Fruity basis to firm's success

EMPLOYEES at an Ipswich firm are being helped to stay in tip top shape thanks to the bonus of being given free fruit during work hours.

Staff at Call Connection, in Cromwell Square, have been getting through barrow loads of bananas and plenty of pears since the scheme was introduced by managing director Graeme Kalbraier.

The workforce of more than 150 people is together munching its way through 2,000 pieces of fruit a week at a cost of around £600.

Mr Kalbraier said it is money well spent.

“The idea came from a member of staff and I thought it was very good so we did it,” he said.

“It is a really nice benefit to give to people.

“Fruit is healthy and as the staff are talking on the phone all day it helps with their concentration.

“I think the staff really like it,” he added.

“They have on average one or two pieces a day each,” he added.

In order to get their free fruit fix staff just have to go into the staff room where the fruit stock is stored and replenished two to three times a day.

Fruit on offer includes bananas, apples and oranges as well as more exotic fruits such as mangos.

“We are very keen on the benefits we give to our staff.

“We think they are our most important asset and without our staff we wouldn't be anything.

In little more than two years Call Connection, which supports the insurance industry by filtering and delivering customers' calls, has grown to handle around 30,000 calls a week and has a turnover of £10million.

In December last year the firm moved into new premises in Cromwell Square at a cost of £1.1million and spent a further £2million extending and refurbishing the building.

Weblink: www.callconnection.com

Factfile: Benefits of eating fruit

n> helps with weight control

n> provides an energy boost

n> helps with concentration

n> reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases

n> reduces the risk of developing cancers

n> lowers blood pressure

n> helps to lower cholesterol

n> can slow down the ageing process