Calico named as "outstanding" best company in national awards - for second year running

Thursday 25th February 2010

Lancashire-based Calico has been recognised as an "outstanding" employer as part of the national Best Companies accreditation.

The 2 star award - which Calico has won for the second year (with an improved score) - recognises it's achievements in: making an impact on society; and creating a positive working atmosphere with strong values and principles.

Calico's success follows several years of continued growth, providing a range of services besides housing, to make a difference to people's lives in the community - despite the current economic climate.

Now with more than 300 staff, and working right across the north of England, Calico's two companies (Calico Homes and Calico Enterprise) continue to develop people's potential and create, on average, 40 new jobs a year - particularly in the Pennine Lancashire region.

Uwes Khan (20) from Haslingden has recently started on one of Calico's training schemes - the Future Jobs Fund, which is supported by the Department of Work and Pensions, and gives young people opportunities to get on the employment ladder, "This is my first job and much more interesting than I could have imagined," he says.

"I applied for a position on this scheme just desperate for the experience. Now I'm working as a housing services assistant; going out on inspections and helping make sure things are right for customers.

"I would definitely agree that it is a great company to work for. So far I've enjoyed meeting residents, learning new skills and getting to know people on the estates."

Uwes's career aspirations are now undeniably looking up. Having completed three weeks at Calico, he adds, "Eventually I'd like to make a career of working with young people and helping the community. This is giving me so much more than something to put on my CV...It's exactly the right experience I need."

Calico Chief Executive, Michael Birkett says, "As one of the biggest employers in the area, we recognise our importance to the local economies in which we work. Our significant growth in jobs, at a time of recession, is something that we are particularly proud of.

"We aim to go from strength to strength and continue being an 'oustanding' company that provides outstanding services to our customers."

Quote from Jonathan Austin - Founder and CEO of Best Companies, "We would like to congratulate Calico on their outstanding achievement. An engaged workforce is essential as organisations move out of the recession and into a more stable economic situation.

"No doubt many organisations have tackled redundancies and rapid change this year. But organisations like Calico that have kept on engaging their staff and making sure they are involved in the business will be in a good position for the future and should be congratulated for their efforts."

Posted by 0 for Calico Homes Ltd.