Powerchex is an enterprising firm that specialises in managing recruitment risk for financial institutions. It is the only business of its kind that offers pre-employment screening specifically for this business sector.

Like most developing businesses, company awareness is a crucial factor for success. Realising this, Alexandra Kelly, the Director of Powerchex, employed the STEP programme and Alice Capel to assist her in propelling it towards market recognition. Armed with many good ideas, but not always enough time in the day to execute them, Alexandra welcomed the placement as an opportunity to have an extra set of hands on deck.

Alice performed various tasks from setting up a newsletter to market research. The results of which were found to be very beneficial for Alexandra’s future business endeavours. ‘We received really good feedback and even had some of our research published.’ These activities made the student as Alexandra put it, a ‘very valuable resource’.

Impressed with the quality of the work the student provided for her business, she was particularly pleased that Alice ‘worked well independently and knew what was in my head.’ In a fast-paced environment Alexandra found these skills imperative.

When asked if she would participate in the scheme again she replied, ‘Yes, definitely…I think [the programme] is excellent. It’s a wonderful idea for companies and the students.’

For further information about Powerchex visit www.powerchex.co.uk