Huddersfield-based Portland Nurseries has rewarded employees with free childcare and other benefits as it celebrates its 30th Birthday.
Portland Nurseries celebrated 30 years of serving the local community this year, culminating in a festive celebration at Briar Court Hotel in Birchencliffe. At the party, joint MD Michael Murphy announced all staff will receive free childcare at the nurseries as a thank you for their dedication and hard work over the past three decades, with particular praise going to the staff that continue to work selflessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As well as free childcare, employees are also rewarded with flexible working hours, training and development, ‘Wellbeing Days’ off in addition to paid holidays and wellbeing plans with NHS therapists. There is also a Staff Loyalty Scheme which rewards staff with gifts and additional holidays for service over 5 years.
Taking care of the needs of its staff members is at the heart of Portland Nurseries success and is one of the reasons why staff retention is so high. The average tenure of an employee at Portland Nurseries is over 5 years – with 8 staff at 10 years, 3 at 15 years, 2 at 20 years and 2 at 25+ years.
Speaking about their 30th Year and providing free childcare for staff, Michael said: “We have enjoyed many successful years over the past three decades. We have helped nurture thousands of children and worked with countless families to give them the best start in life.
“Our success is down to our wonderful staff – the fond memories and amazing experiences they help create for everyone who comes through our doors. Giving them free childcare is a natural step in our benefits scheme structure that we are constantly improving to help and reward them.”
Portland, which has four nurseries across Huddersfield, is looking to add more settings to the group as it enters a new decade.
