Four employees from the Manchester marketing company I-COM celebrate a combined 50 years at the award-winning company
David Walsh, Director of Technology Solutions has spent 16 years at the company. Kate Smith, Client Services Director and Jane Cragg, Project Manager have both spent 12 years with I-COM and Front End Developer Mark Adams has recently celebrated his 11th work anniversary, a total of 51 years.
I-COM prides itself on the long tenure of its employees and in 2019 took the step to become an employee-owned business. This was part of a strategy to ensure that the focus of the business is on allowing employees to grow and feel passionate about the work they are producing.
This is reflected in the numbers at I-COM with 48% of employees at the firm having been there for more than five years, despite recent growth-led hires. With the marketing sector seeing on average a 30% turnover in employees annually this marks a stark contrast to the norm seen in other agencies.
Ravi Bhalla, Managing Director of I-COM said: “Putting our employees at the forefront of our strategy as a business empowers them to develop to be the best that they can possibly be. We want to allow everyone at I-COM to grow to their full potential and this approach means we are also able to do fantastic work for our clients.”
David Walsh, Director of Technology Solutions said: “Sixteen years ago, I began my journey with I-COM after an interview with Ravi in a Bolton coffee shop. Starting out as a developer, I've grown into the role of Director of Technology Solutions. This progression reflects the company's meritocratic spirit and its appreciation for dedication and loyalty. Over the years, I've witnessed incredible changes in our industry - from the ways we build websites to the programming languages we use - and I've loved adapting to this ever-evolving landscape.”
Kate Smith, Client Services Director: “When I joined I-COM 12 years ago I had no idea what a huge part it would play in my life. There have been some real stand-out moments for me including the triple award win in 2014, becoming employee-owned, being appointed as a director in 2019, and reaching my 10 year anniversary in 2022. The fact that so many of us have been working for I-COM for such a long time is a testament to the culture and the management.”
Jane Cragg, Project Manager had this to say: "Over the past 12 years at I-COM, I’ve had the privilege of growing both personally and professionally. Starting in SEO, moving through PPC and Analytics, and now thriving as a Project Manager for the last five years, I’ve embraced every opportunity to learn and evolve. Beyond the day-to-day, I've loved getting involved in the fun side of I-COM - organising Christmas parties, raising funds for charities, and sharing laughter at random socials. Being part of a team that truly supports one another while delivering fantastic results is something I deeply value. I feel lucky to have found a workplace that blends professional growth with personal connections so seamlessly."
Mark Adams Front End Developer said: "I've truly enjoyed the journey working at I-COM for the last 11 years. The culture and people are what make the company a great place to work. This culture has not only made work enjoyable, but the support I've received both professionally and personally throughout my time here has made a big impression. The nature of my role has enabled me to take on a variety of projects and challenges, continually expanding my skills from the creative to the technical, always with the opportunity to be exposed to all other aspects of the business. The diversity of work means every day is different and interesting, each bringing its own challenges to overcome."
