Joining us for the latest edition of MD Culture Club is IMS.
We spoke to three of their team members to find out what working at IMS is like!
Talent lead/HR questions
Bekki Walker- HR Manager
Please tell us a little bit about the company, before describing the culture at the organisation.
We share a passion for making driving safer, smarter, and fairer for all. IMS is the only technology provider to deliver products and solutions that are proven to help drivers improve their driving behaviour through customer engagement-led product design, innovative risk-based pricing, and new approaches to collision detection and claims management. Our People-Powered Technology™ combines unrivalled industry experience with a track record of customer success to support insurers in delivering telematics and connected insurance solutions.
Our Mission: DRIVING CHANGE
We are unified by a common purpose to drive change through our products while positively impacting our communities, industry, and society at large.
- Purpose-Driven: We focus on promoting safe driving behaviours, reducing collisions, and ultimately saving lives.
- Community: We help our communities thrive through charitable acts, volunteering, and partnerships.
- Driving Change: We bring innovation to our industry, enabling insurers to explore telematics and connected insurance in transformative ways.
- Education: We empower drivers with educational content to promote safe driving practices.
- Tangible Results: Our solutions make driving safer, smarter, greener, and more economical while delivering fairer outcomes where accidents occur.
How does the company go above and beyond to attract and retain talent?
IMS is dedicated to creating an engaging and supportive environment for its people by:
- Promoting Development: We invest in employee growth through training opportunities, certifications, and career development pathways.
- Wellbeing and Support: We prioritise employee wellbeing, offering mental health resources, flexible working options, and comprehensive benefits packages.
- Recognition and Reward: We celebrate achievements with regular recognition programs, rewards, and opportunities to showcase success.
- Inclusive Culture: Our culture is built on inclusivity, where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
- Purposeful Work: Employees are inspired by our shared mission to save lives and improve driving behaviours, connecting their daily work to a meaningful purpose.
What does the future look like for the company and its employees?
IMS is positioned for a future of growth and innovation, which translates into exciting opportunities for its employees.
- Innovation-Driven Success: As we pioneer new solutions in telematics and connected insurance, employees will be at the forefront of shaping the industry’s future.
- Career Progression: With our expanding portfolio and market reach, employees can expect robust career development and progression opportunities.
- Sustainability Commitment: We aim to be a leader in greener driving solutions, creating opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the environment.
- Empowered Workforce: By fostering an environment of learning and collaboration, employees will continue to drive meaningful change in their roles and beyond.
Together, we are Driving Change to make roads safer, lives better, and the future brighter for all.
New Starter questions
Max Davenport- Head of FP&A
Can you describe your role at the company?
As the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), I play a pivotal role in the financial and strategic planning of the company. My responsibilities include supporting the organisation with monthly forecasting and annual budget setting, ensuring that we have accurate and actionable financial data to guide our decisions. I also provide ad hoc analysis to support investment decisions, helping to evaluate potential opportunities and risks. In my role as a finance business partner, I collaborate closely with various departments to align financial goals with business objectives, fostering a culture of financial accountability and strategic thinking across the organization. Additionally, I manage and develop financial models that are essential for our business operations, ensuring they are robust and adaptable to changing conditions. I also support finance transformation and modernisation initiatives, driving improvements in our financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
What was it about the organization that attracted you to the role?
I was drawn to this organisation for several reasons. Firstly, the company is ambitious and growing, which presents numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. The sector we operate in is particularly interesting to me, as it has a purposeful mission to help our end customers become safer on the road. This aligns with my personal values and desire to work for a company that makes a positive impact. Additionally, the company genuinely cares about its mission and the wellbeing of its staff, creating a supportive and motivating work environment. The fact that the company operates in multiple countries also adds complexity, offering a dynamic and diverse workplace with the potential for international collaboration and exposure.
Can you describe the onboarding process you’ve experienced?
The onboarding process at the company was both honest and welcoming, which made a significant difference in how quickly I was able to settle into my role. From the outset, I felt supported and valued, with introductions to key stakeholders for my role during my first week which helped me to integrate smoothly into the team. The use of technology further facilitated a seamless onboarding experience, allowing me to access necessary resources and training materials efficiently. This combination of a supportive environment and effective use of technology ensured that I was well-prepared to contribute to the company from the very beginning.
Long-term employee questions
Simon Tunaley- Head of IPC (Incident, Problem, Change)
Can you describe your role at the company?
I look after incidents in the IT sense, so if a system isn’t available then I’m the incident manager. I also look after Problem and Change management, as the three are very closely aligned. In addition, I’m accountable for ensuring observability and monitoring of our Production systems is in place. I often work with people in stressful situations, which means you get to know how people will respond and who is best suited for a particular task. As our organisation has grown, along the size of our customers, our processes and ways of working have had to mature to align with their expectations, something which has been challenging but mutually beneficial.
You’ve been with the company for several years. Can you tell me what has kept you there so long?
I like the fact that I don’t get pigeonholed here and have had the opportunity to explore different roles. The main thing that keeps me here though is the talented people I get to work with daily. The technology is exciting, but also beneficial as it helps people to drive safely. We also ensure that we have fun whilst working, with lots of social events and themed days where people get together in the office. We have adapted well post-covid and hybrid / flexible working is the norm. Our company values are reflected in a hub where we can recognise and reward people for meeting them. We have monthly updates as to the company performance and an opportunity to ask the executive team any questions, we are very open in that respect. We have regular staff surveys and importantly, they are also acted upon with changes implemented as a result.
What would you say to a person considering joining the company?
Be prepared to get stuck in! As a lean organisation there is no place for “its not my job”, everyone is expected to contribute, often outside of the job description, there are always opportunities to increase your knowledge. We are of a size where its possible to know everyone fairly quickly. We are agile and fast paced, but also pragmatic when required.
Thank you IMS.
