| The Pentwyn based secured loan provider, is also top of its Game, and has become a market leader, gained CBI recognition as a World Class company for the third year running, and is the first company to win the Wales Quality Award twice. It was the first company to have been given Investor in Excellence status in Wales in 2004, and was ranked 22 in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For earlier this year.
The business was originally set up in 1997 to offer a new kind of secured personal loan, which enables people to replace expensive credit with a lower interest rate loan with a single affordable monthly repayment. It was called 125 LTV because it introduced loans of up to 125% of the value of a customer’s home, less their mortgage.
Strategically, FirstPlus decided to sell direct to customers and through loan brokers, and is now a household name through its television advertising featuring Carol Vorderman, as its brand spokesperson.
The company now has over 72,000 customers and employs a team of around 250 staff. They are rapidly growing and is constantly looking for fresh talent. If you want to be part of a winning team, call 029 2030 6259 or email jobs@firstplus.co.uk.
FirstPlus prides itself on genuinely understanding each customer’s circumstances through careful screening and then tailors each loan to suit the individual. If it’s not the right loan for the customer, it’s not the right loan for FirstPlus!
But FirstPlus isn’t just about finance, it’s about people too. They focus on development and empowerment of their staff, with relevant training at each stage of personal progression being key. Each new member of staff goes through a formal induction process and everyone has a personal development plan, giving them opportunities for career and personal development.
The company runs an internal employee of the month scheme to recognise personal achievement. Winners are nominated by colleagues rather than senior management and the prize is the keys to the company’s Mercedes CLK230 for a month, and FirstPlus meets all petrol costs too!
The company believes in the importance of open communication: it makes sense that a workforce that feels involved is involved and is more productive. It runs an integrated communications programme and an extensive staff entertainment calendar – so look out for them at the Tribute match next Sunday!
Finally, FirstPlus gives back to the community as well, so in 1998 FirstPlus formed Putting Cardiff Kids First – their very own charity. The company invites applications for grants from organisations that benefit children in the Cardiff area, then a panel of staff consider each application and make awards. The company also sponsors a weekly children’s picture feature in the local press to further raise awareness of the initiative. All the money staff raise is matched by FirstPlus, pound for pound. Over £100,000 has been given to more than 200 causes since it started. | 
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