This is the quick-read version! You can click here to read the full Ngahuia Group case study.
Introduction
When Ngahuia Group formed in 2017, Hannah’s & Number One Shoes were still operating as two very separate businesses.
Each brand had its own culture and processes; the ultimate goal was to provide one solution for training: a simple, easy-to-use platform with consistent messaging & the ability to customise content. It was also vitally important that the content was retail-focused, helping to deliver a consistent customer experience regardless of the store.
We met with Jo McIndoe, Ngahuia Group L&D Lead, to discuss their training strategy & learning journey with RedSeed.
Solution & challenges
The RedSeed platform allowed Ngahuia Group to reset & align their learning pathways so they could tailor training to specific roles in the business and grow transferable skills for career development.
Unfortunately, just as the business was finding its feet & developing its learning culture, COVID-19 interrupted its flow, shifting the training focus to other areas of the business. Fortunately, Ngahuia Group made it through COVID-19 with a new outlook for the future, to combine Number One Shoes & Hannahs in selected locations.
This created an opportunity for RedSeed to create a customised sales programme for the Superstores, mapping the content to the unique needs of this environment and providing a consistent sales process across the country. RedSeed's embedded coaching allows managers to coach and grow their teams, ensuring a consistent learning strategy across the superstore model.
Results & highlights
Team engagement (energy) is a key measure of success for Ngahuia Group, with regular surveys being shared to measure the impact of the training completed (both work-related & personal development content). Jo says...
“We're seeing a shift in what employees expect or value from the company they're working for. If our people are engaged and feeling like they're being invested in, we know we will see the added benefits like higher retention.”
A highlight for Jo was building the fundamentals and customer service courses.
“I spent a fair bit of time in the RedSeed office working hands-on with the team, getting the scripting right, being there for the filming and seeing it come together. For any challenges, concerns, or queries, we've been able to work through solutions at every point, and as our business has evolved, the team has taken on board what those changes and impacts will mean for our people.”
“It all comes back to the people and their experience. They know what they're doing and are truly experts in their field, and as a result, what we've delivered has landed much stronger and more accurate and relatable than if a production company just produced it.”
Future plans
Jo believes in creating an environment where people are passionate about what they do, are engaged, and want to go the extra mile. “Work hard, but have fun doing it!”
“We have built a true level of engagement in the business; our next step is to continue building that coaching culture and capability within our managers to ensure that we're adding value to complement the training. That's where the magic happens!”
Conclusion
Ngahuia Group's journey in the retail sector reflects a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a people-centric approach.
If you’d like to read the full-length Ngahuia Group case study - click here!
