Pros
Fred Perry has created a culture where I've been invested in professionally whilst giving me the space to have a healthy work/life balance as a new mum. The company supports communities from all backgrounds inside and outside the business that make this an appealing company for me to work for, here are some great examples from the last couple of years... - Participating in The Fashion Minority Report Mentorship Program – helping to empower diverse talent to thrive. I’m currently a mentor myself and find the process fulfilling and I’m learning as much about myself as I hope my mentor is learning. In our second term we’ve mentored at least 10 young people hoping to help land a role within the industry and will continue to do so. - Funding for ‘Blueprint For All’ formerly the Steven Lawrence Charity trust who work with young people and communities to create an inclusive society in which everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity or background can thrive. - Establishing the Fred Perry Tennis Trust, funding to refurbish community tennis courts and sponsoring accessible coaching programmes for the local community. - Establishing the Fred Perry x Nicholas Daley Music Grant, set up at a time when independent music venues were unable to open and aspiring artists had to find alternative routes to make waves in the music scene we offered a grant to musicians to get their music out in the world. - Funding for Amy Winehouse Foundation helping thousands of young people to feel supported and informed, so that they are better able to manage their emotional wellbeing and make informed choices around things that can affect their lives. - Funding for The Music Venue Trust who secure and improve UK Grassroots Music Venues for the benefit of venues, communities and upcoming artists. - Diversity and Inclusivity group - passionate team made up of volunteer colleagues who are driving change with full support from the business. - Participating in 'Best Companies' initiative. Fred Perry is very proactively making steps to be an amazing place to work by putting their employees first. Currently a ’Very Good’ company to work with ambitions ‘Excellent’ company to work for. Key focus areas include Wellbeing and Giving Back. Currently ranked within Top 100 Best Large Companies to work for in the UK. - Leadership training for all management with a key focus topics such as ‘Trust’ and ‘Empathy’ including personal coaching. - Truly understands the importance of family life outside of work, recently updated their mat/paternity policy to extend 3 months full pay for fathers and 6 months full pay for mothers...and are constantly reviewing to improve. A particular career highlight was when I was last promoted to my dream job within the senior leadership team whilst I was several months pregnant and about to go on maternity leave, sadly I'm not hearing enough of this happening in the industry yet.
Cons
It’s disheartening to read a couple of reviews where people have felt they have had a bad experience based on their background. Although I would never use the words 'brown person' to describe myself I would technically fall under this label but my experience has not been the same as mentioned. Should we have more representation in the business? Absolutely Does the business recognise this and is constantly trying to improve? Completely.
