New Directions helps Mr X Christmas Appeal

Staff at New Directions took part in the annual MR X Appeal, the appeal is a South Wales based charity which was founded over 50 years ago. Participants in the scheme are provided with the name and age and sex of a child who they then purchase a Christmas present for.  Gifts can range from toys to sweets but the charity does not accept cash.

50 staff members from New Directions took part in the scheme, with staff from all departments bringing in a wide assortment of gifts for children across South Wales, making sure they had something to open on Christmas day.

The Mr X Christmas appeal has grown considerably supplying presents to over 4000 children last year alone. Although his identity is unknown, Mr X is now into his 90’s and has spearheaded his festive charity with local companies in South Wales. This Christmas the gift appeal is hoping to supply over 6000 presents to children.

Leah Seltzer, Head of Compliance, who organized the collection of gifts from the New Directions staff had this to say about the appeal. “The Mr X Appeal was a fantastic opportunity for New Directions to support disadvantaged children across South Wales. In our first year of supporting the appeal, we provided presents to 50 children. Many people want to get their families involved, so we are hoping to support 100 children next Christmas. The feedback we had from participants was fantastic; it was certainly an emotional process, but all those who took part really enjoyed choosing presents for their sponsored child, and will most certainly be taking part again. The most special thing about this appeal is you know exactly who you are buying for (their first name and age is given), which made the appeal more personal. I would encourage all companies to participate in the Mr X Appeal if they can, and join in the Christmas spirit!”

New Directions Make Inspiring Companies list

New Directions has been recognised by London Stock Exchange Group in their report of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.’ The landmark report identifies Small and Medium size enterprises throughout Britain who they describe as the’ Lifeblood of the UK economy’.

Growth Intelligence worked with London Stock Exchange Group to compile the report. The report does not just focus on short term revenue and profit growth of each company but rather focuses on companies who have outperformed their peers on a variety of metrics including growth in employee numbers and work space occupied.

The business which specialises in recruitment and training for the education, social care, domiciliary care and pharmaceutical sectors has had a very successful 2013 with year on year growth of around 30% and nine operating teams, across England and Wales. New Directions has also been awarded the accreditation of Investors in People as well as gaining the ISO9001- Quality Management and ISO14001-Environmental Management benchmarks.

Speaking about his delight at making the list, Jeff Tune commented ‘We are absolutely delighted at being recognised by London Stock Exchange Group as one of the 1000 companies to inspire Britain. We are proud to be one of only 22 recruitment and staffing companies that have been recognised across the UK. This recognition is testament to the hard work from all our teams across the UK. When this company started as a family-run agency, we committed to celebrating all of our team successes. This is a real highlight for 2013’.

New Directions was set up in 1999 by Jeff and Zoe Tune. The business now operates throughout the UK and employs over 125 staff. The company has made a real commitment to evolving as an employer of choice in the last 12 months.

Mehnaz Khan, Group Communications Assistant adds ‘This acknowledgement by London Stock Exchange Group tops off a year of successes here at New Directions. As a company we have grown so much as over the past few years and witnessed real change and innovation in the business. Being recognised as an inspirational company in the UK speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to becoming an employer of choice and is also in line with the company’s values.’