Business name: Degree 53
Based: Manchester
Website: www.degree53.com
Nominated by: Hayley Stoddart, sales and marketing executive
Andy, 31, is the managing director of Degree 53, a digital design and build agency, based in Manchester’s Sharp Project. The team’s grown from 25 in 2013 to 53 today.
A young entrepreneur himself, Andy is dedicated to bringing in and retaining young talent. Last year he recruited six graduates, two apprentices and an IT undergraduate.
Andy is keen to create transparency and give us a chance to share and address any hurdles we’re facing in our weekly team stand-up meetings.
He recently introduced 15five, a weekly employee feedback system allowing us to discuss tasks confidentially. He welcomes company feedback and appreciates our opinion. We feel part of the business.
We vote for our ‘star of the month’, which boosts team morale and fosters mutual respect.
Access to training programmes and events are provided. This ensures we’re up to date with industry trends and continue to develop our skills.
Andy believes in giving promotions when deserved, irrespective of age and experience. Some of those that came into the business as graduates are now senior staff members.
Sickness rates are low and flexitime is available, which is valuable for people with children or who travel far. It also means lateness is virtually non-existent. Andy also offers childcare vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.
Under Andy’s leadership, he is confident in delivering underlying pre-tax profits of £204k as well as being on course to post sales of £2.85m this financial year.
