The inside view from director of HR Carol Elderfield

What makes your ideal employee?

We want people who are willing to learn, who contribute at all levels and who want to help us grow and succeed as a business.

What sets apart working at your company from your competitors?

We give all our employees training in product knowledge and customer experience and we have a career development programme.

How do you strive to retain your staff?

Individuals can have a direct impact on the business. All directors are accessible, communication channels are embedded through an award-winning interactive intranet system, and we have quarterly briefing sessions in each support centre.

How do you ensure your employees have a good work/life balance?

Our philosophy is not to have a long hours culture demonstrated by our board. We have flexible working in place where appropriate.

Founded 1920s

Based Warwickshire

Number of staff Nearly 6,000

Number of stores 1,055 (Holland & Barrett, GNC, Julian Graves and Nature’s Way)

Number of days’ leave Up to 38 days inclusive of bank holidays

Employee benefits Employee discount, pension, commission/bonuses, loyalty awards, charity events, workplace-giving scheme, childcare vouchers, life assurance, private health, company car, bike-to-work scheme and subsidised restaurants in both support centres

Work ethos A culture of being open, honest, and good fun