Staff milestones boost gifting company

Corporate gifting company Colleague Box has reported a big rise in business thanks to orders celebrating employee milestones.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Derby, has said that one of its most popular boxes so far this year has been for new starters.

However, there has also been a flurry of orders post-Christmas for companies wanting to celebrate work anniversaries, promotions and retirements.

Natalie Bamford, who set up Colleague Box with husband Adam almost four years ago, said: “The first three months of a year are when most people start to look for a new job.

“Onboarding boxes for new employees are really popular; we can design the sleeves on the boxes to fit with a company brand, in corporate colours, and there is the option to add branded merchandise in there, too.

“We have produced those for the likes of Arden University and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

“However, there has been an increase in those wanting to celebrate occasions such as a new baby, new home or marriage too.

“Those who have received a Colleague Box to mark these occasions have said that it shows they’re valued and appreciated by their employer. It’s a great way of retaining and attracting talent to a business.”

Research carried out by http://Reed.co.uk revealed that 75% of UK workers were job hunting in January 2023, with many pondering a new year, new career.

Natalie says that software readily available to HR departments that makes sure an employee milestone isn’t missed, has helped with an increase in business for Colleague Box.

She said: “There is software that many of our clients use which automatically adds us (Colleague Box) to the HR workflow.

“It alerts a business to a certain milestone and will automatically contact Colleague Box to make us aware. We can then take care of curating the box and send it direct to the recipient.”