“We’re proud to have worked with The Marketing Pod to deliver this award-winning internal event, which recognised our colleagues’ contribution to helping businesses through Covid-19 and the energy crisis.”
npower Business Solutions (NBS)
Our Better Together event with npower Business Solutions, won Gold at the CIPR PRide Awards.
nPower Business Solutions (nBS) is the UK’s leading provider of business energy solutions. Serving more than 22,000 I&C customers across more than 100,000 sites, they help organisations buy and use energy more efficiently, supporting businesses in their path to net zero.
The brief
Following its 2019 acquisition of npower, E.ON carved out npower Business Solutions (nBS), initially operating separately as a leading provider of energy solutions for businesses. During 2020 E.ON began integrating the two companies' successful Industrial & Commercial (I&C) activities under the nBS banner and 'powered by E.ON'. This activity unfortunately coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the UK gradually emerged from pandemic restrictions nearly two years later, feedback revealed a sense of disconnection among employees, particularly in the I&C division. The challenges of the pandemic, coupled with significant changes within the business and the ongoing energy crisis, heightened feelings of uncertainty and stress among employees. Recognising the need to address this issue, the senior leadership team (SLT) conceived the 'Better Together' event as a means of acknowledging employees' contributions during challenging times, emphasising their value and fostering a sense of fun and 're-networking' after months of physical separation.
In order to bring it to life, nBS reached out to The Marketing Pod’s experts with our experience of delivering successful marketing events.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the event were to reconnect team members, elevate employee satisfaction levels and boost productivity. The event aimed to provide a platform for employees to share their experiences on social media, leveraging the hashtag #BetterTogether to enhance the employer profile of nBS.
With a budget of £50K, the event was scheduled for July 2022, only four weeks away from the decision date.
Our approach
TMP collaborated closely with nBS, tasked with designing and planning the event agenda and activities. To create a relaxed atmosphere, it was decided that five half-day events should be hosted rather than a single large gathering. The Butterfly Room in Solihull was selected as the venue, providing a versatile space divided into three thematic 'zones': retro, funfair and sports, each manned by members of the SLT.
Creativity and innovation: The event was promoted through personalised invitation emails from the SLT, expressing gratitude for employees' commitment during challenging times. The event featured interactive games designed to promote engagement, spark conversations and create shared experiences. A photographer captured reportage shots, providing attendees with positive memories and keepsakes marked with the 'Better Together' watermark.
Delivery: The Pod's Content, Creative and Accounts teams collaborated with print partners Mauve Create to deliver a fully branded event within a challenging four-week deadline. The venue was adorned with branded decorations, merchandise and signage, ensuring employees felt a strong sense of pride and belonging. An event video produced by our Creative team was played on multiple screens throughout the venue, displaying messages of gratitude and pride from nBS leaders.
The event itself was hosted by venue staff, Pod team members and the SLT, who embraced fancy dress to add a personal touch. Each day concluded with a short awards ceremony, recognising employees' contributions during lockdown and awarding experience vouchers and prizes. Branded Better Together cupcakes and drinks further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, all achieved within the allocated £50,000 budget.
The results
The initial success of the event has been measured in the amount of overwhelmingly positive feedback received. Employees have expressed gratitude through written thanks and social media posts. Management reported an immediate change in atmosphere and heightened motivation among teams.
The longer-term impact of the event is anticipated to include a more unified I&C division, capable of delivering customer service excellence and consistent performance. Additionally, with posts about the event on social media highlighting a positive employee culture, it’s expected to boost brand reputation.
