Pros
A very technically competent company with some great staff and working for some very interesting customers. Silversands' offices are well located north of Poole which makes it relatively easy to commute to. Important to me is work-life balance, which in my opinion Silversands scores highly in. It is near some fantastic schools, including two grammar schools, and it is very near some of the best countryside and beaches if being outdoors is important to you. Working remotely is not a problem and can be such a help when trying to balance modern-day family life. My children on occasions come to our office after school and complete their homework in our games room prior to me taking them to their various clubs or activities. There are various benefits on offer, depending on your level. The basic benefits such as the lunches, flexible working day, free parking, use of games room and DVD library are often taken for granted by the longer serving staff but these are benefits you don't see in many companies these days. The thought of having to make my lunch in the morning or struggle to find a parking place when I get to work is no more. Also if I want to start early so I can finish early to do something with the family I can do, great for after-work BBQs on the beach in the summer! As a technical company, you are encouraged and empowered to keep your skills and qualifications up to date. The more you put in the more you get out, you have the chance to get involved in some very interesting and challenging customer engagements. Silversands recently introduced professional development programme to help provide structure to our technical and career development. This is being taken very seriously by senior management to bring about positive change and ensure staff are aligned business and technical goals. I have found Silversands supportive with my career aspirations and reward those people who are prepared to step forward and take on responsibility.
Cons
As with any company, there are always small niggles that on occasions frustrate but I appreciate even though one would want everyone to be happy all the time that is not realistic in practice even though it is an aspiration. The good thing is that managers are approachable and are listening. The office does need a little facelift / modernising. I am pleased to see that over recent months there have indeed been some great improvements around the office such as an indoor bike storage area with lockers and drying cupboard, refurbishment of the toilets and the addition of a shower along with improved building security, especially important if you decide to work a little late. Looking forward to hearing more about the further improvements planned. Yes, the office is near a water treatment works, as others have mentioned, but so are many other businesses a gym and a school. On the rare occasion there is a smell, it is really not the end of the world and can't be smelt when in the office. It is what it is!