Compass voted best industry organisation to work for

In a testament to its exceptional workplace environment, Compass Business Finance has been awarded the Asset Finance Connect (AFC) Best Organisation to Work for Award 2024.

This prestigious accolade, judged by the company’s own employees, underscores the deep appreciation and satisfaction felt by the Compass team towards their employers.

On receiving the honour at the AFC Summer Awards 2024, Jamie Nelson, Director at Compass Business Finance, expressed his elation: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won; it’s such a fantastic accolade. Our people are key to our success as a business, and we want to create an environment where they feel supported and can thrive.”

Founded in 2005 by brothers Mark and Jamie Nelson, Compass Business Finance has consistently grown year-on-year. With a turnover of £8.3 million and employing 24 staff members, the company has built a strong foundation for continued growth, particularly through recent strategic initiatives. These include key staff appointments and the establishment of a dedicated business support team, aimed at bolstering the next phase of business expansion.

David Bunker, who joined the Nelson brothers as the third director in 2018, has also contributed significantly to the company’s development. Under their leadership, Compass has cultivated a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas to drive innovation and improve business operations.

Mark Nelson emphasized the importance of this inclusive culture: “All the way through the business, we actively seek people to carve a view, come up with ideas, and find ways to improve the business. Although we can’t implement every suggestion, we listen and engage to understand what changes may need to take place.”

The company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment extends beyond the office. Compass actively participates in local charity events, organises social gatherings such as summer barbecues, and plans special trips like an upcoming visit to Paris to thank staff for their loyalty and contributions to the company’s success.

“We are incredibly proud of the company culture, where we put the customer at the forefront of all we do,” Mark Nelson added.

Winning the award and Compass’s unique culture

Reflecting on what the award means to Compass, Jamie Nelson stated, “From day one, we’ve strived to create a working environment where our people enjoy their work, feel supported, and know they are integral to the team. Maintaining these values as we grow is not easy, but this award demonstrates we are on the right track!”

The awards evening itself was a memorable event, bringing together various Compass team members from different business areas. Jamie Nelson noted, “It was a fantastic event, not just to share with each other, but to come together with industry colleagues and partners to have some fun, make new connections, and build on existing relationships.”

When asked what makes Compass a great place to work, Jamie highlighted the company’s exciting growth journey and collaborative environment. “Every member of the team has the ability to make their mark and make a difference. We try to think differently to traditional approaches and structures, enabling our team to develop according to their strengths, and we aim to have fun along the way. Most of all, I believe that we genuinely care about each other.”

Attracting and retaining young talent

Jamie also believes that Compass’s unique company culture and purpose are key to attracting and retaining young professional talent. “We have some fantastic young people within our business. They bring energy, fresh ways of thinking, and different sets of expectations. Being a relatively young business, we have been able to create and develop this culture as we grow, providing young talent with the support, space, and time they need to flourish.”

In discussing the asset finance industry’s broader challenge of attracting and retaining the next generation of talent, Jamie emphasized the importance of engagement and exposure to the industry. “It’s a great industry with many opportunities. As we bring more young people in, others will follow. Our team always returns from industry conferences and events feeling valued and encouraged, which is crucial for retention both for Compass and the industry as a whole.”

With its commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and enjoyable workplace, Compass Business Finance continues to set a high standard in the asset finance industry. The AFC Best Organisation to Work for Award 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of its outstanding efforts.