Erm what...?

I have worked at Ant Marketing too and as long as you don't want a long term career there you're ok.

Personally I thought it seemed like a battery farm.

The pay's sh*te and the managers treat you like dirt on their shoe - not recommended


Which branch of Ant did you work at ?

Can we have another update John? are you still there? enjoyed reading this thread.

I'm with TPS and ex-directory so don't get hassled. ANT are in trouble with Ofcom though for generating silent calls etc
Or as Ofcom put it ......

"Persistent misuse of electronic communications network(s) or service(s) "


http://www.ofcom.org.uk/bulletins/comp_bull_index/comp_bull_ocases/open_all/cw_835/#content


That's another thing I've heard also - that Ant have in the past been in trouble for nuisance calls.

How would this affect you as an employee if the company was making nuisance calls to people and then putting them through to you - do you have to take the call and talk to the person that the computer has annoyed by dialling ?

For goodness sake man...give it a rest. Go and find out for yourself.
I have a friend who works there (the one at sheaf quay), and he loves it there. He works on the British Gas part and earns a packet. In fact he once got promoted to management but asked to be put back on the phones because he earned more money there.

I hate it when someone goes gung-ho at slagging something off, when they haven't even tried it.

This is a thread for opinions and information on working at Ant.

I think the comment that managers ask to go back on the phones interesting though, hardly suggests that the career path there is worthwhile wouldn't you agree ?

I worked at ant for around a month at sheaf quays, terrible place to work, you have to be a blatent blag artist to earn a decent wage, as most ppl tell u where to shove it.

I spent a week at Sheaf Quays - I only meant to stop a day but they chained me to the desk, amputated my legs and superglued a phone to my left ear.




Best job I ever had.

you mean worst job u ever had???

A lot of people seem to just go on about how poor Ant is. Fine if you have worked there but if not why don't try it out or shut up? It seems to me there is a mixture of feelings here. You either love it or hate it and it depends upon who you are. My mate has worked for Ant and another telesales company in Sheffield They liked Ant the best and want to go back. But I think callcenters are tough enivronments. Are you up to the challenge? It seems not if your one of the moaners on this posting who haven't given it a go....and before you ask no callcenters are not for me.

Thanks for the input into the thread 'davesmart'

I think that sharing opinions is what we are supposed to do on this website isn't it ?

I don't think it's fair for you to come stomping in trying to dictate what is and isn't discussed ?

Whilst you are on the subject of moaners I would suggest that people moaning because they were paid incorrectly, squashed onto desks and having to sit with their legs open all day because a desk leg was directly in front of them, pulling out plugs with their feet because of electrical wiring all over the floor is a relevant complaint dont' you ?

what happened to ant two and three then?

Ant is what you make of it!

Just to start this is not my computer therefore this name will be used by another member. I just wanted to get my personnal feelings accross.

I have worked at ant marketing for the past 17 months and yes to start with it was only a stop gap for me.

I firstly started working as an agent for an insurance campaign and mixed in really well from the start!!!!

After a couple of months I moved campaigns and have never looked back. After only 4 months as an agent I moved up to become a team leader and then 3 months later became an academy team leader.

Recently I have got promoted to training and love it!!

I couldn't ask for a better place to work or better people to work with it really is like my second family. I have met people there that are helpful, supportive but most of all human and understand that sometimes we all make mistakes.

I would recommend anyone to work there who wants to work as part of a team and achieve their personnal and team targets. It gives me such a buzz and I have only had 3 days off sick whilst I have been there and this is due to the fact that they have all been so supportive. I am there for 45 hours per week and also look after 3 small children.

If I can do it then anyone who wants to work as part of a team and really bring the best out of themselves can, I would say to anyone who is looking for work who is hardworking and reliable to go for a job here.

Good luck all you job seekers - Pick up the phone and give us a go!!

Many people (who have posted in this thread) would disagree with you.

I've asked a few people who have left recently (and a couple who still work there but are leaving) to post their thoughts and they have promised to do so over the next few days.

It won't make pleasant reading for Ant..

again this is not my computer

I totally disagree but

1. I have first hand experience
2. I am a very hard working person
3. I am still there after 17 months and have never had a pay query
4. Know to some people who haven't worked there for long that it may not seem true but I am a very honest person and totally love my job who values ant marketing to the full
5. knows that if ever I needed help the support would be there 100%

Most of the people who give advice haven't worked there for more than 2 mins (or at least 2 weeks) I have and that should mean loads

I value my entire work force and know what to expect I reached and exceeded my targets and drived my team not only to exceed their own personal targets but also to achieve team targets

Lets be honest people who type on here only use ant marketing as a stop gap whereas I used it as a career progression and have a lot of time for it.

If you are looking for a long term employment and are hard working you will work a lot of money and make a lot of money

If anyone as worked there as long as I have (17 months) then I will value your opinions if not then I aint bothered with your disrespectful remarks

If you actually want to know what it is really like then give us a try and you will see:

1: training is first class
2: Team leader support is second to none
3: Quality feedback is also ace
4: Ongoing support is always top class
and last but not least

If you remember to turn up for your shift on time, swipe in and out correctly then I can assure you that you will be paid correctly (hours wise) bonus is subject to change due to cancellation and dialled hours

Happy searching

You mention top class training - can you confirm that people who are brand new to call centres or brand new to sales/telesales aren't given more than a few days training then shoved on the phones to get on with it ? (this is called 'ongoing training')

:loopy:

p.s it's a shame you are so dismissive of other people's opinions - Is that a good indication of what people who work at Ant get from their 'superiors' ?

I also notice that no mention is ever made of the desks by anyone who works at Ant. Is it true that they are made from fire doors on black plastic legs ?

This is btbwild now!!
I have been at ant for a year now & I have just been made up to quality manager in Jan!
Support I have had has been fantastic personal issues second to non James Hargreaves,Nic Self,Jane Thornley & numerous other managers have been spot on!
I worked for ANT when we had no training just a phone book how much has ant moved on 10 years on im BACK & moving upwards thank you ant marketing

No offence but I'm sure people would rather hear opinions from the people on the phones who are calling people out of the blue trying to sell them insurance rather than their bosses and recruitment team ?

I also worked for ANT some years ago and although I realise somethings have changed I would never advise someone to go for a job there.

My personal experience was similar to a lot of other peoples, not especially dramatic but it paid the wages (poor wages) for a while during a time of need for me.

My manager needed shooting, she sat on her backside and watched everyone, chatted, drank coffee and collected the hourly target sheets like an obsessive school teacher. We were made to sit in rows facing front.

I was actually pretty good and she never realised this until I had to take a returned call at her desk, after that she spent an awful lot of time sucking up because I was doing well for her team.

I left and got a job with double the pay, one I enjoyed.

Having worked in marketing and management at different times over the years I have found that companies who give incentives generally have rubbish jobs - or why the need for the incentive?

Most call centres have taken an American approach to bribery and competition in the work place, it might give people a reason to work hard but creates no job loyalty, no managerial respect and therefore a poor result generally for the company.

If ANT took the time to put their managers on training courses of how to be a good manager - they might find they could turn the reputation round.

I don't regret my experience - it taught me a lot but I would rather clean toilets for a living than work there again because ultimately - they haven't a clue!

Why does Ant have such a poor reputation ?

again this is not my computer

yes i can confirm that ant marketing do give on going training through academy team leaders.

Their desks are of very high standards and have top quality computers on them.

I wasn't always a superior and as an agent felt like I belonged somewhere, for the first time in my working career I had ongoing coaching and support and never felt like I didn't belong.

If you want to believe other peoples comments then fine I appreciate that but I have first hand experience and know how supportive they are.

Why do people come to ant?

Why do people exceed their targets?

Why do people progress?

Because they want a lot out of their working careers and actually CARE for the company.

Those who leave are only in it for themselves:

Well I for one can say I care enough to stay there and make things a better place for people who also CARE!!!!!!!

WHY DOES NO ONE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT:

DIXONS
CAPITA
VENTURA
TELEWEST
BT
OR
EVEN VOICE
(any comments on these is plesantly appreciated)

ANT MARKETING is a good place to work and as any other calling centre is working to suceed to be a better place.

Has any firm or company we all want to be the best but what I do believe is ANT is a good place to work!!!

People who don't believe that haven't given it good enough chance to prove otherwise!!!!

Those who leave are only in it for themselves



Crikey

Is that an official Ant Marketing statement ?

again this is not my computer
ANT is a good place to work - People who don't believe that haven't given it good enough chance to prove otherwise!!!!

How do you work that out ?

Are you saying that Ant's reputation is accidental or that the people who have reported less than favourable working conditions in this thread or to people they know after leaving are lying ?

Again this is not my computer!!

Because people don't give a damm!!!!!!

I can still give opinions from someone who was on the phones:

I also exceeded my targets because I wanted to be the best!!

Because I wanted the company to be the best

Because I give 110% in all I do

I suggest that people who don't believe in it don't give 110%

I still as a manager go on the phones to help out with hours targets, sales targets and also sph targets so am not just there to be a manager I actually still care for people on the phones and anyone there will tell you this.

How long have you worked there and exceeded targerts??

How long have you given it to make a difference to other peoples working careers?

How long before people realise that this is just like any other call centre?

We are there to help people succeed if only they gave it more than 2 mins!!!!!

Again this is not my computer!!
I suggest that people who don't believe in it don't give 110%


Again another incredible statement and one that anyone reading will take a lot from when considering what Ant Marketing might be like as an employer.

How do you work that out ?

Are you saying that Ant's reputation is accidental or that the people who have reported less than favourable working conditions in this thread or to people they know after leaving are lying ?

I'm saying they haven't given it a good enough chance!!

From a personnal point of view people are entitled to their own opinions and mine is if you don't give something you don't get a return.

Sorry if you disagree but everyone is entitled to their own freedom of speech and I don't like to hear things that have changed so much for the better!!!

How long have you worked there and exceeded targerts??

:loopy:

:hihi:

From a personnal point of view people are entitled to their own opinions and mine is if you don't give something you don't get a return.

again this is not my computer
Their desks are of very high standards and have top quality computers on them


Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the chat.

It makes a change for someone to be honest and say they work there instead of registering another account from the Ant recruitment department and posting as though they are a new starter etc

:hihi: :hihi:

Tell us what you consider to be top quality desks then...

Minimum wage + commission.
have a look at the ant marketing thread to see the problems people have had with not getting paid correctly - my housemate was underpaid by £80 one month, and Ant said that they would only pay her £20 of the amount as they had no record of her earning the commission.

Another one with issues getting paid properly ?

Misterlee questions!!
Have you ever worked for ANT?
If so is your opinion from someone who did not give it a good go?
What have got against ant?
Top employer top bonus top prospects what more do anyone need?

I have nothing against Ant whatsoever, and am currently looking for work in sales, but find some of the statements made by Ant staff (and those made by the recruitment team pretending to be someone else) bizarre and maybe even (in my opinion) deliberately misleading.

For instance every time it's asked whether or not the desks are made from fire doors - the subject is changed.

Every time is asked whether or not there are wires tangled round callers feet meaning that they pull the plugs out of the floor based plug sockets - the subject is changed

etc
etc

No offence but do you really think you would have been promoted as quickly if various members of Ant's training team, callers, managers and account managers hadn't have walked out and gone to Voice ?

Misterlee Q's
Have you worked there yourself?
What have you got against ant?
do you earn my kind of salary & bonus?

Whoever is trying to message me my pop up is blocking it sorry! if it is someone who works with me see me in morning x

I have nothing against Ant whatsoever, and am currently looking for work in sales, but find some of the statements made by Ant staff (and those made by the recruitment team pretending to be someone else) bizarre and maybe even (in my opinion) deliberately misleading.

For instance every time it's asked whether or not the desks are made from fire doors - the subject is changed.

Every time is asked whether or not there are wires tangled round callers feet meaning that they pull the plugs out of the floor based plug sockets - the subject is changed

etc
etc

No offence but do you really think you would have been promoted as quickly if various members of Ant's training team, callers, managers and account managers hadn't have walked out and gone to Voice ?


Sorry - you appear to have missed this post of mine.

Personally I thought it seemed like a battery farm.

The pay's sh*te and the managers treat you like dirt on their shoe - not recommended


I think the best thing to do is to ask others who have worked at Ant to post their thoughts on the place and their experiences ?

The people I know who worked there have assured me they will contribute this week with their experiences of working there.

ARHHH SO FRUSTRATING!!! Voice have x members of ant staff begging to come back to ANT you tell me!!
Grass is always greener on the other side till you try it!
PROMOTION! I earnt it misterlee because I work hard & believe in what I do!!!
this is btbwild now my name my voice my opinion!
I have worked for many call centres in 15 yrs I came back to ant you tell me why!!

Can I also point out ANT is commited to raising money for help a Hallam child what does VOICE do??????

Can you describe the working environment at Ant for us please ?

Tell us about the desks and what they are constructed from - is it true they are made from fire doors ?

Or what about the complaint that people have told me that their feet have been tangled up in wires ?

Or what about the comments from the people I know who've worked there (and given it a proper go) who say that if they get put in the middle of the desk (squashed in one one side with 4 others) that there is a table leg in the middle so they have to sit with their legs open all day ?

so misterlee you are at VIOCE now can I also point out VOICE have lost contracts in their trial perods lateley

I think it's plain to see there is an agenda from both sides here.

Probably best to say goodnight and give it up?

To Btbwild - No offence but I have to point out that I'm not at Voice, that you conveniently avoid my questions, and that you don't come across as very professional and I'm sure that your bosses won't be too impressed when they read your posts I'm sure.

To deejayone - absolutely no agenda on my side whatsoever.

OMG a desk is a desk!! no fire door reconstuction!!

I'm sure that your bosses won't be too impressed when they read your posts I'm sure.


I'm sure someone will want a chat with them in the morning lol

Misterlee try before you buy check it out before you take other peoples work mate!!!

*word for things

btbwild - please explain what you mean ?

what exactly are you referring to ?

I'd give it up btb - there's an obvious agenda here!!!

this is known to my peers at ANT thanks

Misterlee Q's
Whoever is trying to message me my pop up is blocking it sorry!

Simple - just click on the 'Private Messages' near the top-left of the page, under the 'Forum Contents' header. Won't affect your pop-up blocker!

this is known to my peers at ANT thanks

I'm sure it is - but maybe it's best not to fuel the fire and make a rod for your own back? I'm sure your bosses might not be pleased if they came on here and read the posts?

btbwild - if people from Voice are begging to go back to Ant why don't they ? Won't Ant take them ?

No talking to some people is there ANT IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO WORK if you want too!!
Anyone wants to work try it x

No talking to some people is there ANT IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO WORK if you want too!!
Anyone wants to work try it x

:loopy:

I'm presuming at work you use a spell checker ?

No talking to some people is there ANT IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO WORK if you want too!!
Anyone wants to work try it x

I'm sure it is - but I am also sure you are not helping the cause by fuelling the obvious agenda of other posters?

I'm sure it is - but maybe it's best not to fuel the fire and make a rod for your own back? I'm sure your bosses might not be pleased if they came on here and read the posts?

Auth because im not dis-respecting my company or my job!!

Promoting not dis-respecting!!

Some of the people I've spoken to who don't have internet access have asked me to ask you

Is Chris Mortimer still there ?

He used to manage the insurance campaign at Sheaf ?

Or what about his assistant Mark - why did he leave ?

Promoting not dis-respecting!!


No offence - and again thank you for coming on and posting your opinions - but you haven't done your company a favour with your posts really have you ?

Auth because im not dis-respecting my company or my job!!

Absolutly not!! I wouldn't say you were!!!

I just think there is an obvious agenda by certain people in this thread that is probably best not discussing with them as they may spin what you say to their ends, which could end up being negative for your company.

Your bosses might be unhappy if you allow the agenda to continue, thus inadvertantly disrespecting your workplace.

I know that if I was a boss, I would have words with someone who, albeit inadvertantly, encouraged the other posters' agenda to continue.

I do admire your spirit and your openness, honesty and obvious passion for your job though.

Some of the people I've spoken to who don't have internet access have asked me to ask you

Is Chris Mortimer still there ?

He used to manage the insurance campaign at Sheaf ?

Or what about his assistant Mark - why did he leave ?

lol

Maybe you should put away your fishing rod?

I think you have had a good few bites tonight...

I do admire your spirit and your openness, honesty and obvious passion for your job though.

Yeah

If anyone as worked there as long as I have (17 months) then I will value your opinions if not then I aint bothered with your disrespectful remarks

Those who leave are only in it for themselves

I suggest that people who don't believe in it don't give 110%

Can I also point out ANT is commited to raising money for help a Hallam child what does VOICE do??????

so misterlee you are at VIOCE now can I also point out VOICE have lost contracts in their trial perods lateley

No talking to some people is there ANT IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO WORK if you want too!!
Anyone wants to work try it x



No offence but if this an indication of Ant management then I doubt I'll be ringing for an interview thanks.

Shocking.

I'm sure that with every job, there are positives and negatives.

The call centre industry, particularly sales, does get a rough ride and to be fair a lot of that is from the people who simply don't like the idea of it. That's fine, it's an opinion, albeit an uneducated one.

It seems that ANT has had lots of problems in the past and that is something they need to recognise and address to move forward and it is up to them to do that. Some people in this thread say they have changed, some people say they haven't, but if people like the managers posting tonight are reading the forum and the comments made - and if they are so passionate about it like the way they have posted, then I would like to think that they will do what they can to change they way things are for the better. I am sure that most businesses have 'horror stories'. I think I have heard one for almost every large employer in Sheffield.

On the same token, not everyone is suited to every job, so what might suit an accountant might not suit a bricklayer. It's horses for courses. I am sure that there are plenty of people who go to somewhere like ANT and do walk out of the door because it's not for them, but I am sure that this is the same in a lot of companies.

What stands out for me in this thread tonight is that there is obviously passion and enthusiasm within ANT and if things are as bad as some would make out then it's up to those people to make it better (it's encouraging to see that the managers do read these forums). Likewise, there has been a lot of uneducated posts of people that 'know someone who know someone who worked there', or have an obvious agenda. Again, opinions are fine, but if I was someone reading this thread and looking for work who wanted an honest opinion of how the place is, then I would read the posts from the people who work there rather than the speculative ones - and by my reckoning, there are a lot of people who work there, want to work there and portray it quite positively.

I think you miss the point though.

For every 1 bad story about other employers that I've heard, there seem to be a hundred about Ant.

And I don't think that btbwild's post exhibit enthusiasm, but I do think they exhibit a shocking level of unprofessionalism and anyone reading their posts will have formed very quickly a certain opinion.

I value the opinions of people who have worked there instead of dismissing them as you have done so very quickly.

By learning why people have left, and more importantly why they criticise the place in such a damning way Ant could learn a lot. Instead it could appear to most that they simply don't want to listen to criticism and havent' learned very much over the years ?

My questions about things like wiring wrapped round your feet as you work, desks made out of fire doors, about why the turnover is so very high were ignored, and instead replies are seemingly always forthcoming from Ant like the ones btbwild has been posting that are dismissive of any questions or criticism.

One question that btbwild has asked is extremely relevant though.

They asked why people always criticise Ant Marketing and not the other call centres.

I think there you have a question that needs answering internally at Ant and dealing with the answers that come up, instead of posting dismissive and obnoxious replies to anyone interested in knowing more about the place before applying for interview ?

I only worked for Ant Marketing for three days but during that time I had my head nailed to the table, my liver removed and I was hung upside down from the wall for 2 hours just for going to the toilet at the wrong time of day.

I look back on those days with great fondness.

I know so many people that have worked there and have never heard a good thing

I have worked for Ant in Broomhill on two occasions in the dim and distant past and it was OK but only a stop-gap measure for me (On the second occasion I got offered a £24k job elsewhere). I have also worked at the Dixons group callcentre and did actually prefer working at Ant, they never demanded I work stupid shifts or bank holidays when there is no public transport, I have an interview at their Chesterfield branch this week and hope they will give me a job there. Bonuses are achievable, basic wage pretty low but still works out at about £195 a week take home, I anticipate that I could possibly earn around £1100 a month after tax, which will enable me to bring my wife over here in summer :)

There's a good opportunity coming up for anyone who is a fan of Ant.

They are floating on the stock exchange so shares will be available

How unfortunate that this is going ahead on 1st April !?

Just out of interest, roughly what sort of monthly wage can you expect from a job with Ant (or similar) if you do a good job? what if you do an exceptional job? And what if you only manage the basic?

Just curious.

Ade

ive heard that the people who work ther just dissapear into thin air
a secret came out in the bord room about them branching out and opening a pie shop in maedow hall?

:rant: I had an interveiw for ant marketing in chesterfield.
the ad said no experience needed full training given. i had done 3 days in a call center thru an agency and enjoyed it so i thought yeah i'll give it ago.

the woman was really positive towards me.
i was suprised when i got a letter saying that they gave the jobs to people with more experience (also they had spelt both of my names wrong which is strange as i gave them a copy of my CV at the interview):rant:

Hey all,
I would like to say I recently have been having difficulties with ANT as an 'old skool' employee of nearly a year I was shocked to find the once flexible company was no longer operating this policy of certain campaigns ( I will save the managers of these campaigns embarassment by refraining from highlighting them)However, the Hr dept at sheaf quay is fantastic and has been very supportive. I ask the poster who wrote
'there is obviously passion and enthusiasm within ANT and if things are as bad as some would make out then it's up to those people to make it better '
why when employees do endeavour to make things better are we told basically to go quietly and not come back??


I must admit I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with ANT although it does have its flaws, but in this field good staff are hard to come by, and as I was consider an assest to the company why are they basically saying no we will remove all our good quality staff and replace with new starters that wont last a month. All in the name of good business?? Surely this a contradiction and I dont understand. But I am merely a caller, what would I know?? If Sheffielder is still around i would be very interested in talking to him/her.
Many thanks
SOULKAGE

Hi there - Feel free to contact me via PM

i've recently secured a job at ant in the sheaf quay department. Should i be worried about starting i really need the job to get some money for travelling before i go back to uni is it possible to just stick it out for 3 months without going mad. Or is the sheaf quay department quite tolerable?

Read this whole topic - then make your own mind up based on the number of people who have posted on here and their experiences.

I think this thread speaks volumes to be honest..

Try Towsure at Hillsborough (just next to Malin Bridge tram stop - easy from the uni).

They take on lots of students over the spring/summer, taking inbound sales calls for people buying outdoor stuff. They've got an office in Shalesmoor too.
www.towsure.com

getting back to Ant,

my cousin just had an interview for a job there she has 6 months experience in a call centre in sheffield and 18months in a call centre in doncaster, but apparently she doesnt have enough experience for Ant.

There's some feedback on Ant on sheffielders.co.uk

well i've been working there for a week now its not too bad i cant say i'm staying i've got a job just doing data input instead. But they dont pressure you that much atleast not initially.

well i've been working there for a week now its not too bad i cant say i'm staying i've got a job just doing data input instead. But they dont pressure you that much atleast not initially.

They're just softening you up - my first week was like that. Then they made me spend my second week standing on my head in a vat of manure while the team leaders amputated my toes with a machete.

They're just softening you up - my first week was like that. Then they made me spend my second week standing on my head in a vat of manure while the team leaders amputated my toes with a machete.

lol nice one!:hihi:

hi ive seen jobs going at ant marketing but a bit unsure....wot does the job involve, is it "cold calling"???
and is it minimum wage plus commission??
am considering the international telemarketing as i speak french and would like to use my french-speaking skills...but not sure whether to go for it...any advice would be appreciated thanx

hi ive seen jobs going at ant marketing but a bit unsure....wot does the job involve, is it "cold calling"???
and is it minimum wage plus commission??
am considering the international telemarketing as i speak french and would like to use my french-speaking skills...but not sure whether to go for it...any advice would be appreciated thanx

Broomhill branch want french,german speaking people ASAP recommend you at least try good luck

do they employ 16 year olds?

anyone in here work at ant marketing at the wicker? and what are your experiences? :)

Ant Marketing totally sucks. It is a horrible place to work and the employees are treated appallingly. I worked there for a few months out of sheer desperation and it is the only job I have ever walked out of. If you can handle the telemarketing itself, fine, but be careful about your wages. They will do anything they can to dock your pay and your bonus and then blame you for it. Bullying was rife, particularly from management, and the workers were more-or-less slaves. If they could replace the poor workers with robots they would. Take a job there if you are desperate, but always keep looking for something better.

Good evening all,

I read this thread with interest.

i used to, USED TO being the word

anyone in here work at ant marketing at the wicker? and what are your experiences? :)

I know loads of people who have worked there in the past, universal impression seems to be that it's an absolute hellish depressing nightmare that everyone is glad to see the back of.

Never worked there myself tho....

ant marketing is the worst place i workd at in my life the better place than dat is ventura based in dearne valley

i worked there for a day and a half, and faked a leg injury to go home. a bunch of nuts in that place

Hi, I am interested in opinions about opinions of ANT

Hi,

Thanks all for your messages

Hi, I am interested in opinions about ANT and trying to get hold of an ex-manager there called James who left recently, I am told he uses this forum.

If James reads this, or if anyone knows who he is, could they please get in touch with me urgently!

Thank you.

i think he's goes under the name of sheffielder or deejayone.

very interested in talking to you lodgepress check your pm's

soulkage

There's a 17 page-thread here somewhere on Ant Marketing, with various opinions on working there etc I think:)

Hi, I am interested in opinions about ANT and trying to get hold of an ex-manager there called James who left recently, I am told he uses this forum.

If James reads this, or if anyone knows who he is, could they please get in touch with me urgently!

Thank you.

Think you mean James Flint

Now @ Voice

Hope that helps

There's a 17 page-thread here somewhere on Ant Marketing, with various opinions on working there etc I think:)

Mod note: Threads merged

Hi Everyone

Am currently looking for a job and have read this thread.

Is ANT Marketing REALLY this bad??????

hi all,i work at ant.............at sheaf quay!!!and think that people who do not work there cant really say much,i enjoy my job and if it was so bad why do some of the biggest campaigns use us for marketing???never had a problem with bonuses or targets,
but as for the golf on the middle floor and mtv playing well never seen that

Well i think you will find a lot has changed since 1997 and some of us "numpties" do take the time and effort to find the right sort of job for people.. despite being talked to like dirt and sworn at a lot.. so yes I would recomend the jobcentre they can give you all the agency details they allways have lots of seasonal work also try ant marketing at broomhill

Would agree with you about the job centre part, they are being very helpful to me at the moment :thumbsup:, however, about ANT marketing - STAY AWAY!!!

Misterlee Q's
Have you worked there yourself?
What have you got against ant?
do you earn my kind of salary & bonus?

Whoever is trying to message me my pop up is blocking it sorry! if it is someone who works with me see me in morning x

I read this whole thread with interest and it amuses me greatly that having now read through 18 whole pages of people complaining about ANT that the management OR people who are 'getting ahead' and I use that term loosely at ANT are backing the place up.

So I will answer your questions - even though they were from two years ago.

1. Yes I did - for over a year and a half (mostly night shift)
2. Firstly in answer to this - the old campaigns that we worked on were NOT major companies ie: Farmers Weekly magazine was one that came back to mind. Two- For a manager to tell someone, if you can't do this - there is the door.. is not a positive encouragement tool.
3. I earn more than you... seriously. And that's because I own my own businesses now, 100% of them run much better and more efficient by using positive ideas and actually 'listening' to staff - rather than berating them.

So I will say this - thanks ANT Marketing for giving me some valuable insight into your wonderful world of business and giving me more power to do things for myself.

For people who work away from the Quay office - you are being shafted, you really are. The Quay office is mainly the one that the 'blue chip' companies are invited to and shown around to get them into a deal - while behind the 'Wizard of Oz' curtain.. the hard work is being done elsewhere.

I find it amusing, the amount of drones working for this company.
By drone - I define by someone who has been 'condition' to speak like management but are not in any kind of major managerial position at all.

I find it fascinating that people can be conditioned so easily to toe a company line, even though the company has some major problems with how it operates.
It really is cult like in its behaviour.

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinion and certain companys dont suit certain people but I used my time at Ant Marketing positively to get as much experience as possible, make some great friends (including 2 of the management staff which are far from "drones") and have now springboarded into an assistant manager position at my current company so owe part of that to my experience at Ant, which i will say was a positive one.

I worked there for just over a year at the sheaf quay centre and loved the experience and especially the people i worked with on the phones. Yes there are bad days and good days, some people better trained than others, yet you get that at any company and i ve worked for quite a few in my time. Yes, it's hard work and not everyone i worked with liked it but i think you'd find that with any company you work in. People i work with now still grumble and i work for one of UK's Top Blue Chip Companies that pay pretty good wages and have loads of perks, yet people still aren't happy!!

I find it strange that people moan such alot when in fact, if they dont like somewhere, they should just get job hunting again and find something more suitable for them.

Wow, some people who worked there and liked it, really dont have a personality(if you did then yu would have got out asap). I for one saw straight through there little scam. They are making so much money from the people who work there, its daft.

i work for one of UK's Top Blue Chip Companies that pay pretty good wages and have loads of perks, yet people still aren't happy!!


Just out of interest, can you let me know your pay per hour .. and the other perks you get as I can tell you straight away how much you are being ripped off, compared with other 'blue chippers' around the UK.

You might be surprised at how ripped off you are being.

i defo am not a drone so thanks for that!!!!and im sure i ave a personality.in the current climate i would not be bothered were my job is as long as my roof is over my head and my baby is provided for in september whens shes born,at least i can say im workin and not sittin on my arse at home

Wow, some people who worked there and liked it, really dont have a personality(if you did then yu would have got out asap). I for one saw straight through there little scam. They are making so much money from the people who work there, its daft.

There not making that much money believe me..

i would not say no to more money lol

I used to work at Ant Marketing in Sheffield but this was a long time back and its not bad there, I was working on a credit card contract and then moved on to orange when they taken that contract but left to go in the armed forces lol.

I don't know if it's the same now or they changed quite a lot but i remember my times there lol.

I used to work at Ant Marketing in Sheffield but this was a long time back and its not bad there, I was working on a credit card contract and then moved on to orange when they taken that contract but left to go in the armed forces lol.

I don't know if it's the same now or they changed quite a lot but i remember my times there lol.

But there wasn't many promotion prospects there and some of the company was cold calling and I didn't like it much. But ventura was better than Ant atleast most of Ventura is not cold calling so you didn't get much grieve from the customers and Ventura is better pay aswell. I moved on totally now i'm currently with the The Tech Guys at PCworld.

Happy there and I won't change the job for anything. :)

I can't stress enough that Ant are bloody awful...

I've NEVER heard a good thing about them and the horror stories.. no scrap that factual experiences.. that people who worked for them relayed to me over the years say they have NO intention of changing..

Seriously don't do it... they're just the pits.

I have worked for them. Abolute pisstake. Try William Hill - they are recruiting now for CSA. £6.02 per hour. Contact Elizabeth from Search Recruitment in Sheffield.

can i just say that ant is a great guy,i used to be a home carer and looked after his mum..they are a lovely family. And yes the cars you see driving round with private regs are ants,he is a very successful business man and good luck to him

Avoid at all costs!!!!!!

can i just say that ant is a great guy,i used to be a home carer and looked after his mum..they are a lovely family. And yes the cars you see driving round with private regs are ants,he is a very successful business man and good luck to him

The whole cult at Ant is about Ant flattery. The cars have private plates to hide their real age, worth and condition. The premises are shabby and run to a price. Campaigns are regularly over-promised and under-delivered. HR and H&S procedures do not exist. At Broomhill, the MD sits halfway up the stairs and harrangues anybody who dares to pass a la a workhouse master circa 1855.

AVOID Ant Marketing like the plague.

Worked there once.... AWEFUL place to work!
Clerical Register I can whole heartedly recommend as per Dick Dastardly's suggestion.

Everyone I have spoken to has said avoid Ant Marketing!

can i just say that ant is a great guy,i used to be a home carer and looked after his mum..they are a lovely family. And yes the cars you see driving round with private regs are ants,he is a very successful business man and good luck to him

They can't all be him. No-one can park that many cars so inconsiderately all at the same time.

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some up-to-date information on what it's like to work for Ant Marketing. I've been offerred a job and feel uncertain about taking it. I'd have to quit a decent part-time job (same rate of pay), to go for it. What should I do?

Avoid like the plague, I've never felt closer to being a chicken in a coop in my life.

never never never and i mean never work for them they treat you like ****e!!!

I went to work numerous of times not even been able to access me a headset!! i was sat there for two hours just reading a magazine they are pathetic, oh and they hired me when i was 17 and i was taking bank details and i worked there for 6 months until i actually told them how old i was. there was about 10 people coming in every day to be trained for that campaign it was stupid there wasnt even enough computers for anyone they had to send people home without pay because there was too many people working and not enough room,headsets or computers!!!
Oh and if you are working there you really are better off keeping a really good eye on your pay they still owe me £360!! they always pay you short they want to give you as little pay as possible, and they is no windows to look out of its like a prison and yeh your only allowed 5 mins for 8 hours work to log off your computer and use that to go to the toilet so basically your timing your self when your on the loo!!!! hahahahahahahaha its all about money and them stupid ant cars rrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT WORK FOR THEM WHAT EVER YOU DO TRUST ME!

Never been they dont give a toss at all about anyone but there selfs oh yeh and money money and more money.

I have met the owner and he did me a big favour a few years ago and didn't want anything in return; there are always two sides to a story!

I do not know the business well but, at the end of the day, he is providing employmnt for a lot of people who, otherwise would not have a job.

Remember, when he set his business up he took a lot of risk; so it is quite right that he should enjoy the rewards for all the risk he has taken. If anyone thinks they can do better, then they should have a go themselves; I would not want to...high capital costs, a saturated market with margins under pressure from lower cost economies such as India.

As some people say, if you do not like it, you are perfectly entitled to leave.

And, remember, it will cost his business when someone leaves; because he then has the cost of recruiting and training new people...and his business is all about people.

at the end of the day there has been thousands of people working fo them and they have either been in debt or lost there job because they could not be bothered to train them, there was 80 peopleon our floor and there is only 10 remaining. also aswel people are told in there contarct that they have a 12 month permanant contaract with them and when you read through the contarct it says nothing about a probation month and there has been that many people who have been sacked because of them. they might have done a favour for you but that's only you no one else and if this business meant so much to them then they would talk to there employees and want feedback but yet again they don't they care about money love nothing else and they will do anything for that. oh and did you no that they have both been do for fraud or did you forget about that!!!!!!! as i have proved my point yet again there will not be much of ant marketing left and i cant wait and i am very sure everyone else will be aswel. and no one at all has ever met them before that says so much about them dont you think

well desperation means that despite comments on here I have an induction with Ant on friday, so i'll let you know if it's still a horrible place!

I have just left. Not a good place, the pay is lousy, discipline harsh, and the conditiond Dickensian.

Are the Porsche's that I see round Sheffield with the plates ANT 1 & ANT 4 anything to do with this company.
Just curious, that's all.

Yep, all belong to Ant marketing...

Update as of 2011

Wage - £6.15 ph
Breaks 2 x 10 mins paid, 1 hour dinner unpaid and allegedly 40 mins wrap/loo time
The main issue is the bonus
Firstly, if you do not meet the sales target you get nothing e.g the target is 15 sales in the day and you make 14 you LOSE everything only if you hit the target will you get anything.

Next if your productivity is below a certain figure for the day you lose all your bonus eg you make the 15 sales but your productivity is below x percent you lose everything.

Finally if your call quality is not 100 percent then you lose 10 percent of the bonus per call with poor quality stacking Upto 5 times to lose 50 percent.

The calls are very heavily scripted with minimal room to add individual personality.
My oppinion is they should get an automated system to do this because you have to be very machine like and definitely made of sterner stuff to be able to find the motivation to come on and read from a script repeatedly to people who clearly are not interested.

Well it will depends on what kind of job you are searching for.

It was never a 'career choice' but it's a shame that it's got all strict and spiteful towards the staff... It used to be a stop gap for students and graduates - a few weeks/months work where you could put as many or as few hours in a week as you liked... Go to work all week,week after miss wednesday, turn up thursday and noone mentioned it! That was the perk - you could come and go as you pleased, so the bad conditions and poor pay didn't seem as bad... Made many great friends there, but the job was awful and the conditions pitiful... Perhaps they need to return to where they once were? Let their staff come and go a bit more, then maybe they'd be happier to stay for an extra week or two?

Good luck for Friday!

Just remember to ask where the fire escapes and the loos are because in my experience of Ant - they wont volunteer this information!

do not go there. They will use every trick in the book to minimise youir pay, treat you like a naughty child and make your lifr hell. £6 per hour for al this. They have an army of floor walkers constantly bawling "any more for the board?". This refers to the two sales per hour demand for which you may be given a sweet! This is not a joke.

This refers to the two sales per hour demand for which you may be given a sweet! This is not a joke.

A sweet? oh dear

If anyone fancies an Outbound Sales role that pays a good basic £7.25ph, is based in a state of the art building in Sheffield City Centre, has realistic targets and proper bonus potential, offers long term positions working for a company and a brand that make you feel part of the team and offer all the support and coaching you may need. You would need to have at least 6 months outbound sales experience and could work 8 hour shifts between 10am and 9pm. You would be promoting a major mobile phone companies broadband service to the mobile phone companies exisiting customers. This company pays the best basic, offers the best bonus but wants the best people. email CV's to matt.jones@bluearrow.co.uk for more information.

at the end of the day there has been thousands of people working fo them and they have either been in debt or lost there job because they could not be bothered to train them, there was 80 peopleon our floor and there is only 10 remaining. also aswel people are told in there contarct that they have a 12 month permanant contaract with them and when you read through the contarct it says nothing about a probation month and there has been that many people who have been sacked because of them. they might have done a favour for you but that's only you no one else and if this business meant so much to them then they would talk to there employees and want feedback but yet again they don't they care about money love nothing else and they will do anything for that. oh and did you no that they have both been do for fraud or did you forget about that!!!!!!! as i have proved my point yet again there will not be much of ant marketing left and i cant wait and i am very sure everyone else will be aswel. and no one at all has ever met them before that says so much about them dont you think

And who'd have thought Ant (or anyone else) could do without someone as lucid and literate as you...