PRIZE-winning PR agency Watershed has been awarded government funding to develop its HR programme.
The grant from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is to help organisations with growth potential and this can be used to develop leadership and management skills.
Watershed Principal Sara Hudston said: ‘People really are our greatest asset. I want to make sure that as we grow, we remain a fantastic place to work, one of the best in Dorset.’
Watershed is using the money to part-fund work with an external HR consultant. Rosemary Martin of Resolve Human Resources and Evolve Leadership from Christchurch is working with the consultancy on a six-month programme.
‘My approach is based on the Investors in People standard, which helps firms transform their business performance. It’s very exciting to be working with such a committed and go-ahead firm as Watershed.’
Watershed has expanded over the last year and has clients across the South West. It employs seven people at its Bridport base and will be looking to recruit further.
‘We are extending our new media capacities, including social media and online video,’ said Sara.
‘The changing digital landscape offers great opportunities for businesses to connect with customers and Watershed is at the forefront of this. But technology is nothing without people, which is why we put such emphasis on making sure we are a good place to work.’
The Leadership and Management Advisory Service in the South offers a free service which includes a training needs analysis to help the Business Leader identify the training and development requirements. Grants are available to eligible companies in the South West and South East regions with two to 250 full-time equivalent employees. Up to £1,000 matched funding can be put towards training activities. For further information see www.skillsoutheast.co.uk
