BHSF taps into the graduate talent‐bank : SME learns the secret of recruiting, training and retaining the best

Purpose – Describes how UK healthcare‐insurance provider BHSF Ltd successfully recruits, trains and retains talented graduates. Design/methodology/approach – Details the qualities the company looks for in its graduate recruits, the development program they are offered and the skills they put into operation. Highlights, in particular, the role of corporate social responsibility projects in helping the graduates to develop. Describes in detail the experiences of one graduate recruit in the company. Findings – Shows that graduate projects have included the development of the customer relationship management (CRM) system, implementation of performance metrics in customer service and revision of the staff performance‐appraisal system. Practical implications – Demonstrates that small and medium‐size companies (SMEs) can benefit greatly from the enthusiasm and fresh talent graduates bring to a business. Originality/value – Demonstrates that the graduate‐development program benefits the business because managers are able to delegate projects to graduates, saving operational time and resources. Often graduates can research in depth and report on a particular business issue, providing new perspectives. Such reports focus attention and can be used as a management tool for decision‐making.