Last week I attended the NRF (National Recruitment Federation) conference in Dublin, where guest speaker Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo reported on the global trends in the recruitment industry and the overall state of the recruitment market. A highly impressive speaker, engaging and very knowledgeable.
Ann talked about key markets, and new "hot to trot" locations where recruitment is a growth sector. Her advice was not to set up in the UK. So what are we doing this week... setting up in the UK. According to Ann, there are 9,500 recruitment companies in the UK, now with the addition of Expect Talent UK Ltd. make that 9,501...
Before you think we have completely lost the plot, Ann also added, "don't set up in the UK unless you are following a client". So we are setting up our business in Edinburgh as a result of a 4 year client relationship in Ireland. This is a very exciting growth phase for Expect Talent and we are delighted that we can start up in the UK with such a high profile recruitment project, which will help us launch our business in the UK in 2011.
The last 3 weeks have been spent planning with a very short lead time before we go live, as a key partner for a high-volume recruitment project for a customer service centre which will create 900 jobs in city centre Edinburgh. Our highly talented team have gone into action to make it all happen, and our networks in Scotland (thanks to BNI) have meant that finding local contacts has been easy.
My advice for any business looking to start in the UK. Plan, plan and plan again, whilst leveraging every key contact you have to help you. Where possible, help others and give opportunities to local businesses who in turn will help you back. Hire the best talent to represent you and always have a Plan B, C and D. I write this blog on a ferry on the way to Scotland. Ash Clouds won't get in the way of making this happen, so we had a Plan B, go by boat!
There is no better time to look outside of your local market, wherever you are reading this from. Small businesses in 2011 should be focused on delivering exceptional customer service, as well as doing things in a unique and engaging way which adds value to the client. Its all about activity levels, regardless of your industry. If you triple your activity levels, you will triple your results, and then some! Far too many people focus on all the negativity, but when you focus on success and positivity you attract more of the same.
I look forward to bringing a new and innovative approach to the UK recruitment market, as we continue to change the way the world does recruitment. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way so far in the UK, and to my team, you are all amazing and I could not drive this business on without you. UK here we come... Expect Talent UK Ltd. is born!
