Ad Talent // Newsletter September 2010

Virgin Active took third place in the large company category in this year's survey, the first year the company has entered. Symon Wooldridge, Head of People at Virgin Active South Africa, says it is thanks to the collective efforts of its staff. "Our philosophy is built on the belief that if we look after our people first, they in turn will look after our customers and happy customers are the key to any successful business."

The company is thrilled to celebrate its achievement with staff, thanking them for acknowledging its efforts to continually enhance and improve the company culture. The last year for Virgin Active has seen many new initiatives introduced for staff including the introduction of a medical aid subsidy, improved staff rooms, an international exchange programme and more training resource with a particular focus on induction, service delivery and leadership development. All staff are now able to take the day off on their birthday so they can spend it with their families, and also receive a day off every year to help with local community initiatives.

"We are committed to becoming a leading employer in South Africa and taking part in the Deloitte Best Company to Work For survey is part of this journey by benchmarking ourselves against other leading South African companies," says Wooldridge. The survey also provided an opportunity to assess staff comments and feedback, looking at ways to make Virgin Active an even better place to work at.

"This great result has been made possible by the commitment and dedication of the people at Virgin Active and no doubt we will all celebrate this achievement in true Virgin Active style."

Industry Antics from this Newsletter:

• Camp Rock II Hits SA This Week
• MWEB Powers 2oceansvibe Radio
• Global Custom Publishing Group Makes Strategic Appointment In SA
• Algoa FM Team Wins Media Shoot-Out
• Algoa FM “Refreshes” Line-Up Ahead Of 25th Anniversary
• "Speakers Corner To Launch New Amarok For Volkswagen"
• Suite Deal For Sports Fans For Saturday’s Soweto Derby
• Bester Burke Slingers Welcomes New Group Company, DONA (Department Of Native Audiences)
• Circle Of Excellence Focuses On Delivering The Leaders Of Tomorrow
• Health Of The Nation Scores With Kellogg’s®
• BP Still No 1 Thanks To Customers-BP Was Named SA’s Top Petroleum Brand For 10th Consecutive Year
• Brewster Goes Native
• Grande Provence Boasts Double Gold Status At The 2010 Michelangelo Wine Awards
• Diners Club Presents A Platinum Award To Kurland
• Hunters Country House Wins Diamond At Diners Club Winelist Awards
• Diners Club Winelist Awards 2010 Present Diamond Award To ‘Pure’
• Hotel Izulu Awarded Platinum
• The Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa Hosts Acclaimed Anglo Zulu War Raconteur Rob Caskie For 1 Night Only
• Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa Garners Another Award
• Zinzi’s Chef Wins Unilever Chef Of The Year 2010
• Hunter Hotels Receive Two American Express® Platinum Card Fine Dining Awards
• Fragile Earth’ Glass Exhibition Showcases @ The Gallery
• Ratecard.co.za - All Your Media Rate Cards On One Deck
• Agencies Should Not Delay Preparations For The Consumer Protection Act Of 2008
• Virgin Active Is One Of The Best Companies To Work For