Introduction to FSI Worldwide
FSI’s roots lie in the Gurkha Battalions of the British Army. The company’s founder and current CEO, Tristan Forster served with the Gurkhas for 12 years, retiring as a Major in 2001. During his time with the Gurkhas, Tristan developed an enduring respect and admiration for the qualities of Gurkha soldiers which informed his management style and ethos and now instructs FSI’s approach to business.
FSI began life as a specialist supplier of ex Gurkha personnel to the security industry and this still forms a significant part of the business. However, the key elements of the FSI business model (the recruitment, leadership and management of high quality, ethically sourced personnel) are concepts that apply equally to civilians as to ex military personnel. As such, FSI has developed a highly efficient and cost effective model for the recruitment and management of skilled and unskilled labour for the construction, facilities management, oil and gas and hospitality sectors in addition to security staff, which it continues to provide to a large existing client base.
The FSI model focuses on delivering value for clients. This is achieved by the provision of a properly trained, well motivated work force. This stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of manpower companies who recruit from the Asian Sub Continent, whose corrupt practices result in a workforce that is not fit for purpose and is significantly more expensive for the client in the medium and long term. Put simply, ethical recruitment makes good business sense.