Bright Horizons Family Solutions is forming a new European management team to help the company continue to seize opportunities for growth. Last year it purchased the Teddies group of 32 nurseries, which made it the largest provider of full daycare settings, with a total 138 nurseries in the UK. On a global basis Bright Horizons Family Solutions operates over 600 settings.
The new team is headed by Carole Edmond, UK managing director, who came to Bright Horizons with the acquisition of Teddies. Having overseen the integration of the two companies, Ms Edmond will now be focusing on developing business in the UK and Ireland. Stephen Kramer retains overall management of the European business, particularly in terms of client partnerships and growth.
The change brings two other promotions. Anne Sheldon and Martina Murphy, formerly senior regional managers, have been promoted to director of operations for England and Wales, and director of operations for Scotland and Ireland, respectively. Linda Oury, who is currently director of operations, Europe, will be working with both to ensure the transition of operational responsibilities is smooth, before heading back to the US later this year.
A very important part of the company's culture is its annual Awards of Excellence, which recognise achievement across all areas of its operations. Parents, customers and peers submit written nominations, and the winners receive their awards at a formal event.
Communications manager Deb Gemmell says, 'Every year awards are given globally, nationally and regionally. The awards mean a lot because they are based on the nominations of peers and clients. The biggest accolade is the Janice Hill Award which was launched in the US, and gives global recognition of exemplary practice at grassroots level.'
Another award, called Making a Difference, recognises community or charity work carried out by staff. These winners receive a cash sum through the Bright Horizons Foundation which they can donate to the charity of their choice. The Foundation also raises money for causes including Bright Spaces, for play spaces in children and family refuges. 'Our employers appreciate this link between their personal and professional lives,' says Ms Gemmell.
In-house training is to evolve under the new organisation. Bright Horizons currently offers online leadership programmes which can be tailored to individual settings, along with workshops and conferences. These cover areas such as goal setting, job performance, and planning for growth and learning. An online system developed for appraisals includes feedback from peers.
