Customer Services at Hastings Direct

I joined Hastings Direct after hearing about the opportunities to progress and the training available. I wanted to develop my leadership skills further after gaining valuable call centre experience. I’ve always liked the coaching element of my role and developing colleagues in my team. In a performance-driven environment, it’s great to be able to see how I’m helping them improve on a daily basis. I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere here. In the call centre, there’s always an element of fun, with regular incentives and competitions.

Hastings Direct is continuously changing, which provides variety in my role and work. I’ve been a team leader in Sales, Customer Service and Retention since starting with the company in 2013. There’s also a range of business areas, which means they can offer opportunities to develop your skills or career. I enjoy the team atmosphere and the company recognises employees through programmes such as #recognise, which displays achievements or compliments from customers. There are also celebratory events such as the 4Cs awards evening.

After working in retail, I was interested in using my customer service skills in a new way, over the phone instead of face to face, so I applied to Hastings Direct. If you’re willing to put the work in, there are lots of development opportunities to build a long-term career here. I’ve had additional training and gained experience that’s really helped my personal and professional development. There’s a great social atmosphere too, with everything from team meals to staff awards that recognise great work.

I was working in another call centre and heard that Hastings Direct was an up and coming business that encourages growth and development for its employees. Working in a call centre or the finance industry can sometimes be high pressure. But working here’s fun because the company cares about its people. In fact, people are at the forefront of everything that Hastings Direct do. All levels of staff have the chance to give their input, feedback or ideas. You’re listened to and taken seriously, so you can see your ideas come to life in the business.

Hastings Direct is a fast paced and continuously growing business, so across our sites there are endless development opportunities which allow people to meet their needs. I’ve worked here for nine years and in that time, I’ve had seven different roles. The strong culture and employee incentives make it a great place to work. At the moment, the company’s supporting me in completing an underwriting CII qualification, with the option of going on to take a degree, which will open up other options to progress my career within Underwriting Services at Hastings Direct. And the shares scheme has given me opportunities I’d never have had before.

I feel that there are good opportunities to progress at Hastings Direct. The perception of working in a call centre or insurance might be that there aren’t many development opportunities. But, because the company’s growing so fast, there’s a range of career prospects in various departments and roles. The benefits and incentives here are also very competitive. Where possible, I always try and get involved with the incentives that Hastings Direct offer for overtime and good performance, as it’s a benefit that I value.

I chose Hastings Direct over another job offer because I had a call centre background and was used to a fast-paced environment. The 4Cs framework also appealed to me. I enjoy the quick rhythm of the working environment and value the opportunities to develop by learning new skills and knowledge as well as progressing my career. There’s extensive training and if an employee has a knowledge gap, there’s always a chance to build on this and support their understanding. The benefits package is an added bonus, together with the strong recognition everyone receives for their hard work and contribution.

Hastings Direct offered me a role where I could progress, as well as more sociable hours than my previous job. I really enjoy the focus on people. In my role, I need to ensure I’m giving my team an environment where they can flourish and that they all benefit from. I value that I can have a laugh and socialise with my colleagues while working. I think the 4Cs framework makes it a great place to work, because it puts colleagues at the centre of the company’s focus. We’re always considered as the business grows and implements changes.