Joining us for the latest edition of MD Culture Club is Power Platform experts Bespoke.
We spoke to three of their team members to find out what working at Bespoke is like!
Chief Operating Officer - Beckie
Can you tell us a little bit about the company, before describing the culture at the organisation?
Bespoke is a Microsoft Partner specialising in Power Platform, a low-code solution designed to enhance accessibility to data and automation. We work with our customers to support their adoption of the platform, training and empowering their citizen developers and building out the analytics, applications and automations needed to drive their business forward.
At Bespoke, our incredible team of highly talented and supportive individuals encourage inclusivity and diversity of thought throughout the business. We promote agility, ownership, and autonomy at all levels. Recognising that engaging work in an enjoyable environment is what our team needs to flourish. We balance the serious elements of software development with the playful. For example, we recently hosted a murder mystery event to bring our team together.
How does the company go above and beyond to attract and retain tech talent?
We adopt an inclusive approach to recruitment, reaching out to talent wherever they may be rather than confining our search to a specific location or partnership. We’re a remote business and maintain trusted partnerships with long-standing recruiters and bootcamps. In recent years we’ve seen an increasing number of people come to us through recommendations from our existing team, and connections, which is always a pleasure to see.
Ultimately, we want the best person for the role and understand that people take different routes to reach their potential, so we prioritise creating a positive recruitment experience that allows individuals to showcase their best selves. We love to help individuals grow through programmes like our Power Platform academy and encourage our team to work towards expert certifications. This continual learning in a supportive environment is key to keeping our team happy and delivering our projects successfully.
What does the future look like for the company and its employees?
We are in an exciting phase of growth both at Bespoke and the Microsoft Power Platform in general. In light of this growth, Bespoke is set to evolve its offerings, deepen our already specialist knowledge and start to push the boundaries of the newest additions in AI such as CoPilot. It’s an exciting time to join us as part of the team or a customer.
The new starter - Char
Can you describe your role at the company?
I am the Marketing Executive at Bespoke and my role covers various marketing activities. These include crafting a monthly internal newsletter, managing our social media presence, updating the website, creating brochures, developing case studies, organising events, producing partner marketing materials, conducting surveys, and overseeing marketing budgets, among other tasks.
What was it about the organisation that attracted you to the role?
I always wanted to get into the tech industry, this was also the first time I was learning about the Power Platform and if anything, this intrigued my interest more. Additionally, during my research into the company I came across delightful reviews about my potential new manager. This positive feedback highlighted her exceptional leadership and collaborative approach, making me even more eager to work under her guidance and learn. Additionally, I resonated with Bespoke's values, and I found myself envisioning a positive and fulfilling work experience within the company which is exactly what I have gained by joining the team.
Can you describe the onboarding process you’ve experienced?
From the start, I had the opportunity to observe meetings right from the beginning, gaining valuable insights into the operations and the benefits of the Power Platform. Additionally, I engaged in one-on-one sessions with various team members, all of whom were incredibly accommodating, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Throughout this process, my manager provided consistent support, guiding me from the initial stages until now. Approaching my six-month mark, I can genuinely attest to having acquired a wealth of knowledge and finding genuine enjoyment in my role at Bespoke.
The long-term employee - Jeff
Can you describe your role at the company?
I have two roles within the company, I am an Engineering Manager and a Power BI developer.
As an Engineering Manager, I am part of the hiring and onboarding process. This involves selecting the most suitable candidate and welcoming them to the company in their first week. I also have a weekly catch-up with my manager to give an update on the team that I lead and to develop my leadership skills further. Additionally, I conduct one-to-one sessions with our team members in the Philippines to ensure that they are happy in their work and supported in the challenges they may face.
Whereas, being a Power BI Developer, I use Microsoft Power BI to create reports and dashboards based on our clients' requirements to help them gain insights into their businesses and make more informed decisions.
You’ve been at the company for a number of years, can you tell me what has kept you at the company for so long?
Throughout my career, I have worked through multiple industries and roles from fast food, to customer service and later as a reporting analyst; I can say that my experience here at Bespoke has been the highlight of my career. I am grateful that they gave me this opportunity, and everyone is super nice, approachable, and willing to help. The managers genuinely care about their employees, actively encouraging a healthy work-life balance, and ensuring that the workload is appropriately balanced. It's safe to say that this type of workplace culture is rare to come by.
What would you say to a person considering joining the company?
If you are looking for a company that will nurture your growth while having fun with lovely and kind coworkers, Bespoke is the place to be! I have full confidence that Bespoke will continue to thrive, making it an incredibly exciting time to become a part of the company.
