Case studies

Over the last decade, our consultants and training professionals have worked with businesses in a wide range of sectors and have provided a full spectrum of HR and training services.

You can see what our customers have to say about us either by sector or service using the links.

Sectors

From construction to marine, engineering to manufacturing, our customers share their own thoughts on how their business has benefited from our HR services, as well as management and leadership training and development solutions.

Services

With so many services available, sometimes it can be hard to decide which option to take. These case studies may give you some inspiration on what solution is best for your business.

Case studies by service

To give you an overview of the work that we complete for our customers, we have included a case study below. This details what the concerns were for the client, the actions our senior consultants took and the outcome of the training we conducted.

Examples of our work

Service: Absence management

The issue
Our client is an online ladies fashion business with a head office/design studio in London and a large warehouse and distribution centre in the Midlands.  The business had grown quickly in a short space of time and they had no in-house expertise.  The Operations Director approached us to assist with their HR operational requirements; her immediate area of concern was the extremely high levels of absence within the warehouse, which were impacting significantly on the business.
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Emphasis action

Emphasis HR & training conducted a review of the absence levels and immediately identified several members of staff on long-term sickness, as well as many other cases of persistent and short-term absence, which was not being dealt with. We put in place an absence management process including absence triggers and return to work interviews.  In the cases of long-term sickness, we contacted and consulted with those employees to gather further information, including contacting their doctor, arranging home visits and looking at reasonable adjustments to facilitate a return to work.  Where possible a phased return to work was agreed and where this was not appropriate the termination of employment on ill health grounds was considered.
We also worked alongside the Managers to develop their confidence and experience in dealing with absence issues, working alongside them where necessary to build their confidence in dealing with these meetings in the future.
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The outcome

Within six months of our involvement, absence levels had reduced, which resulted in a substantial financial savings for the business.  The Operations Director was delighted with the results and the day-to-day operation of the warehouse improved dramatically.  We then went on to put in place an HR strategy and have worked as their outsourced HR department for several years.
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Case studies by sector

Throughout the years, we have worked with companies in a range of sectors, each with their own unique challenges and requirements.

Below we have outlined some case studies based on each sector, to give you an idea of the work that our team has carried out.

Construction

Raymond Brown

This Raymond Brown tailored programme offered 12 delegates structured development training which focused on management skills and techniques tailored around our business goals and objectives.

Steve Clasby, Chief Operating Officer comments, ”we have worked with emphasis HR & Training for a number of years and we are constantly committed to investing in professional and personal development opportunities.

Feedback on the content of the programme was very positive and the way in which Jane delivered the content and got to know each of our employees, was evidently beneficial as they progressed through the nine months.”

Distribution and Manufacturing

MSX

MSX is a recognised specialist in the Global market for bonded warehousing, Duty Free and Travel Retail distribution business, handling orders for airports, airlines, cruise ships, and ferries operators throughout the UK, Europe and the World.

‘Emphasis has worked with MSX since I became Managing Director in 2004.  As the company has grown they have supported us with many HR projects including; updating our contracts and employment handbook, recruiting new staff, helping with performance management and advising us as we have reorganised and restructured our management team.  Emphasis has really got to know me and my company and understand our challenges and culture.  As Managing Director I benefit from their practical support and know they are only a phone call or visit away which is a real comfort in the current litigious environment.‘

Distribution and Manufacturing

Spirit Circuits

Spirit Circuits is one of the UK’s most innovative Printed Circuit Board manufacturers. Our unique suite of services and overseas sourcing office means we don’t just manufacture circuit boards, but offer you an extensive complement of PCBs.

‘We appointed Emphasis Ltd as our outsourced HR service providers.  We had a programme of work we wanted to complete; updating employment contracts and employee handbook, creating an appraisal process and conducting appraisals with all staff and finally dealing with performance management, disciplinary and capability issues as and if they arose.   Emphasis was not only extremely efficient in their approach, they were also able to engage with our staff and provide quality advice to the management team every step of the way.  They dealt with the large projects and the individual issues in a practical, professional manner.‘

Distribution and Manufacturing

Skoolkit

Skoolkit is one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of school wear and school uniforms with stores in Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, Totton, Havant and now with a full Buy Online site for school uniforms and uniforms for Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Rainbows and Beavers.

‘We have used Emphasis since 2009 to help recruit staff, they did such a good job for us we now use them for many of our personnel functions. This has meant as a growing company we have not had to invest in a team of dedicated HR staff. Emphasis is always on hand to give up-to-date advice and help us implement new strategies.’

Interested in learning more?

Then take a look at the other sectors we work in

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