Tiara Recruitment Awards UK&I by TALiNT International

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

AWARD WINNER PROFILES!

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

Recruitment

Headline Partner

Winning ways Jason Martin, Head of Strategy at Access Recruitment and a veteran TIARA judge, explains what sets winners apart and how better use of tech is transforming the sector What TALiNT Partners brings together at the TIARA Awards is truly unique. It really celebrates the industry with great coverage of the best in the sector and a diverse, high-quality shortlist. We saw a lot of new challengers in the shortlist who won TIARAs last year, and it’s good to see more new names coming through. It’s always impressive when past winners and finalists show that they’re still going above and beyond, being innovative and setting a great example as well. As always, I look at how the best are using tech and automation to enable their business. The best uses of tech for me are those businesses that are bringing together the integration between products really well and looking at those process flows. So they’re starting with a self-service mindset of how do we just make

things available to clients and workers because that’s how you reduce admin and look savvy. From that you get automation of those lovely pieces of integration. To make it sing you need really good data and analytics. Beyond tech and data, it was inspirational to see the commitment to DEI, ESG and L&D from recruiters who want to be recognised as the best employers as well as the best partners. Analytics is being optimised to prove impact with key metrics to clients. Judging by what the best in the sector are measuring, the industry is clearly transforming and evolving to be recognised as the professional service it is.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, highly commended and all those shortlisted for setting such a strong example as champions of recruitment.

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

Campaign Partner

Backing business services

Ken Brotherston CEO at TALiNT Partners

Back-office teams are often the unsung heroes in recruitment, from credit control to marketing to compliance, all of which have proved how vital they are to profitable growth in recent years. In 2023, Pixid is championing the support that underpins growth for agencies as a Campaign Partner of the TIARA Recruitment Awards UK & Ireland and sponsor of the Business Services Team of the Year Award – which recognises an exemplary services team within any staffing back-office function that has best supported growth, enabled innovation or improved performance. Pixid is embracing new and emerging technologies, including AI, and facilitating seamless integrations with further back and front office systems for streamlined workflows across multiple platforms. Having won TIARA Talent Tech Star Awards for Client Service and Workforce Solution of the Year, it was an honour to see the process from the other side as a judge on the TIARA Recruitment Awards. What I looked for from this year’s finalists was the best balance of tech and talent to deliver improvement but also how teams are uniting behind a shared purpose and goal – whether it’s to be the best recruiter in their market specialism or to transform recruitment with new models, solutions or approaches. Customer success and back-office support are the new battlegrounds for vendors looking to differentiate, increase loyalty and build the foundations for resilient and profitable growth. Pixid is proud to sponsor the Business Services Team of the Year to recognise the contribution of one team’s impact or how different support teams have collaborated to improve productivity, profitability, client loyalty or candidate engagement.

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

Feeling the pulse Talent is the lifeblood of the UK economy, and the TIARAs recognise the recruiters who keep it pumping… Ken Alex Evans MD, TALiNT Partners The competition for talent has intensified in recruitment, those with the best employer brands who have balanced tech and touch, and trained their sector specialists, have already won this year. The TIARAs recognise those not only accelerating the evolution of recruitment but enhancing the perception of the staffing sector. Open to any recruitment firm with at least £5 million in revenues, the TIARAs showcase the best to inspire the rest. This year’s finalists are the most impressive yet because they have continued to innovate and professionalise through the recruitment boom. With a combined turnover of £9.5 billion, and collectively employing 42,000 talented people, the 65 staffing firms shortlisted represent the UK&I’s top recruiters driving transformation and profitable growth in the sector. It’s great to see so many of the sector’s top brands shortlisted - past winners returning to defend their title and so many new challengers for top honours this year. Transformation, inclusion, and resilience are key themes underpinning the 2022 TIARA Recruitment Awards campaign.

Brotherston CEO at TALiNT Partners

Judges said that what set the best apart, regardless of size and scale, was how their people are optimising Tech and Data, investing in Learning & Wellbeing of employees & candidates, and focussing on a range of metrics for success. The TIARA judging panel is distinguished by the breadth of perspectives from across the talent ecosystem, from the industry’s leading executives, NEDs, and chairmen to investors, advisers and heads of TA and HR from some of the world’s largest employers. They support our judging process with their reputations as well as their considerable experience and insight. It must be exemplary, and it must impress respected leaders. This is what makes a TIARA the most powerful endorsement for UK&I recruiters. Thank you to everyone who entered and supported the TIARA 2022 Recruitment Awards. TALiNT Partners are proud to celebrate the crowning achievements of the best in the industry who have proved why recruitment is a professional service attracting more diverse talent and new skills.

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

Elevate your business with award-winning recruitment software. Make your people more effective Collaborate effortlessly Boost efficiency Go beyond automation standards Deliver exceptional client and candidate experience

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

Hall of Fame Award WINNER

Ged Mason

Group Chief Executive at Morson Group

The Mercury Hall of Fame Award honours an individual with a distinguished career that has had both a major impact on the perception and professionalism of the industry, as well as achieving exceptional success as a business leader. This year it also recognises an individual who has had a major impact in their local community.

This year the Award recognises an individual who has had a major impact in their local community. This year’s recipient started his recruitment career in Canada before returning to the UK and beginning life as what he calls a brew-boy. Learning the business from top to bottom saw him appointed Managing Director in 1999, before being appointed CEO in 2005. As Chief Executive, our recipient has full responsibility for Group strategy and commercial performance along with key staff resourcing strategy and key client liaison. The business has continued to grow and flourish under his leadership and now has circa £1 billion in sales and is a leader in its disciplines in the UK and North America.

Our Hall of Fame entrant is an amazing ambassador, entrepreneur and benefactor in his region. Supporting numerous charitable causes within the region, including: The Seashell Trust, Engineering Excellence Scholarships, University of Salford Makerspace project and Destination Florida – all causes close to our recipient’s heart. Outside of recruitment our recipient co owns racehorses with close friend Sir Alex Ferguson, combining his two sporting passions of football and horse racing. He also co-owns Sale Sharks RFU and Salford Triathlon.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GED MASON!

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

Agile, Mid-Market VMS Providing Visibility & Control of Contingent Stafﬁng

Trusted Solution: Enabling the Supply of Contingent Workers by 8,500 Agency Branches to 130,000 Client Locations across 39 countries.

3 x WINNER TIARA Talent Tech Awards Workforce Solution of the Year 2023 & 2021 Customer Service Award 2022

Key features: Quick Deployment: Out-of-the-box, agency-led VMS Flexible Set-up: Ideal for Master Vendor or MSP-lite Cross-border Capabilities: Multi-lingual & multi-currency

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smart recruitment technology 8

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

The Pixid Business Services Team of the Year WINNER

This Award recognises an exemplary services team within any staffing back-office function that has best supported growth, enabled innovation or improved performance.

The Seven back-office team has expertly balanced innovation and top-tier customer support across various functions, including candidate attraction, training, payroll, and compliance. Their revolutionary technology, particularly Smart Search, seamlessly integrating major job boards and social media platforms, has accelerated candidate discovery, exceeding industry standards by a factor of five. In addition, Seven’s proprietary digital compliance system, Safeguard, streamlines document uploads for candidates, significantly reducing processing times and ensuring secure storage of candidate information. Furthermore, their automated payroll system, PayTech, enhances efficiency and security for temporary candidates in completing and submitting timesheets. These advanced solutions have transformed recruitment processes for leading UK private healthcare employers like Priory Group, Cygnet Health, and Elysium. Seven’s sales support team has created a comprehensive library of instructional videos covering the entire candidate and client journey, ensuring customers receive timely and informative recruitment information. As a gesture of goodwill, Seven provides Hero Boxes to all candidates, offering essential items such as PPE, uniforms, ID cards, useful gadgets, and placement information.

Notably, Seven distinguishes itself as one of the few UK agencies offering 24/7 human support, a vital service for their predominantly health and social care clientele. They also cover training and education expenses, including travel, accommodation, PPE, uniforms, and security equipment. Their ‘Digital Transformation’ initiative, led by the back-office team, has been a game-changer in customer retention and business acquisition. Implementing award-winning recruitment technology like Smart Search, Safeguard, and PayTech has increased customer retention by nearly 20%. To further bolster retention, Seven introduced a digital referral system that empowers candidates as ‘Ambassadors,’ enabling them to earn rewards for successful referrals, resulting in a remarkable 59% increase in referrals with a GP value of nearly £5 million. In their pursuit of new business, Seven executed cuttingedge digital marketing strategies, generating over £3 million in GP from new candidates in the last 12 months. Their business development team successfully attracted 200+ employers, including prominent organisations like Pfizer, Boots, Virgin Care, and Everton Football Club. Judges’ comments: Judges praised Seven Resourcing for their consistent investment to be best in class across all areas of the organisation. They stood out for investing in the personal development of their backoffice employees and giving everyone an unlimited budget for learning new skills and gaining qualifications.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

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TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

The Sonovate Client Service Award WINNER

This Award recognises excellence and collaboration in the delivery of a talent acquisition project, campaign or ongoing client partnership.

Signify’s unwavering commitment to innovation and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is deeply rooted in its core values. The company prioritizes inclusivity and equal opportunities, both within its organization and while assisting clients.

In its partnership with Axoni in 2022, Signify redefined the recruitment process, introduced prioritization assessments, and streamlined reviews and interviews, successfully placing 18 candidates in their tech team, reducing time-to-hire by 26%.

Internally, Signify has revamped its hiring processes to emphasize diverse candidate sourcing and unbiased evaluation, fostering a workforce with diverse perspectives. Regular diversity training and workshops raise awareness of unconscious biases and promote an inclusive organizational culture.

Despite economic uncertainties, Signify achieved substantial milestones in 2022, including an 82% increase in turnover, reaching £32.2 million, and a 160% growth in revenue from £1,288,542 to £3,344,891. The company made 657 new placements, signed 83 new clients, and increased its headcount. Notable initiatives included introducing market-leading benefits and achieving a 39% email open rate. Signify also contributed to charity, supported employee growth, and promoted internal talent.

Externally, Signify’s collaboration with Disney exemplifies the company’s approach to strengthening DE&I initiatives. Signify comprehensively assessed Disney’s DE&I objectives, identified recruitment gaps, and provided inclusive solutions, working closely on job descriptions, screening criteria, and interview processes. Leveraging Signify’s extensive database of engineers and developers, the company reached candidates through various channels, equipping its recruitment consultants to eliminate unconscious bias and help Disney address hiring process gaps. Through partnerships with organizations like Women in Technology, Programme One, and Diversity in Tech, Signify expanded its candidate pool, ensuring candidates with disabilities received tailored support and extra time for coding assessments. In 2022, Signify achieved significant placements in Disney’s tech department, with 38% ethnically diverse hires and 12% females. For candidates with disabilities, 34% found employment through Signify’s efforts. Signify prioritizes delivering outstanding client service, fostering enduring partnerships by understanding clients’ needs, nurturing relationships, and maintaining effective communication.

Maintaining a strong focus on diversity with a 43% female workforce and 39% in senior positions, the company launched an internal DE&I focus group called ‘UNIFY,’ driving positive change in the recruitment industry and programming language community. Signify’s dedication to innovation, DE&I, and exceptional client service solidifies its leadership in the industry, underlining its commitment to ongoing excellence. Judges’ comments: Judges praised Signify Technology for their DE&I initiatives to improve representation in their sector and using it to drive better client service and demonstrate value.

Highly Commmended VHR were commended for their innovative client service approaches and their impressive growth story with a genuine CSR commitment in the UK and globally.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 11

The recruitment operating system that unites your front, middle and back oﬃce.

Websites | CRM | Screening | Pay and Bill 12

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

The Vincere Best Use of Technology Award WINNER

This Award recognises the best use of technology in a recruitment company to gain a competitive edge by improving candidate experience, client service, productivity or profitability.

Extrastaff is an innovative company that fully leverages technology and social media to enhance its operations. Their IT platform, EFOS, played a pivotal role in reducing online registration time during the initial lockdown, cutting costs, and centralising compliance. This innovation set them apart in their sector. They also established a dedicated social media team, reducing reliance on traditional advertising by an impressive 78%, fostering a vibrant company culture and improving content quality. The implementation of EFOS led to significant time savings for administrator roles, serving over 20,000 temporary workers and processing more than 1,000 new workers weekly. In a notable partnership with a leading national client, they efficiently supplied large volumes to multiple sites, achieving an 85% retention rate for 82 temporary workers in just three days. Extrastaff adapts to the evolving UK job market with a social media team that enhances brand awareness, resulting in a 25% contribution from social media registrations in Q4 2022. Their investment in their platform significantly contributes to worker retention, with 31% of registrations from existing worker referrals. In a partnership with a national courier, they efficiently delivered large volumes to multiple sites, achieving full site coverage in one month. Extrastaff has been recognised with awards, including being named to the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain in 2020 and 2021, winning the Best Employment Service Provider award at the

Biz4Biz Awards in 2022, and being shortlisted for Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards in 2023. Over the past three years, they’ve seen substantial growth with a 72% increase in headcount, a 22% rise in revenue per employee, and a 53% increase in gross profit. Their commitment to technology and service excellence, particularly through the EFOS system, enables them to provide a seamless, high-quality service, securing new business and enhancing worker retention and satisfaction. Their efficient adaptation to a doubled business size exemplifies their dedication to innovation and service excellence. Judges’ comments: They were praised by judges for the innovative development of their own tech, to solve a complex challenge at scale, and their success in engaging and supporting thousands of drivers. Extrastaff impressed with clear impact metrics on cost savings and efficiency gains, clarity of values and the investment in their own learning platform to develop their own talent.

Highly Commmended TechNet IT were commended for its inclusive recruitment and a strong culture of reporting, measuring and improving – with a real-time data strategy that has improved DE&I both internally and for its clients. Judges also praised TechNet IT for showing how best use of data is proving the value of recruiters as strategic advisors.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 13

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TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

The Fore: Two Group Candidate Experience Award WINNER

This Award recognises excellence in the way candidates are sourced, managed and supported to ensure the best outcome.

Caritas has implemented innovative practices that significantly improved operational performance and customer service, resulting in higher Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and reduced candidate turnover. The introduction of the Mat tool, an aggregator used in conjunction with SkillCast, powers Job-bot, sending personalised job emails to candidates, enhancing the job search experience. Virtual interview advice aids candidates in interview preparation, increasing their job success rates. Automated NPS surveys, along with personal follow-up by Customer Experience Lead Louis, have been key in gathering valuable feedback. Caritas places strong emphasis on employee well-being, offering stress and mental health support, reflecting their commitment to holistic workforce care. NPS scores have consistently increased from around 50 to over 85 in the past two years, and candidate turnover has decreased from 10% to below 6%, benefiting both the organisation and the people they serve. Dedicated to diversity and inclusion, Caritas actively promotes an open-minded culture, attracting diverse talents and striving to eliminate unconscious biases. They prioritise matching candidates based on motivations and commitment, delivering robust support through their consultant team and comprehensive well-being benefits package. This approach has contributed to their market-leading candidate tenure.

Strategic partnerships with their clients has enhanced their Employee Value Proposition, sharing market insights and utilizing their in-house Bridge VMS platform to streamline recruitment processes. Caritas demonstrated growth across all divisions, despite a mature and competitive market. They rely on data analysis to monitor and manage consultant performance, emphasising quality and conversion rates in candidate submissions, interviews, and placements. Caritas remains committed to retaining candidates through continuous placements and exemplary service, ensuring long-term success for both the organisation and the individuals they support. Judges’ comments: Judges praised Caritas Recruitment for impressive results and a proven focus on purpose beyond profit - demonstrating a deep commitment to social care in its business and the wider community. Caritas have proved the business case for investing in contractors, consistently applying feedback to improve support and services.

Highly Commmended Quanta were commended for a strong, well-written entry with a clear purpose around community impact brought to life in authentic and impactful examples that have contributed to excellent financial results.

Caritas offers a ‘Temp to Perm’ solution to source quality candidates, creating a pipeline of permanent workers in a candidate-short market. Their commitment to funded training underscores their dedication to the professional development of social workers.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 15

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Scale Up Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises a high growth recruitment business with revenues between £1M and £5M that has built the strongest foundations for scale.

Their dedication to innovation drives the continuous exploration of cutting-edge technologies in their industry. Nexus is committed to maintaining a leading edge in technological advancements. Whether through the adoption of platforms like Sourcebreaker and Sourcewhale or the exploration of AI solutions to improve operational efficiency, they strive to stay at the forefront. Their innovation extends beyond technology to providing unique solutions to their clients, setting them apart in the market. A notable challenge they tackled was addressing the underrepresentation of diversity in leadership teams, particularly in the automotive sector. Nexus formed a specialised research team dedicated to identifying and nurturing female talent. They created talent pools to monitor, engage, and showcase their expertise in recognising top female talent. Collaborating with multiple clients, including one such successful partnership, where they helped integrate 15 female leaders into executive teams, solidifying their position as Faurecia’s primary recruitment partner for leadership roles. Nexus’s unique ‘skill-set expert’ structure ensures their consultants possess in-depth knowledge of the sector, clients, and the candidate landscape. They approach each client as a trusted partner, working diligently to provide the most suitable candidates. Every candidate undergoes a comprehensive screening process, considering personal and professional aspirations, requirements, and constraints. Nexus carefully evaluates factors like willingness to relocate and the necessary support, such as educational opportunities for children, employment options for partners, and suitable housing.

updates candidate information and offers dedicated support to partner clients even before their recruitment initiatives commence. In 2022, their dedication to speed and agility was evident in their service to their long-standing client. A dedicated account team well-versed in Faurecia’s business and leadership needs enabled them to swiftly place 21 leaders, including managers, directors, and a regional president. When their client expanded through an acquisition, they turned to Nexus to recruit 200 software developers in Germany in 2023, surpassing the scope of their initial agreement. Nexus’s growth has been organic, without external investment, and they prioritise hiring individuals with minimal experience to train them in the “nexus” approach. They have made substantial investments in training and infrastructure development, positioning them ahead of their time and enabling effective scaling and exceptional results. Judges’ comments: Judges praised the impressive growth and profitability they have achieved in the three years since launch. Judges were also impressed by their open mindset in recruiting , showing a great commitment to equal opportunities, and to staff development.

Highly Commmended Edison Smart were highly commended for demonstrating a real impact within their sector, with great examples of innovation, purpose, DE&I and growth that really impressed judges.

Their success is built on their unwavering commitment to working with speed and flexibility. Nexus continually

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 17

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

The WorkWell Innovation Award WINNER

This Award recognises the best examples of innovation and improvement that have enabled recruiters to gain a competitive edge or grow more profitably.

Morson Group has evolved far beyond a conventional recruitment agency to become a comprehensive talent partner with a diverse team of in-house experts spanning various domains. Their extensive portfolio features 15 integrated services, encompassing screening, digital solutions, and HR outsourcing, delivering enduring value to clients by extending beyond recruitment into a complete talent solution.

Their business strategy centres on key objectives, including technology focus, quality services, and a commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I).

Dedicated to innovation, the company continually introduces new services and leverages data technologies to gain a competitive edge in multiple industry sectors. Significant investments in AI and cutting-edge technologies enhance both the candidate experience and service quality.

In 2022, the company demonstrated strong financial performance, surpassing a £1 billion turnover milestone while emphasising profitability, resilience, and security. Despite economic challenges, revenues rose by 21%, supported by stringent financial controls.

Key offerings in their service portfolio include: The “Fit for Work” app, designed in collaboration with technology and AI experts to enhance worker health and safety on-site. “Vencuro,” an in-house technology and business intelligence tool streamlining workforce management by combining business intelligence with deep recruitment insights. “Morson Training,” offers a wide range of courses virtually and on-site, with a focus on quality and social impact. They collaborate with marginalized groups for upskilling and reskilling.

External validation comes in the form of an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 79, a testament to their service excellence. Their candidate NPS score of +34 distinguishes them from competitors.

The acquisition of ACRWORLD in Australia in April 2022 aligns with their strategy to create culturally compatible business units and expand opportunities in technical sectors. The company is dedicated to further growth on the continent, be it through organic expansion or additional acquisitions, exemplifying their enthusiasm for the future. Judges’ comments: Judges were impressed with the breadth of Morson’s innovation, focusing on technology, people and service. Their long-term investment in future talent is impressive with a breadth of initiatives to sustain innovation. Judges also praised Morson for the best example of purpose beyond profit they have seen this year.

The organisation’s commitment spans businesses of all sizes, from multinational corporations to small enterprises, adapting to their unique needs.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 19

Award-winning recruitment insurance Protect your recruitment agency in minutes with comprehensive cover that packs a punch

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Qdos Growth Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises an impressive track record of sustainable growth in sales, profit, headcount, and client base in context of size and stage of scale.

InterEx’s core mission revolves around a streamlined, innovative, and adaptable business model to fuel sustainable growth. Their recent entry into the American market is a significant growth driver, targeting 70% expansion this year with plans to employ 35-45 professionals in their New York office by the end of 2023, just five months after its inception.

accommodate expansion. With just over 100 employees, InterEx’s impressive reach and diverse client base, including major players like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Mars, exemplify their exceptional performance. Their successful entry into the American market is expected to drive 70% of this year’s growth, informed by their successful Miami venture.

Committed to employee satisfaction and performance, InterEx offers inventive staff benefits, like bi-daily breaks and enticing incentives, resulting in an impressive 75% staff retention rate. Their dedication to inclusivity and diversity includes 50% women in senior leadership roles, inspiring aspiring female talent.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised InterEx for their incredible growth story since launching in 2016. Their approach to diverse hiring from their flagship academy impressed judges, who commended Interex for its mission to inspire young talent and nurture an entrepreneurial mindset.

Inclusivity extends to an inclusive work policy, exemplified by the ‘eyes and ears’ initiative, empowering employees to identify upcoming projects and foster relationships with project managers.

Highly Commmended

Their specialised expertise in placing Italian-speaking Albanian candidates demonstrates creative problemsolving. Consistently outstanding Trustpilot ratings (4.7 out of 5) and 90% customer retention reflect a clientfocused approach, exemplified by their innovative service offerings and speedy response times.

Amoria Group for the range and quality of metrics to demonstrate excellence and growth, clear examples of innovation and great testimonials from clients, candidates and their own staff to show why they will continue to prosper.

Interex Group doubled the total number of employees from total employees (FTE) from 56 to 101 in the last financial year, with a projected increase to 204 this year. Fee-earning staff doubled to 80. The company’s sixth office relocation this year in London to

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 21

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6CATS International is proud to sponsor ‘International Recruitment Company of the Year’ at the 2023 TIARA Recruitment Awards.

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

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TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The 6Cats International Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises those who have demonstrated sustainable and compliant growth in international sales, profit, headcount, and customer base.

NES Fircroft, the world’s largest engineering staffing firm, is dedicated to driving positive change and promoting diversity within the industry. Their efforts span various areas: In the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region, they’ve introduced Indigenous training programs in collaboration with local communities, to enhance technical and engineering skills and foster diversity. Their commitment to diversity is seen through collaborative market surveys. In 2022, they partnered with Powerful Women UK to conduct a survey focused on female engineers, sharing findings at esteemed events in London and Houston.

Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, their global growth continues, with achievements including a 19% increase in our workforce to over 1,876 employees and a remarkable 41% growth in their global workforce, now with over 24,000 contractors. Thier business diversification continues, with over 30% in sectors like renewables, chemicals, and life sciences, and 79% of permanent business now outside the Upstream Oil sector, showcasing their adaptability. They remain dedicated to environmental growth, exceeding targets by placing 15% more contractors in carbon reduction and renewable energy projects.

To address talent shortages and skills gaps in the United States, they’ve established partnerships with universities, helping students secure placements within leading energy companies.

NES’s commitment to financial growth is evident through improved pricing, margin, and operating cash performance, with a remarkable year-on-year EBITDA growth of 51%.

With a presence in over 45 countries, they maintain physical offices staffed by local experts for timely support and regional compliance teams to ensure they comply with regulations in each locality.

NES Fircroft persists in driving change, promoting diversity, and providing comprehensive services while achieving remarkable growth in the engineering industry. Their unwavering commitment to excellence permeates every aspect of their business.

In addition to staffing, Nes Fircroft provide comprehensive advisory services to clients, offering personalised, in-country guidance. Building on the success of our Employer of Record (EOR) service, many client relationships have evolved into “sole supplier” Master Service Agreements, one spanning personnel across seven countries.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised NES Fircroft as an exemplary business that has achieved impressive scale but is still innovating and continuing to achieve phenomenal global growth. It is clear that NES Fircroft is a people-centric business that cares about contractors and candidates, wherever they are.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 23

How to stay ahead in an ever-changing market An adviser that brings market insight, thought leadership and transactional expertise that helps you and your industry make informed decisions Our agile multi-service teams bring their technical expertise, fresh thinking, and robust challenge to recruitment companies across the world: from fast-growth to global listed-businesses. Our unrivalled sector-led skill set allows us to support our clients with M&A, diligence, tax and other wider advisory service offerings. That’s why it’s a relationship you can trust.

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Grant Thornton Specialist Recruitment Company of the Year (Under £50m) This Award recognises market leaders in a specialist sector who can demonstrate the best growth, depth of knowledge, and differentiation from competitors.

SR2 takes immense pride in its dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within its placements. With over 35% of placements being female, they actively seek to expand these numbers by considering diverse talent pools. Their approach commences with fundamental steps such as employing gender de-coders in job advertisements to eradicate potential biases. Additionally, they provide clients with the option to remove identifiers like names, universities, and education from the shortlisting process, ensuring a more impartial evaluation. Through their ED&I platform, Women Rock (see Women Rock URL), they actively engage clients, challenging them to foster inclusivity and transparency in their hiring practices. They recognise the profound impact each interaction in the hiring process can have on outcomes, maintaining their commitment to this mission, even if it means occasional business sacrifices (see Testimonial for Mobility). Consistently, they promote awareness of ED&I by sharing inspiring stories about underrepresented groups in the tech industry on the Women Rock platform. They also spotlight exemplary companies in D&I, encouraging others to emulate their strategies. Their blog is a valuable resource featuring insightful interviews. Their unwavering commitment to championing ED&I ensures it remains at the forefront of both clients’ and employees’ minds, collectively striving to drive positive change and continuous improvement in tech industry diversity and inclusion. Setting them apart from traditional recruitment agencies is their commitment to social responsibility, symbolised by their B-Corp certification in August 2020. This commitment resonates with candidates and clients who prioritise working with socially and environmentally responsible companies.

They’ve cultivated an extensive network within the technology industry through their support and sponsorship of over 15 tech meetups across Bristol and London. This network enables them to access top talent, stay updated on industry developments, and offer valuable insights to clients. Consequently, they’ve effectively scaled teams for projects across various sectors, including Central & Local Government departments, Transport, Healthcare providers, and arms-length bodies. To maintain and improve the quality of their service, they conduct NPS evaluations with a current score of an impressive 85 over the last 90 days. In the last six years, they’ve accomplished numerous milestones, including opening three offices, expanding from a team of zero to 65 professionals, successfully placing nearly 3,000 candidates, and receiving accolades such as Best New Agency in 2020 and Best Agency (Medium 50-99 headcount) at the Recruiter Awards 2022. Their CEO, Chris Sheard, was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year 2022. Their achievements also include awards such as Best Technology Recruiter at the British Recruitment Awards 2022, Best Recruitment Company to Work for at the RITA Awards 2022, and BCORP Certification in August 2021. Furthermore, they were ranked 34th in the Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing companies in the UK in July 2023, one of only four recruitment agencies on the list and the highest-ranked non-embedded agency. They’ve also made generous charitable contributions, established Technology Volunteers (see slide 9 of SR WHO? supporting doc), organised numerous tech meetups, and devoted over 1500 hours to volunteering. Their support enabled Young Bristol, one of their charity partners, to create the SR2 Media Suite, providing underprivileged children access to the latest technology. Judges’ comments: Judges praised SR2 for not only proving the depth of its sector expertise and market knowledge but embedding social impact and purpose into the DNA of the business.

FINALISTS

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WINNER

The Grant Thornton Specialist Recruitment Company of the Year (Over £50m) This Award recognises market leaders in a specialist sector who can demonstrate the best growth, depth of knowledge, and differentiation from competitors.

NHS Professionals innovative National Bank offering plays a pivotal role in connecting agency workers with Trusts’ internal workforce, delivering cost-effective, compliant staffing and supporting government agency reduction goals. In 2022, a collaboration with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust aimed to establish a dedicated “National Bank” of healthcare professionals, reducing reliance on agency personnel. The effort led to substantial cost savings, including an average reduction of £47 per Registered Nursing shift and £79 per Unregistered Nursing shift, with Trusts saving an average of £4.00 per hour for Unregistered shifts and £6.00 per hour for Registered shifts when transitioning from agency personnel. The committed National Bank team conducted regular meetings to optimise staffing and stayed attuned to booking trends. Daniel Williams, Temporary Staffing Manager at Somerset NHS FT, praised the partnership’s effectiveness. NHS Professionals, despite pandemic challenges, maintains its leadership as the primary flexible healthcare workforce provider to the NHS. They achieved a remarkable 100% client retention rate, renewed contracts with 19 Managed Service Providers (MSPs), added four new Trusts, and recruited 10,000 healthcare professionals to their Bank.

They offer recruitment services to over 100 NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations, employing strategies within the Integrated Care Systems (ICS) framework to enhance fulfilment. Their core metrics highlight the strength of their service, including 39 million hours of patient care provided and an average cost saving of approximately 40% for clients on external agency usage. The enduring partnership with Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, beginning in 2005, resulted in significant accomplishments, such as an increase in hours filled and substantial agency savings. NHS Professionals maintains its position as the leading supplier of flexible workers to the NHS, achieving a 3% year-on-year gross profit increase and increasing their dividend to DHSC by 20%, reaching £18 million in 2021/22. Their financial strength allowed for a £30 million investment in their transformation program, emphasising their commitment to enhancing user experiences and placing more healthcare professionals where needed. Judges’ comments: Judges agreed that this was a standout entry, building on their win last year to demonstrate continued transformation, innovation and growth to be a recruiter of choice in healthcare.

FINALISTS

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Parasol Temporary Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises excellence, innovation and growth in sourcing, placing and supporting temporary and contingent talent.

In the sphere of DEI, Investigo, serving as a talent partner, plays a crucial role in assisting clients in identifying the most suitable talent, with a firm emphasis on fostering inclusivity. This commitment is evident through the creation of thought-provoking publications like Powered Up magazine, the You Be You and I’ll Be Me insight magazine, and the facilitation of DEI events. These endeavors underscore the organisation’s unwavering dedication to advancing DEI, both internally and across the broader industry. The organisation takes pride in its achievements related to the Employee Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei) Talent Inclusion and Diversity Evaluation (TIDE) score. Over the years, it has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to positive change, resulting in a remarkable journey of improvement. Beginning at 46% in 2021, the score surged to 62% in 2022 and stands at an impressive 72% for 2023. In recognition of this journey, the organisation received the enei TIDE Bronze standard award in 2022, a testament to its commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace. In January 2023, under the leadership of CEO Derek Mackenzie, the organisation launched Campaign, the UK’s inaugural LGBTQ+ networking group for the recruitment sector. This initiative underscores the organisation’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ community members within its London office. Regular Campaign events provide a

platform for individuals to share experiences and insights without judgment, exemplifying the organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The organisation’s evolving group proposition has generated significant opportunities for its staff, resulting in improved service quality and added value for clients. By expanding its capacity to collaborate with clients, the organisation has effectively retained clients, obviating the need for them to seek specialised providers. The organisation’s impressive feats encompass substantial turnover growth, notable increases in NFI, and expansion into the U.S. market, establishing new offices in San Diego, Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida. Additionally, over 11 business units achieved profits exceeding £1 million in 2022, signalling robust growth and prosperity. There have been remarkable increases in NFI per fee earner, substantial enhancements in individual annual billings for contract placements, and noteworthy individual achievements in weekly margin and permanent deals, all affirming the organisation’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and client success. Judges’ comments: Investigo impressed judges with growth across a range of metrics, demonstrating a clear investment in its people, processes and innovation to drive excellence in candidate and contractor experience.

FINALISTS

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Sourcewhale Best Recruitment Company To Work For (£5M to £20M) This Award recognises employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

Forward Role’s unwavering dedication to employee excellence drives their mission. They invest substantially in recruitment, training, and advanced technology to empower their team and ensure exceptional service. Their in-house training manager and partnership with J9 Training provide comprehensive development opportunities, including personalized plans and one-on-one support.

time talent advisors. They’ve established a dedicated partnership with JD Sports, integrating DE&I and Green Talent services.

Employee satisfaction is paramount, with competitive salaries, enticing incentives, and robust parental leave support, resulting in a low 3% staff turnover. They’ve garnered recognition for creating an exceptional workplace, ranking 18th in the Top 100 Places to Work for Women, 9th for well-being at Great Place To Work, and 7th in the UK’s Best Workplaces 2023. Their high employee rating on Glassdoor (4.9) and over 200 five-star Google reviews underline their commitment.

Forward Role actively fosters education and collaboration through industry events, fostering open dialogue and shared learning. They’ve received a 100% “Excellent” service feedback score from customer satisfaction surveys, with over 200 five-star Google reviews from satisfied candidates and clients.

Forward Role excels in talent attraction and retention, promoting over 10 individuals to leadership positions in the past year. Their dedication to nurturing employees’ career journeys is reflected in their culture and values, with a 20% team growth projection. Innovation sets Forward Role apart, especially in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). They’ve pioneered a sustainable recruitment solution with Greenify, offsetting environmental footprints and aiding clients like JD Group in achieving sustainability targets. Their market-leading DE&I recruitment service offers data-driven insights and advice to clients, empowering them to drive meaningful change. Automation across their tech stack enhances efficiency, allowing recruiters to focus on impactful tasks and delivering exceptional value.

Their services extend beyond recruitment, providing real-time DE&I metrics and tech-driven tools for data analytics and consulting, facilitating the seamless implementation of effective DE&I strategies.

Their growth isn’t solely financial; they prioritise employee well-being and success, attracting a diverse workforce. Currently, 22% of their team consists of working parents, enriching their workplace culture and contributing to their remarkable growth. Judges’ comments: Forward Role Recruitment were praised for their consistent commitment to providing an exceptional working environment which is reflected in their exceptionally low staff turnover. By investing in innovation, they have empowered staff to offer innovative solutions to their clients.

Highly Commmended Danos Group has been able to deliver incredible results across key metrics from a solid, well-structured business that tragically lost their CEO. Danos was praised as an impressive company in every respect.

Forward Role’s client partnerships prioritize continuous improvement and unparalleled value, acting as real-

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I 31

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WINNER

The Twenty20 Capital Best Recruitment Company to Work For (£20M to £50M) This Award recognises employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

SF Recruitment are celebrated as pioneers in the recruitment industry, championing the widespread adoption of flexible working practices. In 2022, their “Flex for Success” initiative revolutionised their organisation and advocated for the broader acceptance of flexible working throughout the industry, resulting in 75% of their advertised roles now offering flexible options, far surpassing the national average of 26%. Their role as a model for embracing flexibility is exemplified by their team’s specialized training, fostering a remarkable 90% increase in candidates seeking flexible choices. Their innovative approach was evident in their successful partnership with Xylem in 2023, leading to the replacement of Xylem’s long-standing recruiter. Kelsie from Xylem endorsed their flexible working philosophy, praising its role in creating content and productive workforces. Their commitment extends beyond recruitment, as they’ve become trusted advisors, guiding clients in enhancing attraction and retention through flexibility. Key achievements include a 75% client retention rate, an average client spend of £12,500, and service to 1065 unique clients. Encouraging clients to embrace flexible working options has helped them attract 90% more candidate applications. Their transformative efforts have also drawn top talent, with consultants boasting an average of nine years and two months of experience, delivering services with authentic sector expertise and market insight. They have fully embraced flexible working within their own organisation, becoming a trusted advisor for others. Their partnership with Intercity Technology & Finance helped the company cultivate a high-performance culture, making them the preferred recruitment partner.

As a female-led business challenging industry norms, they’ve achieved substantial growth, with a 60.9% increase in turnover to £22.7M in 2022, EBITDA more than tripling to £2.9M, and a 420% rise in net profit to £2.2M. They’ve expanded across the Midlands and the UK, increasing their divisions from three to six since 2020 and opening a new Manchester office in 2023. Since 2020, they’ve experienced significant growth, with a 59% increase in client numbers, an 88% surge in candidate numbers, and a 68% rise in employee headcount. Employee churn has decreased from 46% in 2019 to 14% today. Ambitious forecasts project £25M in turnover, £3M profit before tax, £3.4M EBITDA, and 120 employees by December 2023. Their success is attributed to their dedicated team, supported by resources, flexibility, and unwavering commitment. They set a leading example in the recruitment industry, demonstrating the value of prioritising people. Judges’ comments: SF Recruitment were praised for their passion and innovation in recognising the value of their own people who are truly invested in growth. Judges applauded their clear purpose in proving how flexible working can drive success, proven by their impressive financial performance.

Highly Commmended Judges agreed that Signify Technology is an impressive finalist in this category that showed how the development and promotion of staff had driven growth in revenue per employee.

FINALISTS

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Supporting recruitment and executive search businesses As leading advisers in the recruitment sector, Saffery provides clients with exceptional service on compliance and advisory matters, such as group re-organisations, share incentive schemes, expansion overseas and exiting planning for the company and the founders. Our clients range from boutique executive search companies to large multinational groups, with a combined turnover of more than £5 billion. Contact us to find out how we can help you Neil Davies Partner, Bristol E: neil.davies@saffery.com T: +44 (0)117 906 4636

www.saffery.com

TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

Jamie Cassell Partner, London E: jamie.cassell@saffery.com T: +44 (0)20 7841 3160

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Saffery Best Recruitment Company to Work For (£50M - £100M) This Award recognises employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

InterEx Group has made has made significant progress in enhancing the employee experience, leading to substantial headcount growth and an impressive 75% retention rate this year. This success is driven by the organisation’s unwavering commitment to equipping its team with the skills and knowledge needed to consistently provide high-quality service to clients and candidates. In the past year, the company introduced a forwardlooking benefits package that has fostered a culture of high performance and well-being among its workforce, with a goal to double the headcount to 204. These benefits include: Customised hybrid working arrangements. Paid menstrual leave (up to 10 days annually) and mental health support. Comprehensive mental health first aid and a 24/7 employee assistance line. A variety of wellness initiatives, such as a cycle discount scheme and subsidised gym memberships. “Early Finish Fridays” and the option for employees to take their birthdays off. Diversity and inclusion are core values, demonstrated by the senior leadership team’s 50% female representation. The company is deeply committed to nurturing employee growth, exemplified by the success story of George Wickings, who rose from no prior recruitment or IT experience to become the Sales Director for Europe in just two years.

All clients view their consultants as industry experts. An impressive 99% of contractors express a willingness to work with the company again. A remarkable 90% of customers consistently return for the company’s services. The company’s commitment to delivering value is exemplified by its innovative services, including the ‘Teams as a Service’ model, which streamlines team placement with clients and its proactive “Ramp up policy” that ensures preparedness for immediate deployment. The company’s agility and speed in responding to client needs set it apart, offering contractor proposals within 24 hours and assembling teams of three in just 2-3 days, thanks to a vast network of contacts and remarkable employee retention. Despite its relatively modest size, InterEx has had a significant impact, surpassing 100 employees and expanding its reach. The company’s expansion into the American market is accelerating business growth, with an anticipated 70% of this year’s growth stemming from this strategic move. Judges’ comments: Interex has shown remarkable growth since 2016 and demonstrated great depth of support for their employees. The mission and purpose of the business is clear, which is aligned with business activity and strongly led by their CEO.

The organisation’s overarching goal has been to become a leader in the recruitment sector, a goal substantiated by client satisfaction: 90% of clients consider the company the market leader in Cloud, Microsoft, and BI Staffing.

FINALISTS

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

The Blackwood Capital Best Recruitment Company To Work for (£100M+) This Award recognises employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

La Fosse is a pioneer in innovative tech professional sourcing, training, and placement, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse talent and ensuring long-term retention. Since October 2021, they’ve successfully placed 200 professionals in prominent companies, including OVO Energy, Coca Cola, and Babylon Health. Their Academy boasts an impressive 84% pass rate and has met rising demand, enabling a transition to monthly cohort intakes. To address tech industry diversity disparities, 97% of their Academy graduates come from low-income backgrounds, with 55% representing ethnic minorities. Additionally, 33% are career changers, and 35% are female. When tasked by UCL, the organisation developed a versatile talent pipeline with a focus on innovation, emphasising collaboration with existing teams and legacy tech. Their strategy promotes multi-disciplinary teams of ‘T-shaped individuals’ with expertise in both general tech and specific areas. This approach resulted in 55% of the cohort having ethnic minority backgrounds and 25% being female. Graduates of La Fosse Academy, known as ‘Code Force Alpha,’ contributed fresh insights to UCL’s tech team, including automating responses to over 100,000 student admission queries and creating reusable APIs, significantly improving data access. The organisation has evolved from a traditional tech recruiter into a comprehensive talent solutions provider, offering executive search, recruitment, Academy training, and solutions that diverge from conventional tech recruitment. For their client CQC, an independent healthcare regulator, they facilitated the transformation of regulation processes, including placing new leadership

FINALISTS

and introducing a hybrid junior talent/contractor model that reduced time-to-hire by 50% and cut staff costs. Their recruitment campaigns have placed 70 individuals within CQC teams over 18 months, with increasing demand. The organisation’s commitment to diversity is evident in their training of 362 tech talents. Looking ahead, they anticipate an NFI forecast of £51.4M for 2023 and maintain a high level of employee engagement, with an 80% overall engagement rate and 85% for personal growth. Their NFI per head in 2021 exceeded industry standards at £164k per employee, and their collaborative culture is highlighted by the cross-selling of 50% of roles between teams. Recognised for excellence, the organisation has received nine consecutive ‘Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For in the UK’ awards and appeared on the 2022 Sunday Times International Track List, cementing their commitment to ongoing success. Judges’ comments: Judges praised La Fosse for the remarkable growth they have achieved since the pandemic and proving a clear purpose beyond their profit. Judges were also impressed by the impact of their employee shareholder scheme, which has given its people a voice, enhanced its employer brand, and driven commercial success.

Highly Commmended Amoria Bond were highly commended for their impressive metrics demonstrating growth through excellence in employee engagement, client service and ESG.

The second high commendation goes to Investigo, which demonstrated strong financial performance across the whole of 2022 with impressive testimonials from a range of employees proving why it’s a great place to work.

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TIARA Recruitment Awards UK&I

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS UK&I

WINNER

Saira Demmer

The Mishcon de Reya Recruitment Leader of the Year

CEO, SF Recruitment

This Award recognises a visionary recruitment leader who has achieved exceptional growth, pioneered transformational improvement - in their business or industry – and inspired the highest levels of engagement and performance from their people. In the recruitment industry, just 26% of firms have specific initiatives for retaining women in the workplace. Saira, SF Recruitment’s CEO, is committed to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and people-centric environment. Under her leadership, several strategic initiatives have been launched: Saira prioritises People Management, epitomised by The SF Experience©. This positions SF as the preferred employer for experienced talent, offering industryleading rewards and an exceptional work-life balance, regardless of personal circumstances. The Office Structure at SF has transformed from three divisions to six, encouraging entrepreneurial behaviour to thrive. Embracing Technology, SF adopted the proprietary CRM platform, Engage, streamlining access to over 100,000 candidate profiles on a user-friendly platform, enabling the team to focus on human-centric tasks. SF also leads in promoting minority ethnic representation: 35% of new hires are from ethnic minority backgrounds. All SF employees undergo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) training. Saira champions flexible working and gender equality through the “Flex for Success” initiative. This pledge advocates for normalizing flexible working as the standard, encouraging clients to offer flexible work options to enhance DE&I efforts. Currently, 75% of client roles at SF offer flexible working, a significant increase from the national average of 26%.

challenges women face on their journey to success. Since becoming CEO in 2020, Saira’s commitment to improving client attraction and retention through flexibility has transformed SF into a trusted advisor, reflected in key metrics: Achieving a 75% client retention rate, up from 65% in FYE2021. An average client spend of £12,500, an increase from £9,500 in FYE2021. Serving 1065 unique clients, compared to 667 in FYE2021. Promoting flexible working in job advertisements has led to a 90% increase in candidate applications, particularly valuable in a candidate-short market. This transformation has attracted experienced professionals, with consultants averaging nine years and two months of experience, ensuring precise sector expertise and market knowledge. SF’s internal adoption of flexible working has positioned the organisation as a trusted advisor. For example, client Xylem expressed trust in SF as a valued recruitment partner. Judges’ comments: Saira Demmer – Judges praised Saira for the huge impact she has had on SF Recruitment, navigating the business through challenging times and enabling her team to maximise opportunities for growth. Saira is an authentic and inspirational leader, setting an example as a role model for how to get the best out of people by empowering them to realise their full potential. Congratulations Saira!

Saira initiated the “Inspiring Women in Business” interview series, destigmatizing and acknowledging the

FINALISTS

Andrew Anastasiou

Managing Director, Pertemps Professional Recruitment

Bev White

CEO, Nash Squared

Mark Cahill

Managing Director, ManpowerGroup UK

Matthew Wragg CEO, Gattaca

Sasza Bandiera

Managing Director, Oyster Partnership

Tim Millward

CEO & Founder, Extrastaff

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