Case study: Vedas Recruitment and Training
Lesley Burrows, of Vedas Recruitment and Training Limited -
There is a wide range of Advice and Support for SME's offered by Lancaster University with many different training programmes available.
Background
Before joining Vedas, Lesley worked for Burnley Enterprise for two and a half years where she was committed to working on schemes that would benefit her local community.
“I’ve always been very focused on projects that will develop and improve my local area, and the work I did at Burnley Enterprise mirrored my passion for these schemes. So when an opportunity came up at Vedas I jumped at the chance to be involved in more projects to help with the regeneration of Burnley and get more people back into work,” said Lesley.
Nearly five years on and Lesley has achieved her goal by working her way up in the company to Managing Director and overseeing the team of 18. This is quite an achievement at such a young age particularly given that women often hit the glass ceiling when aiming for more senior positions. But in Lesley’s case it couldn’t be further from the truth. She has taken Vedas from strength to strength by offering a diverse range of training programmes that some consultancies could not compete with. Vedas have also re-qualified for the Investors in People (IIP) award, and this outlines their commitment to the training and development of their staff.
Vedas Recruitment and Training works in partnership with Burnley Borough Council to re-build the Lancashire town that has experienced severe problems - including race riots and deprivation. Lesley said: “We have always been committed to the progression of Burnley and the development of the people. We strongly believe that everyone should be given the chance and opportunity to move on with their lives and that is why Vedas strongly believe in corporate and social responsibility: the chance to put something back into the community. Vedas is proud to have pioneered three not-for-profit schemes that help to do this by aiming to get people back into work against the odds.”
Work and life balance
As a hard working woman in the workplace Lesley has had to juggle work, study and family commitments as a new mum. Lesley stresses the importance of women in the workplace achieving a healthy work/life balance, “It is possible for women to have their cake and eat it in today’s society. It’s all about prioritising. My mission is to juggle being a mum with my profession and my study. With a supportive family and conscientious planning skills I feel that this can be achieved.” It appears that women are also achieving more senior positions. Lesley further added “More women in the workplace are being recognised for senior positions. Women in business are definitely becoming more prominent and their entrepreneurial skills are shining through.”
The LEAD programme at Lancaster University has given Lesley the chance to develop her management skills and improve the efficiency of Vedas - ensuring results time and time again, for clients and for candidates. Always aiming high, Lesley has contacted the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to ask if he will act as mentor to her throughout the programme!
“I’m hoping to implement ideas I have learnt on the LEAD programme and continue with my ongoing mission to develop and strengthen Vedas.”
As part of the LEAD programme, Lesley has taken part in leadership and management masterclasses with professors at Lancaster University Management School, and she has also worked under the guidance of inspirational speakers such as mountaineer and expedition leader, Sir Chris Bonington. The LEAD programme will ensure that Lesley is given the opportunity to develop Vedas as a company, but also to continue with the company's dedication and commitment to employment and social inclusion in Burnley. This is reflected through the Vedas community-based projects to help those that face barriers to employment get back into the workplace. To show their dedication to actively supporting those with employment barriers, Vedas has sponsored the Burnley Business and Innovation Award for Social Inclusion and Employment for the last few years.
The future’s bright
Lesley is now looking forward to spending the next few months out of the office with her newborn baby daughter. “It’s a very exciting time at the moment. I’m planning to go back to work after a short break to recuperate and spend some quality time with my family. When I return to work I’m hoping to implement ideas I have learnt on the LEAD programme and continue with my ongoing mission to develop and strengthen Vedas.”
