TMG mortgage network founder and CEO Scott Thorpe has given all staff an extra day’s holiday following England’s early-hours World Cup clash against Mexico.
With kick-off scheduled for 1am on Monday morning UK time, Thorpe (main picture, inset) told employees not to worry about making it into work a few hours later, instead encouraging them to enjoy what he described as one of those occasions that should be experienced without watching the clock.
The gesture means TMG’s offices will remain closed on Monday, giving colleagues the chance to watch the match with family and friends before enjoying a well-earned lie-in.
Thorpe, who bagged himself a ticket to the game and booked himself a flight to Mexico within hours of England making the last 16, said the decision reflected the culture he has worked to build at the Rotherham-headquartered mortgage network, where recognising moments that matter away from work is seen as just as important as delivering for advisers and lender partners.
“Some things are bigger than work.”
He told Mortgage Soup: “Some things are bigger than work. England don’t play in the World Cup every week and certainly not at one o’clock in the morning.
“I’d rather everyone enjoy the occasion properly than spend the whole game worrying about the alarm clock going off a few hours later. The work will still be there on Tuesday.”
SMILES ALL ROUND
The announcement has already prompted plenty of smiles across the business and is another example of Thorpe’s unconventional leadership style.
Having built TMG into one of the UK’s fastest-growing mortgage networks, Thorpe has increasingly spoken about creating a business where people feel valued rather than simply employed.
Earlier this year he was formally recognised as the Lord of the Manor of Rotherham, describing the honour as an opportunity to champion both the town and the financial services profession on a national stage.
His autobiography, No Shortcuts – Building a Network, Leaving a Legacy & Becoming Lord of the Manor, charts his journey from second-charge lending to leading a national mortgage network, with all proceeds being donated to charity.
SUPPORTING STAFF
Thorpe said supporting staff extended beyond business performance.
He added: “We work incredibly hard throughout the year and everyone pulls together when the business needs them.
“If we can give people a memorable day with their friends or families and they come back refreshed, that’s a pretty good investment.
“Hopefully England gives everyone another reason to celebrate as well.”
For TMG’s employees, Monday’s biggest decision may not be whether to log on for work but whether football really is coming home.
You can buy Scott Thorpe’s book HERE.
