The Growth Company delivers bespoke project management programme to Sotheby’s, London

The first cohort will be delivered for Sotheby’s, the iconic auction house and coincides with the launch of our London office.

The challenge

Sotheby’s were looking for a project management programme that would enable them to invest their Levy funds into nurturing and developing their in-house talent. They approached various different training providers and universities, but it was The Growth Company that provided the right fit.

Why us?

Anna McCafferty, Senior HR Officer, Sotheby’s, explains, “A key requirement was the ability to hold training on-site to maximise programme retention. Our staff work incredibly hard, and we needed a programme that would minimise disruption and deliver the best outcomes for employees and the business.”

She added, “From the very first meeting, the team at GC Education & Skills really listened to what we needed and we felt confident they were the right fit for us. They invested a significant amount of their time and expertise in understanding Sotheby’s and adapting the programme to accommodate our specific business requirements and timescales.

We were also reassured by their proven track record and expertise in working with the Levy system. As an employer that hasn’t navigated the Levy system before, it was important for us to get this right. GC’s personalised, flexible approach, combined with their extensive Levy knowledge and ambition to grow their offer, convinced us that GC was the right company for us.”

We’re pleased to say that engagement and interest in the programme from Sotheby’s employees has been so high that the course is over-subscribed – with a waiting list in place for any future cohorts. The current 13-strong cohort were inducted in March and initial feedback is positive, the course will run for the next 12-18 months.”

The importance of employee development

Sotheby’s pride themselves on the learning and development opportunities that they offer their employees. Anna McCafferty Senior HR Officer, Sotheby’s, thinks that Levy payers shouldn’t let their funds go to waste. Her views echo our own insights, which conclude that there are ‘real benefits’ on offer to companies who utilise the Levy – especially to upskill existing employees through higher-level training programmes.

Anna said “There is an element of confusion about the system and how to navigate it, but my advice to other Levy–payers is that it is definitely worth pursuing. Our employees are delighted we’ve been able to offer them this opportunity.”

She added, “If all goes well we hope to roll-out the programme annually, and we wouldn’t hesitate in working with The Growth Company in the future on this and our other training needs”.