Farnell Global Reviews

Pros

-Flexible working -New site being built to be ready by summer 2022 -People that you work with are great and welcoming -Great new technology to work with. In the recent years the company has spent significant amount of money on new equipment -During covid senior mgmt tried their best to retain staff -You can drive change if you are comitted -Company in my opinion has a bright future Overall its a great place to work

Cons

-As with any other company there is politics involved, however not to the level that hinders progress -PMs can do with being more organised, some are better than others -IBM, most of app support is provided by IBM and IBM provides brain dead people. Worked with 10s of IBM staff and mostly its an unpleasent experience. The company really needs to focus on hiring in house staff rather than relying on IBM. -Some of the US team members have questionable skills -Company is owned by Avent, and they seem to make all decisions. This is a double edged sword.

Pros

As a global company they are very up to date with their policies, offer hundreds free apprenticeship causes with their provider and put a heavy emphasis on self development (in my experience on the service desk)

Cons

Pay can be somewhat behind market average depending on the role

Pros

Eight hour shift and sometimes you get an ice cream treat once a year

Cons

Too much politics. Only good if you are Polish

Pros

I met some lovely people (most who have left or are leaving!)

Cons

I started my time at Farnell with genuine enthusiasm and a desire to grow. However, this was quickly quashed. My time here has felt like a tireless and defeated effort in the face of a company who is stuck in its ways and resistant to change. The environment is unprofessional and demeaning and there is a gaping gap between senior and mid-level management. There are no opportunities for growth or development and no leadership which inspires this. There is no incentive to 'win' & mediocrity is the defining feature. The internal systems are horrendously outdated and the "like it or lump it" mentality is depressing, as is the determination from this company to remain behind the times and with zero culture. I would advise anyone to steer clear unless you desire to tread stagnant water.

Pros

Slow paced very relaxed environment.

Cons

Technology from the 90s. Lacking the drive to change. Stubborn leadership.

Pros

For a large company there is agility in the e-commerce space. Remote working, excellent pay and discretionary bonuses if the company does well (in addition to annual bonus) so far I'm really happy with the people I work with and the work I do. Flexible working with hours and immediate management are excellent.

Cons

None so far, you normally get the odd person that is quite difficult to work with but that's not necessarily the companies fault. The fact that they operate in so many countries can take some getting used to as well as legacy systems.