1. SUMMER 2009
news and insight for HR professionals
“Exceptional times at
Virgin Media demand
exceptional people”
Almost as soon as Virgin Media launched, it became
clear that the operation was far more that a simple
re-naming exercise of the merged NTL / Telewest cable
companies. Improved customer service combined
with better value and wider choice was evident
from day one. Also in place from day one was an
agreement for Virgin Media to work in partnership with
Provide. The preferred supplier agreement covers
all areas, including engineering, security, IT, Network
Operations and Software Development. Provide’s
claim to offer “exceptional people” must have struck a
chord because in such a fast changing and dynamic
sector, only exceptional people need apply.
Hayden Male
With a strong track record in working with some of Delivery Director
the UK’s fastest growing IT, Telecoms and Media for Virgin Media
companies and ICT departments within multinationals,
Provide was keen to show that they were able to
find the right people for the job. So far they have Working as a team
introduced candidates for centres in Hook, Croydon,
Winchester, Birmingham and Trowbridge. Positions As Provide’s Delivery Director, Hayden Male oversees
filled have included web developers, systems all operations and also looks after the area of
engineers and network security analysts. telecoms (voice, data, broadband, IP and internet/
information security) where many existing recruits
“To date, not a single one of the introductions we have come from. Chris Murdoch has special interests
have arranged has chosen to leave Virgin,” says in business intelligence, analytics and information
Hayden Male, who is in charge of the four strong systems positions. Paul Allen operates within the TV
team at Provide who work hard for Virgin Media. divisions, whilst Alan Chidley looks after IT, internet,
“Considering the sheer number of introductions and project management, business analysis, quality and
the range of departments we have worked with, our continuous improvement roles.
contacts at Virgin Media, as well as our department,
are understandably pleased with the results.” “As a team we are able to bring a great deal of
contacts, experience and enthusiasm to Virgin
Media,” comments
Chris, whilst Paul adds “We have found the trust that
Virgin has introduced in us has really paid off. We have
introduced some really important members of staff who
have turned out to be exceptional.” Typical feedback
comes from Verrol Skeritt, Virgin Media’s Channel...
Provide Consulting Ltd. 9 Shirwell Crescent, Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes MK4 1GA, U.K. | Tel: +44 (0)845 6000 965 | www.providepeople.com

2. SUMMER 2009
news and insight for HR professionals
...Development Manager. “Alan acted professionally
and was very helpful in keeping me informed about the
recruitment process. His follow up in post has showed
dedication to his customers’ welfare and profession.”
Building trust
Hayden offers another specific example of this trust
being rewarded when he recounts a recent example
for Paul Carr’s Core Engineering group. “Finding the
right skills for his team can be pretty challenging due
to the type of technology skills they recruit for – such
as Juniper T Series, LDAP, Unix and Alcatel SR. We
filled two positions within Paul Carr’s group in a short
space of time; both roles had been out with other
suppliers for a number of weeks before we got to
hear about them.”
Provide work with Virgin Media on a 3:2:1 ratio which
Alain explains means that “We send out three CVs with
a view to make two interviews followed by one offer. “Alan acted professionally and was very
This saves the line managers at Virgin Media time and helpful in keeping me informed about the
money when recruiting staff. We try hard to get it right recruitment process...”
first time and don’t flood them with irrelevant CVs.
100% Money Back Guarantee Understanding the business
This commitment to saving time and money is re- With their strong track record with the company, a
enforced buy the unusual money back guarantee thorough understanding of how Virgin Media operates
that Provide offers. “I’ll hasten to add that Virgin as well as the unrivalled 100% money back guarantee
have not yet needed to take us up on this, but we offer, Provide is confident that they can offer a better
offer a 100% money back guarantee or a full refund recruitment service than any other recruitment
of fees if the candidate we find leaves Virgin within company in their sector. “Virgin did not appoint us
six months,” says Hayden. “Other suppliers offer the as a preferred supplier without a careful investigation
industry standard of only four weeks, but we are so into how our business operates. We have worked with
confident in the quality of the people we put forward them since the beginning to ensure that whenever a
to Virgin that we are able to offer the refund for six CV arrives from Provide, it will be a close match and a
times as long.” strong candidate for what is required,” adds Hayden.
Find out more
To find out more about how Provide work in partnership with Virgin Media or to place a
vacancy, you can speak to any of the Virgin Media team at Provide on 0845 6000 965 or
email hmale@providepeople.com
Provide Consulting Ltd. 9 Shirwell Crescent, Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes MK4 1GA, U.K. | Tel: +44 (0)845 6000 965 | www.providepeople.com