13 - Chapter 12
**Kelly POV**
Kelly and her husband sat in the taxi on their way to Roka. They had managed to find a babysitter who was able to look after the little ones, though she had wanted double rates because of the late notice. Since the company was picking up the bill, Kelly had agreed, though it had annoyed her.
Both had dressed up for the occasion and Jenny was a little nervous about the upcoming event. She went over what they had been told, which wasn't much. Everyone was invited with partners. The insinuation was that attendance was pretty much mandatory. There would be some big announcement made, and the company would pick up all expenses.
When she looked up the venue, it was billed as a high end sushi restaurant. A place they would only be able to go to as an anniversary treat. As one of the cleaners, it was her first time being invited to such an event at such a venue. They wouldn't be having such an event to announce something bad right? But on the other hand, just because the announcement was good for the company, was it good for her? Kelly just didn't know and that was causing her anxiety to spike. Kelly took an antacid tablet out of her purse and swallowed it.
Well they would be there soon, and she would find out. She prayed that the news was positive for her and her family.
They were dropped off right outside the venue, it took a while as there seemed to be a lot of people being dropped off at the same venue. Some she recognised from the office, but most she didn't. Wasn't this supposed to be a company event?
When she entered the venue, she was amazed by the stunning decorta. They were approached by one of the staff, and asked which company they were from. Kelly provided her firm's name and they were led inside. She noticed a few others had given different firm names. Again she wondered why other firms were sharing the same venue.
The waiter told them that it was an open bar, and asked what they would like to drink. She ordered a soft drink, but her husband ordered an expensive spirit. When she gave him a look, he just shrugged.
Kelly wandered around, asking the people from her own firm if they knew anymore about what was going on, and meeting the partners of her colleagues.
Around half an hour later, a group of people entered together. What made the group stand out was 3 of the women, they were not really dressed up, even then what made her pay attention was that the group included AJt, the managing partner of her firm. She also noticed the noise in the room die down as they entered. It looked like the group included senior people from all the firms present. Maybe now they would finally get to the bottom of this mystery.
*
Tasha entered the venue with Ingrid, Hanna, James, AJ, Sunny, Sally and Robert.
Tasha was aware that the suddenness of the announcement would probably cause some people to worry, so she did not intend to draw out the announcement.
“Can you guys all check if everyone is here,” asked Tasha, directed to her group. “ I don't want to start if we are still waiting, but I also dont want to keep people waiting too long.”
The group dispersed to check with the admin teams if everyone was here. They returned after confirming that everyone who was supposed to be here was here. Tasha could start.
“Good evening, and thank you all for attending.” started Tasha. “My name is Tasha Andersen, and I am the Chair and CEO of TA Consulting. I am sure you are all wondering what you are doing here. I am sure you were also told that it was a company only event, and are surprised by the presence of other other firms”
“Well, I am here to announce, as of this afternoon, everyone in this room works for the same group of companies. TA Consulting has purchased significant stakes in all your companies. Think of this as a get to know everyone event for the new group.” continued Tasha. “Let me introduce the management team for the group.” continued Tasha. “James is COO, Sunny is head of legal, AJ is head of finance, Sally is head of ESG, Robert is head of audit and Hanna is head of security.”
“Ingrid will also be heading up a charitable foundation we are setting up.” said Tasha. “Now I know this will come as a shock to you all. First of all, I can confirm that all your jobs are safe. I know some of you would have been worried, and more by this sudden change. So I wanted to assure you that things will only improve. Since we have not yet appointed a head of personnel, I will ask Sunny to explain the changes that will impact you personally.”
Sunny stepped up to speak. “Thanks Tasha, good afternoon everyone, yes this is a sudden change, but I can only reiterate that this will be a positive step for our group and for each and every one of you.” said Sunny. “First, everyone’s salary will be reviewed, with the minimum salary in the business set to £50k per year. We feel everyone working for us should be able to earn enough to not have to worry. Second, we are announcing a range of benefits that will apply to all permanent employees. There will be full private health care cover, company vehicles for those that want access to them and the usual pension cover. This will be effective from today. In addition, all children will have their full education costs covered. Finally, in the unfortunate event of death in service, your spouse will be entitled to 50% of your salary plus the costs associated with your children's education until your children graduate.”
The room, quiet before the announcement, now went quiet from shock. Even the wait staff couldn't believe what they were hearing. The benefits package was unheard of.
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“This is just the start, “ said Tasha, “”We expect our team members to work hard, and play hard. There are more benefits coming soon. We will announce them as they materialise. Now James, our group COO will go into how work will change.”
“Thank you Tasha,” said James. “Now, this initial buyout is just the start, in the coming days and weeks, we will be announcing more of these mergers. There will be more events like tonight, to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to meet the team members joining us at TA Consulting. In terms of your day jobs, nothing will change immediately. You will continue to work as you have done, the only thing you add is that TA consulting will also be a ‘client’ that will generate work. As you are part of the group we would ask that you prioritise the group. We are working to very tight deadlines, and would appreciate your support in delivering our agend in a timely manner.”
“I would also like to remind you that we are setting up a charitable foundation.” said Ingrid, “If you have causes or charities close to your heart, I am happy to speak to you about how we could potentially fund them.”
“Finally, some of you may be wondering why we have a head of security,” said Hanna, “we are part of a significant VC group. It could potentially make our teams targets for industrial espionage. The security teams will provide training and support to reduce the risk for everyone.”
“Thank you all for being here tonight.” continued Tasha, “I am sure you have questions, you can ask them now, or one to one. The tasting menu has been ordered for everyone, and the bar is open. So have fun and enjoy yourselves.”
Tasha stepped back and looked towards Anita. She motioned for Anita to join her.
“Glad you could make it Anita,” said Tasha. “Did you get a chance to complete all the transactions? I know I sent them over late.”
“Oh one of my colleagues, Kevin, you spoke to him briefly, offered to complete the work so I could arrive on time.” replied Anita.
At her response, Tasha gave Hanna a look. Tasha had included her conversation with Kevin in the overview she had given to Hanna. They both knew that he was a weak line, and that banking would be a weakness for them. Another thing she would need to deal with.
“That was very kind of him, Anita.” replied Tasha not showing her real feelings. ”I take it you heard all the introductions for the team. I will need you to set up a new account, for managing normal business operations and give my team access. But enough work talk, why don't you meet with the team and enjoy yourself.”
“James, Sunny, Hanna could I have a quick word?” said Tasha as Anita went off to speak to some of the others.
When they were in one corner, their conversation hidden due to the general noise of chatter, Tasha told the group about her conversation and the risk that Kevin represented.
“We can monitor him,” said Hanna.
“Yes, but where there is one, there could be others we don't know about.” replied Tasha. “Sunny, work out a plan, I want to buy the bank and privatise it.” She looked up the details on her phone. “It says the current market capitalization is around £30Bn. I think we can make that work?”
“Sure, let me look into it.” replied Sunny, “You are taking this investing thing very seriously, 2 days and 2 massive deals in the works already. This job definitely won't be boring”
“Go and have fun tonight, “ laughed Tasha. “ Tomorrow will be soon enough.”
With that the group split to go and socialise and answer any questions from the wider team.
*
**Jenny POV**
Jenny and her partner had attended the event, not sure what to expect. The news of the merger, which would increase the size of the firm many fold, was shocking enough. There hadn't even been a hint of a rumour that anything like this was even being discussed. Either everyone in the know managed to keep quiet about the deal, or more likely the deal happened very fast.
Then the changes to salaries, and the massively increased benefits was another shock. The company talked about taking care of the employees, and on the surface the benefits, that were not cheap, were a good way to do that. However, Jenny was not an idiot, she knew you dont get something for nothing. Just what were the company expecting in return for the sweeping changes?
Jenny wandered around speaking to her equally shocked colleagues old and new, and the general view was to see how things panned out in the coming days. Anyone could talk up a good game, but the proof was always in the execution. They would know soon enough if the company leadership meant business.
*
**Kelly POV**
The announcement and seeping changes to her pay and benefits had left Kelly breathless. She didn't even know things like this could happen in the real world. She and her husband spoke about what it might mean for their little family going forward.
Due to their low paying jobs they had alway had to live paycheck to paycheck. This one move would give them breathing room for the first time since they joined the workforce. Kelly worried about if the changes were sustainable, the company needed to earn enough to pay all the increased bills, would they be able to increase business enough to be able to do that? If not, would they cut back on everything again?
She decided to be prudent, they wouldn't go out on a spending spree, they would save, and maybe for the first time actually invest. If the company was serious about paying for school, maybe they could send their kids to private school and give them a shot at a life they had only dreamed about.
*
**John POV**
John was not happy. After the call from Kevin, he had been spending all his time and favours trying to find out anything and everything about Myriad Dragon Enterprise, TA Consulting and Tasha Andersen.
The latter two were easier to get information on, the company had been doing well until Tasha’s whole family had disappeared off the face of the earth, and she had become obsessed with finding out why. She had blown up all her assets, cash and contacts trying to find out, but had not gone anywhere.
Like Lazarus, she had come back from the dead, reviving her company and pivoting to investing. She might even be successful and worth watching. She was driven, ruthless and detail oriented. She would be worth watching.
No, what was robbing John of his happiness was the black hole that Myriad Dragon Enterprise seemed to be. They didn't exist as a registered business in every jurisdiction that he could check. He couldn't even identify them, to start to look at who was backing them.
He just knew this was going to be trouble, but trouble was where the best returns could be made so he would keep digging till he got to the bottom of it.