Culture As A Competitive Advantage

Guests returning for the latest in our quarterly Exchange sessions hosted by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum were given some tips to create and sustain a culture that could be used to drive commercial competitiveness.

Guest speakers Chief executive of Benfield Motor Group, Mark Squires and Lucy Malarkey, Assistant director of Gentoo Sunderland, shared a number of powerful messages on how they have worked to develop their company’s culture around core values.

Mark discussed the role of the board, and the importance of sustainability and communication, and also rewarding and recognising those that promote and act in line with the core values. 

Lucy Malarkey  talked about Gentoo’s routes as a profit for purpose business - less about the money, more about the difference they make to people’s lives through the Art of Living. Lucy went on to discuss the inspiration behind the 5 values Gentoo hold strong in their business; to challenge their people to be self directed and be part of something big.

Therese Liddle, MD of NRG; Claire Stones of PwC and Silvie Adams, Director of Spire Healthcare, spoke about the subject of recruitment, retention and people development.  Our panel shared with us their knowledge and problem solving on the theme of culture, shining a light on the hot topics and what to watch out for, in addressing the issue of culture in your organisation.

Facilitator Andy Hanselman then asked guests to: “Think about the 4 key ingredients to creating an Uber Culture” and how each individual measures up.

In conclusion, he challenged attendees to take action using the learning’s from the day, consider their current culture, question whether people clearly understand what’s expected of them, champion your champions, challenge your challengers, reward and recognise contribution, share the learning and continue “Exchanging” with fellow guests.

Andy, Mark and Lucy have kindly agreed to share their presentations for both those who attended and those who couldn't make it.  Please download the presentations below to share the tools and methodologies on creating and sustaining a culture that works for you.

To carry on the conversation and keep Exchanging or share something with us that’s worked for you, members can get in touch via our LinkedIn page.

Don’t forget to BOOK NOW for our next Exchange session on the 25^th September, all about Maximising Social Media.