Business

We bring out the best in people

Progressive Building Society’s Louise McAleer (marketing executive) and Mairead King (head of conduct risk) at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards
Progressive Building Society’s Louise McAleer (marketing executive) and Mairead King (head of conduct risk) at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards Progressive Building Society’s Louise McAleer (marketing executive) and Mairead King (head of conduct risk) at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards

THE ethos within Progressive Building Society is to encourage a working environment which brings out the best in people, making it a natural fit for the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards.

A new partner this year, Northern Ireland’s largest locally-owned financial institution has come on board as a business partner for the 2019 awards, which are promoting the theme Talent Equals Success.

Progressive operations director Declan Moore said: “The awards’ strapline, ‘Talent Equals Success’, resonates with Progressive, as we strive to nurture and develop our employees in the evolving and fast-paced industry in which we work.

“Progressive is a ‘people’ business – we know how people’s lives change and how important it is to be flexible, for the needs of, not only of our customers, but also of our employees.

“Developing positive relationships, whether they are personal or professional, is the lifeblood of all successful organisations."

Mr Moore said that cultivating relationships was “integral” to the success of the organisation, alongside a determination to build teams whose members “release the energy and potential of others”.

Also key, he stressed, was the development of flexible and fluid management systems, as well as building an inclusive place to work.

An indigenous organisation, Progressive Building Society has grown from humble beginnings over a century ago in 1914 to what it is today - Northern Ireland’s largest financial organisation with experienced staff members dedicated to providing a high standard of service.

Chief executive Darina Armstrong follows in line from a succession of forward-thinking leaders, all of whom adapted and developed the business and who demonstrated innovation and an unwavering commitment to ensure the Society delivered on the needs of its members.

“Progressive aims to create a work space that enables people to flourish and to be the best they can be,” Mr Moore continued.

“It does this by empowering them and ensuring that everyone recognises the importance and impact of teamwork and inclusion.

“Our employees understand how their role fits into the workings of the organisation as a whole and they can see at first hand the benefits of coming together as a unit to provide an exemplary service to our members.

“There is a strong team culture in place within the Society – it is a case of maximising efforts to achieve the very best results to help our customers achieve their housing and savings goals, as well as contributing, in a small way, to building our local Society for generations to come.”

Across the organisation’s head office and 12 Northern Ireland branches, Progressive employs 180 staff who have a commitment to provide a friendly and efficient service, whether in a small town or in a larger city building.

“There is no doubt that our people make Progressive a great place to work and we firmly believe that nurturing employees' well-being ultimately breeds success, “ Mr Moore added.

“This approach enables us to broaden our talent pool by attracting and retaining the very best people. We are very much looking forward to celebrating the best talent Northern Ireland has to offer at the awards night on June 13 and we wish all entrants the best of luck.”

:: Entries for the 2019 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards will remain open until Friday May 3 with the finalists being announced on Thursday May 16. More details at www.irishnews.com/wea. Follow us on Twitter at @irishnewsWEA

:: To register for the free March 27 'Writing a Winning Application' workshop, go to www.irishnews.com/wea and click on the 'workshop' tab