What do they do? The business arm of Reed Elsevier publishes 64
magazines and directories in 26 markets. Key titles include New
Scientist, Computer Weekly, Hairdressers Journal International, Farmers
Weekly, Doctor and the lesser known Who’s Who in World Petrochemicals &
Plastics.
Good offices? If you have a fondness for sunny Sutton. RBI’s red-brick
1970s skyscraper looms over the station. Still, it does house a
restaurant, deli, coffee bar, cybercafe and shop. Smokers are banished
to a special room known as ’The Roy Castle Suite’. Don’t ride the lift
to the 19th floor if you suffer from vertigo. Local eateries are thin on
the ground, but you can’t move for theme pubs.
What’s it like? The massive sales force comprises mainly graduates, with
an even mix of men and women. RBI’s sheer size, however, can make it
difficult to mingle.
’Because it’s so big there isn’t much of a company atmosphere,’ says
Hairdressers’ Journal deputy ad manager Joy Robinson. ’We know the gang
from Motor Trader because they work opposite us and are a good laugh,
but some magazines are quite staid. You also see people in the lift that
you’ve never seen in your life before.’
Sales people from different titles get a chance to bond at the annual
sales awards - where star performers get cash prizes - and also at the
Christmas bash.
What about perks? You name it. Childcare allowance, 20 weeks’ fully paid
maternity leave, paternity leave, medical insurance for senior managers,
discounted gym membership, pension scheme, discounts for local shops,
season ticket loans and even an in-house physiotherapist.
Is it good at training? New recruits get nine months of structured
training.
Needs are reviewed every three months initially and then every year.
How do you get ahead? RBI likes to hold onto its staff so the advice is:
’Do you job well and the career will take care of itself.’
