Colliers CRE has won a highly coveted award at this year's European Practice Management Awards organised by the Managing Partners' Forum.
The company's 'Working Together' development day programme won in the Best Learning Programme category and was the only award given to a property company on the night. The category is for firms whose development programmes combine a clear analysis of training and education needs with innovative interventions focused on business success and personal learning.
The development days ran between April 2007 and June 2008 and involved constructing eco-dome playhouses for junior school pupils and raising money for The New Start Trust (NEST) over an eight-hour period. After a successful pilot with Colliers CRE staff and employees from its client Nationwide's head office in Swindon, the concept was subsequently rolled out to six other locations across Colliers CRE's network of national offices. Almost 330 people took part and more than £70,000 was raised in total and has been used by NEST to build homes, schools and community centres for orphans and homeless children in Africa.
The programme brought staff together in an inspirational, challenging and fun way, while also focussing on the company's commitment to corporate responsibility within their local community.
Jenny Chandler, Head of Human Resources at Colliers CRE, commented:
"We are immensely proud that the 'Working Together' days have received such an important endorsement. This is testament to the considerable amount of time and effort spent on this hugely challenging, but extremely worthwhile, project."
The programme was devised by leadership development experts Aspire and encouraged participants to share their skills and experience, whilst also engaging the pupils in a community-based project and leaving them with a lasting gift.
The MPF introduced the awards to showcase the contribution of disciplines such as marketing, HR, technology, finance and facilities can make in managing a professional firm. Judging is the responsibility of a panel of 30 senior management consultants and experts from around the world.
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