Blog18 December 2023

A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Gratitude

Written by:

Amanda Simms

CEO

This time of the year is always a good time for reflection – a time to look back on the year coming to a close, determine what we bring forward into the new year and what we may want to leave behind. This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Simms & Associates, marked by significant milestones, technological advancements, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and, most importantly, the unwavering dedication of each member of our team.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and stand at the threshold of a brand-new year, I am thrilled to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together as a company, and I find myself filled with gratitude and reflection, looking back at everything we’ve undertaken together as Simms & Associates in 2023. This year has been a testament to our collective spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Celebrating Our Growing Community

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the heartbeat of our organisation—each and every one of our incredible Simmsociates. Our team has grown substantially, and I’m pleased to share that we now stand strong with a total worldwide team of 60 dedicated and colourful individuals, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives to our shared success.

Strengthening Bonds and Forging Ahead

In 2023, we are proud of our continued premium partnership with UKG. Next to this, we have not only reinvigorated our partnership with WorkJam but also extended our team by welcoming and working with new partners— ReThink, The Stores Consulting Group, TestAssure, CDS, and Delaero. These collaborations are the threads weaving the fabric of our success, and I’m excited about the possibilities they bring to our collective future.

The heartwarming addition of new customers like Avolta (formerly Dufry), Primark, APM Terminals and Levi’s, to the Simms & Associates portfolio is a testament to their trust in our capabilities. We are honoured to embark on this journey together, sharing successes and overcoming challenges as one united team.

Strengthening-Bonds-and-Forging-Ahead

Technological Thrills and Future Innovations

Our journey into the world of innovation and technology has been nothing short of exhilarating. With the introduction of UKG Bryte and the renaming of UKG Dimensions to UKG Pro WFM, UKG has taken significant strides forward. The excitement doesn’t stop there – brace yourselves for 2024 as we prepare to launch our own AI initiatives, a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.

Purpose Beyond Profit – Making a Positive Impact

Beyond our business pursuits, we’ve embraced a deeper sense of purpose. This year, we raised funds for The PinkCup and proudly launched our own Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) policy. These initiatives are not just checkboxes; they are reflections of our commitment to making a positive impact, both within our organisation and in the world beyond.

At the heart of our success is the commitment to fostering an environment where each Simmsociate feels valued and empowered. We’re actively working towards earning our Great Place to Work certification in the US and Spain, a recognition that echoes the exceptional culture we’ve collectively cultivated.

Amanda-Mariana-Josep-Walk-Spain

Welcoming New Talents, Honouring a Legacy

This year, our team has experienced substantial growth, welcoming new members such as Donna Stephenson to our Professional Services Management team, Gary Makredes to fortify our position in the North American team, and Dimphy van Heusden to our Executive Leadership team. Alongside these key additions, numerous other professionals have joined us, each contributing their unique talents and expertise to strengthen our presence across various teams. We extend a warm welcome to all these individuals and look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our shared journey.

It can be a challenge to identify and bring on board individuals who align with our values, ensuring the preservation of our unique culture amidst rapid growth. Yet, as Simmsociates, we rose to the occasion, facing these obstacles head-on. Through strategic efforts and collective determination, we’ve overcome challenges and emerged stronger, more resilient, and with a clearer vision for the future. Finding the individuals who resonate with our ethos takes time, but our commitment to building a cohesive team has been unwavering.

As we celebrate the growth of S&A and welcome new faces into our team, we also pause to remember and honour those who are no longer with us. This year, our thoughts especially turn to our late CFO, Jerome Bories. Jerome was not just a leader, but a cherished member of our collective. His passion, vision, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on all of us. He is dearly missed, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide us every day.

To everyone who has been a part of our journey, whether they have moved on by choice or circumstance, we extend our sincere gratitude. Your contributions have been invaluable, and you will always be a part of the S&A Community.

Accolades and Inspirations for Tomorrow

Being recognized as a 5-star UKG implementation partner at Raven Intelligence and securing second place in the ARHOE awards are not just accolades but reflections of the dedication and expertise of each Simmsociate. These recognitions inspire us to reach even greater heights in the coming year.

ARHOE awards are given to companies that stand out for their implementation of measures promoting flexible schedules and a smarter use of time and work-life balance.

ARHOE-awards

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Supporters

As I express my heartfelt gratitude, I want to address each Simmsociate personally. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering support are the cornerstones of our success. To our valued customers, partners, and all stakeholders, thank you for believing in us and being integral to our journey.

A Bright Future Beckons – Cheers to 2024!

As we launch into the promising horizon of 2024, let’s carry forward the lessons learned, the triumphs celebrated, and the bonds strengthened. Together, as the Simms & Associates community, we are poised for a future of continued growth, innovation, and shared success.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and reflection and a New Year brimming with possibilities.

With Love,

Amanda

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