week. Having now caught up with my SG and DM colleagues, it is clear the event added huge value to their learning around Leadership styles. I have also been most impressed in how it has taken forward their self awareness; they are really starting to understand MBTI and the benefit it can bring to them as individuals and as a team. Many thanks for organising the event so professionally."

Tony Wheeler, Branch Manager, John Lewis Kingston Branch 


"Just a quick email to say a massive thank you for last week. Thank you so much to you and your team for delivering the event with enthusiasm, energy and professionalism. I look forward to working with you again."

Rachna Kalia, Regional Learning & Development Manager, John Lewis

Client Profile & Objective:

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society was formed in 1986 after the merging of the Peterborough and Norwich Building Societies. The Society now has 56 branches with around 1,000 staff trained to offer very high levels of personal service and advice. A wide range of financial services are offered including mortgages, savings, bank accounts, personal lending, home insurance and cash ISAs.

Toojays provided a Team Building Event for the Project Management and Quality Assurance team who form part of the IT department at Norwich & Peterborough. The group consisted of Project Managers, Business Analysts, Test Managers and System Testers whose main purpose is to support business projects involving any aspects of IT related change. With new team members onboard and a lengthy project out of the way, the event was an opportunity for individuals to get to know one another better whilst recognising their hard work over the past year. 

Testimonial:

"Our team had faced a number of challenges over the past 12 months which included restructuring, new individuals joining the team and a lot of hard work on various projects. We were keen to provide them with a team building event to acknowledge all of the above, something to provide enjoyment but which reiterated the team culture at the same time.

We were very impressed with the day's event which included experiential team taks, a video challenge and a timely Christmas quiz. Feedback was very positive from the team and we received remarks that it was one of the most enjoyable team events that had been held. The way that the activities were structured worked really well to allow the maximum benefit and it was great to have such an engaging and interactive event."

IT team manager, Norwich & Peterborough Building Society  

Client Profile & Objective:

Heineken has wide international presence through a global network of distributors and breweries. Heineken owns and manages one of the world's leading portfolios of beer brands and is one of the world's leading brewers in terms of sales volumes and profitability. Their principle brands are Heineken and Amstel, but the group sells more than 200 international premium, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders.

Their focus is on enabling their employees to use their potential and building a true performance based culture.

Since 2009 Toojays have worked with them on the provision of their International Graduate Programme, providing tailored experiential development workshops aligned to key competencies, in the UK and Europe.

Testimonial:

"Toojays deliver our IGP Programme. We have worked closely with them since 2009 and they have listened, adapted and provided a bespoke solution that ensures we equip our graduates with the skills and learning to be our leaders of the future. Lee's own personal style is very accommodating and we were impressed by the time taken to understand our business and the graduates needs in order to provide this world class programme. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Toojays."  

 Miral Mahrous, Learning & Development Consultant, Group Human Resources, Heineken.

Client Profile & Objective:

Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L) provides integrated, comprehensive solutions that deliver significant results to organisations in the financial services and healthcare industries. Misys creates solutions that help insitutions to meet their business ambitions - streamline operations, launch new products, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, increase revenues and reduce risk. Toojays worked with a number of the Directors of Misys in developing relationship awareness and team performance through the use of the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) model. In working with the Directors and their direct reports teams, Toojays delivered events in New York, London, Dubai and Dublin. The workshops were designed to increase awareness around motivational drivers for individuals and their key stakeholders - ultimately improving working relations and increasing performance as a result.

Testimonial:

"Having gone through the SDI workshops with Toojays and the Global Sales Management Team, I was keen for my own team to benefit from the process. Lee delivered a one day workshop that was tailored to my team's specific needs. It was interactive, practical and allowed individuals to consider how they would apply the core theory and learning to their specific internal and external customers. The workshop was delivered with great effect - getting past the theory and into the practical application and benefits in a well timed manner. This approach enabled all to enjoy the course and to see the potential for improving relationships, influencing others and reducing conflict situations immediately. The benefits for individuals, the team and myself have been immense."

Des Hare, Head of Major Accounts, Sales Operation, Misys plc Dublin 

Client Profile & Objective:

PPD is a leading global contract research organisation (CRO), celebrating 25 years of providing drug discovery, development and lifecycle management services. Their clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organisations. 

With offices in 41 countries and more than 10,500 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a commitment to quality to help clients and partners accelerate the delivery of safe and effective therapeutics and maximise the returns on their R&D investments. 

Testimonial:

"Toojays provides PPD with a highly cost-effective bespoke service which I cannot find elsewhere. You listen, make appropriate and valuable contributions, and deliver a world class product."

Nick Hindley, Training & Development Manager, EMEA and APAC, PPD 

Client Profile & Objective:

Located in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle's hilltop setting commands stunning views over the Vale of Belvoir. The present castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times. The existing castle was completed in the early 19th century after previous buildings suffered complete or partial destruction. The present owner of Belvoir Castle is the Eleventh Duke of Rutland, and the castle contains a notable collection of furniture, porcelain, silk and tapestries. The castle opens its doors to the public with a diary packed with events for all the family.

Testimonial:

"Toojays have provided HR Consultancy and support to the Estate for the last seven months. Throughout this time their expertise, knowledge and professionalism have enabled us to move forward on a number of strategic and operational issues for us. Always helpful, flexible and accessible, we have found their approach and attitude has exceeded our expectations in all instances."

Donald Lambert, Chief Executive, Belvoir Castle

Client Profile & Objective:

Caterpillar is a global company with a major presence in the UK. Caterpillar has been serving customers in Europe since the early 1900s and established its first major European facility more than 50 years ago in the United Kingdom. Caterpillar's British presence has grown rapidly in recent years. Now employing more than 10,000 people, the UK represents the largest base for Caterpillar outside the United States.

Caterpillar is a high-tech, diversified manufacturer and service provider that is socially responsible and environmentally aware. It is committed to a profitable and sustainable presence in the UK for the long-term benefit of all our stakeholders, not least the communities in which Caterpillar employees live and work.

Testimonial:

As part of a company conference, Caterpillar requested an interactive, team building session that would embed the message and values of the conference. Iain and Jon from Toojays consulted with the HR department and designed and delivered their requirement. Feedback from the event was that it was a highly interactive, engaging, fun session that reinforced the core values.

For information on the work carried out, please contact Paul Turner, HR Shared Services, Perkins via turner_paul@cat.com 

Client Profile & Objective:

Management Development Services Ltd (MDS Ltd) was set up in 1986 by a group of forward-thinking growers concerned about the shortage of skilled managers within their particular area of business. 

MDS Ltd has quickly established itself as a leading training provider in the fresh food and produce industry, since then it has expanded steadily as companies seek to safeguard the future by attracting the right calibre of recruit. 

Today, MDS Ltd encompasses the whole supply chain of vegetables, salads, fruit, flowers, plants and prepared food products not only based in the UK but also for operations in many countries around the world.  

Testimonial:

"Lee's coaching / tutorial on recruitment and selection was superb. The content was tailored to our needs which meant we discussed and covered many key issues we wanted to cover. This was the training course we have been looking for - tailored to our needs and answered many subjects we wanted training on. Within days of the course, we have set to reviewing our recruitment and selection procedure and, on the day, booked our next training session." 

Dani Shaw, General Manager, MDS Ltd