Name: Inspira
Based: Northwood
Website: www.inspira-uk.com
Flexible working is at the heart of my professional business services consultancy, Inspira. I launched the business in 2003, when my son Joe was just three years old.
It wasn’t easy starting a new business while juggling the demands of bringing up a young child but, from day one, I was determined to achieve a better work/life balance for myself and my staff.
I recruited other parents from the school playground. Experienced professionals who had made the choice to leave demanding careers to have a family, but still wanted a fulfilling and challenging work life.
I’ve worked hard to foster a flexible and supportive working culture throughout the business. I lead by example, often leaving work at 4pm to spend time with my son, working around sports days and school performances and I encourage the team to do exactly the same. Employees can work from home whenever they need to.
I firmly believe that having a flexible working structure represents the ultimate win-win. I get highly experienced, professional staff members that are committed and loyal and have a vested interest in ensuring that flexibility works for them, Inspira and our clients.
Inspira is going from strength to strength and I’m aiming to double turnover and profits within three years. With a 95% client retention rate and staff members that have been here since the early days, I attribute flexible working and a supportive culture as instrumental my business success.
Sue Higgins is managing director of Inspira.
