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Be interesting and interested.

Employee Handbook

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T: 0203 222 0077 E: info@thisisthetree.com

the tree house 10c Printing House Yard

15 Hackney Road London E2 7PR

Contents

0 Welcome 1

1 This is the tree 2 1.1 Introduction 3 1.2 Re-e-wind 4 1.3 Our vision 6 1.4 Business objectives 7 1.5 In a sentence... 8 1.6 Structure 9

2 This is the you 10 2.1 Planting 11 2.2 Growing 12 2.3 Feeding 13 2.4 Responsibilities 14 2.5 Expectations 15

3 Incentives 16 3.1 New business 17 3.2 Awards 18

4 Take note 19 4.1 General well-being 20 4.2 Cleanandclearoffice 21 4.3 General accidents 22 4.4 The art of screwing up 23

5 Our environment 24 5.1 What’s growing on? 25

Employee Handbook

Employee Handbook

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Hi to you, our new bud! You have been interviewed, you’ve signed contracts and here you are at the tree house. We want you to be happy here. A wonderful working life can facilitate a wonderful life. That’s why we aim to help you achieve this, as long as you promise to work with us on everything in this document.

Welcome.

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1. This is the tree.

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Introduction.We are a self-funded, private company and from the earliest days we’ve never shied away from challenging ourselves to continuously improve. In short, we want to be the most admirable agency in town, building sincere relationships with our staff, clients and creating a positive impact for the communities in which we work.

What’s in the name? Ask Dan. But perhaps the better question is, what do you think the tree stands for? Firm roots? Solid core? Growth? Those are connotations that any business pines for (sorry). Ultimately, it’s the character of trees that we are drawn to. While we want to be far-reaching, we want the tree to be full of integrity and character.

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Registered company. the tree was formally registered at Companies House in London, January 2014 and started trading April 2014.

January 2014

Here & now

Bedroom beginnings. the tree initially took root in a residential bedroom in Harrow, with just two officedesks.Board of

Directors formed. Daniel, as Founder and Managing Director, had two other Board members supporting him: Ray Andrews, Chairman, andDawnBoyfieldMBE,DirectorofStrategy and Development.

Content-on. Soon the plan of growing our content

creation and social media abilities came to fruition, with key copywriting, design

and social media hires.

Noisy neighbours. Our home from home was found in an

old printing house in Shoreditch.

Hi-ho, hi-ho. The future is bright.

Bright green.

Domain bought. thisisthetree.com was a statement. It announced our arrival.

The board grows. Edward Fraser soon uprooted and joined as Head of Content and, together with Daniel, drove the business forward.

Sales function. Three months in and new contracts needed a competent sales team, so a new sales manager started, together with several freelancers.

Full house. One bedroom turned to two, then

two to three, until it was time to look for our own tree house.

Budding stars. We were nominated by the Drum

as one of the Start up Agencies of the year 2015.

Rooted in technology. the tree launches its own innovative CMSandthefirstphaseofournew

tech division.

Re-e-wind.Employee Handbook

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We offer...

We are...

We want to be...

Content with character

Interesting and interested

The most admirable agency in the UK

Our vision.

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Reputable become a top employer by creating leaders

Technological becometechnologicalinfluencersbydevelopingitourselves

Commercial becomefinanciallyawareandfeeldrivenbyyoursuccesses

Ethical be socially responsible by championing our own initiatives

Business objectives.

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In a sentence...

We are a full-service content marketing agency with extraordinary ideas to help shape and grow all parts of your business.—You

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Structure. Project & Client

OutreachSocial

PRInfluencer

TechnicalDevelopment

Digital AdvertisingEmail

StrategyPlanningInsightBrand

ContentCopywriting

SEO

StudioDesignVideoMotion

Photography

Client Services

Client Services

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2. This is the you.

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P anting.Inyourfirstweek,makesureyougettoknow:

The company

You will be given an introduction to explain the history, the products and services, the clients, as well as future plans and developments.

Your job

It’s important you understand your role here and what requirements, standards and performance we expect. There areformsforyoutofilloutandsignforus and you will be guided through all company policies and procedures, in the tree’s Policy handbook.

Your colleagues

We believe we have a great team here and we want you to be part of that from the very beginning, so take time to chat andfindoutwhatmakesthemtick!

Your tree buddy

You’ll also be given a tree buddy to help you through your early days. They won’t necessarily be your manager, but will be there to help if you get stuck.

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Gro

win

g.We love go-getters. While you are here, if you want to grow, develop and progress you can make it happen. While there are many actions that will help, here are three things we know that will make life here much easier and more progressive – and they’re really easy to do.

Collaboration

Open thinking, sharing and participation will ensure that you and the business remains relevant. Please take every opportunity you can to work with your colleagues to reach further and continuously improve.

Planning

Our business is characterised by variety, with a mixed bag of clients and services to keep things interesting. You’re ability to manage this will depend on your ability to plan for clients and yourself. Please start by creating a task list and tend to it throughout your day.

Detail

Some say you can’t be expected to remember everything. We say you can! If you take thorough notes, ask questions and regularly revisit what you’ve discovered – you will be known for having an eye for detail.

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Training

We want everyone at the tree to work hard – eager to help themselves and us growandflourish.Todothatsuccessfullyitsvitalthatthe tree, supports you in your own personal development.

We pride ourselves in that we try to nurture each individual to develop more rounded skill sets, to become more engaged and involved, giving greater job satisfaction whilst contributing to the company.

Training starts from day one, beginning with peer support and training with senior inputin-houseandfollowsontomorespecifictraining–internallyandexternally.

Reviews

You may be asked for periodic, informal reviews, but you will also have formal reviews as to how work is progressing, enabling assessments to be made on strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges. These will be carried out at the end of your probationary period, then at six months and annually.

Feeding.Everything needs nourishing to grow and evolve. We are passionate about enabling your growth and we have a simple but effective way to feed your development.

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Responsibilities.You are responsible for your own and your colleagues wellbeing, so play an active role in building and maintaining a happy, positive business environment.

Empathise

Develop great relationships with colleagues- be aware ifanyareindifficultyorstruggling with something. Showing empathy for your team mates, their differences and what makes them tick helps build better connections.

Connect

Help build long term relationships with our customers and clients, by always having their best interests at heart. Some of your longest and most loyal friendships can develop from the business environment.

Think

Don’twasteprofits!Profitsare the lifeblood of a good company - so don’t waste the food, drinks, or paper supplies that we provide. Especially don’t waste time! Be careful to listen to client objectives and briefs and give great service from the start, limiting mistakes and work having to be redone.

Be loyal

We value loyalty and hold it in high regard. That is how we build long-standing, successful relationships. Its important we back each others beliefs, support each others ideas and celebrate each others successes.

Appearance is everything

We want our work place to be modern, lively and fun, not stuffy! So we don’t want us to look stiff and starchy all cloned in suits, but we do want to look smart and edgy. We have clients come in to see us and so we do expect everyone to have a certain standard of dress. Shirts, smart jeans and no large logos please.

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Expectations.There are no limits at the tree. Tell us what you want your working objectives to be and what you want to achieve in your career. Let us know what you want your future to look like. We’ve thought about ours, we want you to think about yours too.Buttogrowwell(orflourish)atthe tree here are a few things that we believe are important:

Timekeeping

It’s important, so get in promptly, start work promptly and if you work at a productive pace with as few mistakes as possible you can leave on time too, we don’t want you having to work late into the evening!

Work hard, play hard

We know the most successful, happy people have a great balance in their life. So, yes, socialise, have fun and let your hair down and we’ll try to have lots of social opportunities that we can share and experience together too, BUT it has to be balanced with hard work.

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3. Incentives.

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New business.Youwouldbesurprisedtolearnhowwefindnewclients.Theycomefromall directions, in all shapes and sizes. If you identify a successful business opportunity for the tree, you will be given 2 – 5% of the total value of the contract. Some members of staff are already capitalising on this opportunity.

Wealth & happiness

Bringing in new business doesn’t just help your pocket, it gives you the chance to help the business grow and work with clients you are passionate about

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Awar

ds.

We believe it is good business to ensure that staff are encouraged to work hard, not just for clients, but themselves too. We want to recognise people for interests, ideas and proactivity. Whether it’s somethingfortheCVorapersonalmini-fist-pump,theseawardsarealignedwithourbusinessand will help us achieves our key objectives. Prizes will vary, but will heavily feature food, drink and some surprises. Our leaf awards - given Quarterly.

Tea Leaf AwardDoes the most teas/coffees/shop runs

Green Leaf AwardsEnvironment based/recycling initiatives

Silver Leaf AwardThe best tech-centric innovation

New Leaf AwardsThe most creative idea

Book Leaf AwardsBest blogger/article

Fig Leaf AwardMost embarrassing incident

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4. Take note.

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General well-being.Keepingfitandhealthy:wewanttohelpyoumaintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Eye Tests

As your work with the tree necessitates using the computer daily, will pay for eye tests every two years.

Keep active

Rather than sitting glued to your screen hours on end, we encourage you to take a few minutes to get up stretch and walk around regularly; or take a walk and get a little fresh air in your lunch break.

Fuel the fire

Drink plenty of water and try and have some fruit and healthy snacks, rather than just coke, crisps and biscuits! Your brain is 75% water. That’s why one glass of water can result in 15% faster thinking. Fact.

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Belongings

We have hooks, hangers and cupboards. Try not to leave bags, boxes,coatsoutinmainoffice.

The kitchen

Make sure your own cups glasses and dishes are washed and put away – not left stacked in the sink.

Your desk

We have a clean desk policy so make sure everything is kept neat and tidy. Computers must be locked when not in use.

Environment

Turn your screens off when not in use, make sure all lights are off when you leave and – think twice before printing – is it really necessary?

Spelling Smelling mistakes

This may be the only employee handbook to feature smell. In short, clients don’t want to smell your steamed broccoli when they visit. To avoid smelling mistakes, please check if anyone is due to arrive before you tuck into eggs on toast.

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First aid

Knowthatforminorinjuries,thefirstaidboxisinthegreycupboardsontheleftsideofthemainofficenearthetoilets.Wehaveseveralfirstaidersintheoffice,soifthereisaneed they can be there ready and able to help.In more severe circumstances, know the steps necessary to calling emergency services All ‘accidents’ must be recorded in the‘accidentbook’foundnexttothefirstaidkitingreycupboardsatsideofoffice.

General aciddents accidents.We are fortunate that we don’t work with hazardous materials or equipment, however we should all be aware of trips, slips and falls and take extra care: be careful coming up and down the stairways totheofficetoo;don’tleavecablesacrossfloororpilesofthingsinwalkways,orplacethingsprecariously on edges of tables; be careful with the kettle when boiling water, and when taking things from the microwave.

Needless to say the journey to and from work is often hazardous – so remember road safety!! And that comes from Dawn – remember she got her MBE for all her work in road safety education.

Fire safety

Firedrills.Wewillhaveperiodicfiredrillssoyouarefullyawareofproceduresinanemergency.Butwehaveafireextinguishernearthemainofficedoorandafireblanketinthekitchenarea.

Incaseofamoreseriousfire,getout,stayoutandcall999.Don’t stop to pick up valuables or equipment or go back into theofficeuntilitissafetodoso.ThemainmusterareaisbythecentralWillowtreeinthecourtyard,wellawayfromtheofficestairwellandismarkedonthewallplanneartheofficedoor.

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The art of ing up.Screwing up

Don’t be afraid of making a mistake – ‘screwing up’ happens, think of it as an opportunity to learn. Suck it up, tell someone senior and life will be easier. Do your best not to make the same mistake again.

Conduct

You must treat people as you would like to be treated in and out of work. That includes all colleagues, suppliers and – especially – clients. Unlike other agencies, we want to keep the downplay of clients to a bare minimum. We are a services business and we want to make people feel great!

Please note full details on all our policies are outlined in the accompanying employee policies document which you will receive.

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5. Our environment.

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KING

SLAN

D RO

AD

SHOREDITCH HIG

H STREET

What’s growing on?

Local Lunch Venues1. Tesco Express Supermarket

2. Sainsbury’s Local Supermarket

3. Keu Vietnamese Seasonal Vietnamese dishes

4. Birdcage Pub Restored Victorian gastropub

5. Beigel Bake Famous traditional bagels

6. The Grocery Locally sourced, organic food

7. Pret A Manger Counter-serve sandwich chain

8. Franco’s Take Away Traditional Italian

9. Pod Healthy options

10. Dishoom Indian street food

Best pubs1. White Lyan Modern cocktail bar

2. Jaguar Shoes Hipster café bar

3. Queen Of Hoxton Bar & club w/ rooftop

4. Rolling Stock Beer garden / railway arch bar

5. All Bar One Modern chain bar

6. McQUEEN NY style cocktail bar

7. Blueberry Bar Vintage decorated cocktail bar

8. Whistling Shop Low-lit, bare-brick, cellar bar

9. XOYO Live music and DJ club

10. Café 1001 Bohemian industrial café

11. The Book Club Café bar w/ food & ping pong

12. The Old Blue Last Old pub w/ live music

Shopping1. Urban Excess Menswear

2. That Flower Shop Flower shop

3. Rockit Vintage clothing

4. Rockalily Cuts Hairdressers

5. UrbanOutfittersFashion chain

6. Argos Large retailer

7. Atlantis Art Materials Art & craft supplies

8. Great Art Art & craft supplies

9. Pam Pam All womans trainer shop

10. Superdrug Cosmetics & toiletries

Activities1. Kick Table football bar

2. Cereal Killer Café Cereal from around the world

3. Brick Lane Market All sorts on Sundays

4. Geffrye Museum Domestic interiors from 1600

5. SpitalfieldsMarketFashion and vintage stalls

Street Art Everywhere

Helpful Contacts1. Kingsland Surgery 020 7739 3600

2. Columbia Pharmacy 020 7739 3201

3. PostOffice020 7739 5430

4. City Plumbing Ltd 020 7739 7162

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10OLD STREET

WE ARE HERE

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BETHNAL GREEN ROAD

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A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. —Marcus Garvey

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T: 0203 222 0077 E: info@thisisthetree.com

the tree house 10c Printing House Yard

15 Hackney Road London E2 7PR

For more information

If you require any more information about the contents of this document, or any assistance relevant to the content of this document, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@thisisthetree.com, or speak to a senior member of the team.

Employee Handbook