Why IRN-BRU makers use OneAdvanced’s performance management platform
“We wanted to change the way we managed performance. “This was an ideal opportunity to move towards more continuous performance development – rather than a once-a-year event.”
Client:AG BARR
Sector:Manufacturing
Location:United Kingdom
About AG Barr
AG Barr has been stirring up the soft drink scene since 1875, when Robert Barr launched a bottled “aerated water” business in Falkirk, Scotland. By 1901, the iconic Iron Brew rebranded as the beloved Irn‑Bru, which burst onto the scene, becoming Scotland’s other national drink.
Through bold family stewardship, key mergers (like the 1959 reunion of the Falkirk and Glasgow branches and the move to the London Stock Exchange in 1965), and a flavour portfolio that now stretches from the exotic punch of Rubicon to the nostalgic zing of Tizer, AG Barr has grown into a UK powerhouse with global fizz.
Today, still proudly based in Scotland and spun off into the FTSE 250, they not only craft Scotland’s favourite sips but also champion innovation, sustainability, and unexpected brand moments, just ask the world about Irn‑Bru’s legendary ads.
The Problem
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, AG Barr needed a performance management software that would allow them to set nearer-term objectives that could be regularly reviewed and updated suited the more agile world they were working in, as colleagues started to work remotely.
The Solution
OneAdvanced's Performance & Talent Software.
The Result
Along with making performance management easier across the business, the Performance & Talent Software is also helping Desk Free workers through the use of the Mobile App.
Background: a move to continuous performance development
Scottish drink IRN-BRU. We have around 900 employees, in a variety of functions such as factory, warehouse, logistics, sales, marketing and head office – so our people have many development opportunities and are continually learning.
We decided to move to a new performance management platform during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help us at a time when many employees were working remotely.
“We wanted to change the way we managed performance,” says Jude Holt, our Senior HR Business Partner and Talent Lead. “[It was] an ideal opportunity to move towards more continuous performance development – rather than a once-a-year event.”
Setting nearer-term objectives that could be regularly reviewed and updated suited the more agile world we were working in, Jude explains. This provided structure and motivation to employees who were getting used to working remotely.
With Performance & Talent platform, managers can set employees near-term goals, which can be completed in days, weeks, or months. This works better than yearly objectives, for two reasons. First, employees are less likely to forget about the goal or lose motivation to complete it. Second, goals can be re-evaluated if the employee’s role changes or AG Barr’s objectives change.
We aim for all employees to have a check-in with their line manager every month, and OneAdvanced’s performance management system helps them manage this. Just a simple check-in can help if an objective is off track, and it can also be a great chance to share progress and feedback.
OneAdvanced’s platform also means all AG Barr employees are now on one performance management system. Before, employees across the business were using different forms and processes, depending on their role.
What does the team think?
Implementing the software was successful and relatively smooth, with the process closely guided by the Customer Success team. Staff were able to start using the platform quickly, without extensive training, as the software is so simple and self-explanatory.
Overall, there has been good engagement and a positive response from AG Barr employees:
“We continue to deliver some great numbers, year on year. The most noticeable difference (in performance or engagement) is in attitude, as displayed in our engagement survey results.” Warehouse Manager, AG Barr.
Along with making performance management easier across the business, the OneAdvanced platform is also helping in other ways.
We will be using the technology on mobile devices to help staff who are out on the road a lot of the time – so staff members can easily arrange and carry out check-ins, set and track goals, give and receive feedback, and so on, without a laptop or desktop PC.
“I can talk to my team in a more meaningful way about their performance, by using the feedback function.” Factory Team Leader, AG Barr.
Looking to the future
Moving forward, we will continue to embed OneAdvanced’s performance management platform across the company. While most employees are using it regularly, others still need to make it a routine. And we are focusing on supporting
people as they set quality objectives and give and receive feedback — two key areas that will make employees and managers more confident in discussing performance.
“We wanted to change the way we managed performance. “This was an ideal opportunity to move towards more continuous performance development – rather than a once-a-year event.” Jude Holt, Senior HR Business Partner and Talent Lead, AG Barr.