Why core values are so important to ABEC

Our Group Managing Director, Matthew Morrall explains our six core values and how they shape everything from our approach to projects to how we manage our teams.

At ABEC our core values are more than just words on a poster. They are principles that we truly believe in and have developed over the last 20 years. Our core values are, as they should be, at the heart of our business, influencing our corporate strategy and our day-to-day behaviour. Our six core values are:

We always have a plan

We work with clients of all sizes and with varying levels of knowledge and experience about Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS). For those who do not have a suitable plan or programme in place for the project, we will step up. We work with the client’s team and other suppliers to develop a plan that will help ensure success. If they have a good plan already and we see an opportunity for improvement, we will always make a recommendation.

We always act with integrity

Integrity is essential to good relationships – both with our customers and our staff – as it is the basis of trust. We are always honest, treat everyone with respect, admit our mistakes and, importantly, learn from them.

We always go the extra mile

This is something that has always been part of the ABEC culture. If something requires more time and effort, but makes our clients’ lives easier, we will do it. The same goes for our team. We truly value any time that one of our colleagues goes out of their way to help another. Even what seems like a small thing might make a big difference.

We welcome change

Change can present challenges and is therefore often resisted. We strongly believe that the ability to accept change, work flexibly and adapt makes us stronger and gives us the opportunity to shine.

We always communicate effectively

Communication is essential to a successful contract and for fostering a strong and engaged team. While it may sound simple, it requires work. Ensuring everyone involved in a contract or project is kept in the loop and has the information they need helps keep work on track, builds stronger relationships and enables better collaboration. Similarly, two-way communication between employees and a management team helps everyone to understand, and importantly have a say in, the future direction of the business.

We always make work enjoyable

We spend around a third of our time at work; it’s essential we enjoy it. We believe in a healthy work-life balance and always allow the time and space within our work for a bit of fun.

Holding these core values is one thing, but it is also important to make them real; some businesses are never able to really take that final step. At ABEC we have incorporated these into everyday life in tangible ways:

• We show these values to the world by displaying them proudly on our website – and in articles such as this. This makes us accountable to colleagues and clients alike.
• Our core values are built into our staff appraisal process and form the basis of our personal and team objectives.
• We reward colleagues for demonstrating the core values and have introduced a system of digital ‘Thanks’ badges linked to these that colleagues can give to each other.

Core values give an organisation direction and shows the attitudes and actions they esteem most highly. At ABEC it has helped us shape the strong culture we have built and formed the foundation for the success we have enjoyed over the last two decades.