Tag Archives: jobs

News, Recruitment News

Hiring Hub and hireful link up to power growth

Recruitment marketplace Hiring Hub has struck an agreement with technology provider hireful to power growth for both companies and help more employers find the right candidates to fill job vacancies faster.

The partnership and platform integration will allow users of hireful’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to post roles directly on to Hiring Hub’s platform and gain access to its rated and reviewed network of specialist recruiters.

Headquartered in Strixton, Northamptonshire, and with offices in Spain and South Africa, hireful supports more than 400 organisations with its ATS software, recruitment workshops, training and recruitment process audits. The company, which has 60 staff, works with clients including Heron Foods, Kidney Research UK, Haribo and Fulham FC.

Its technology streamlines and automates the recruitment process, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks such as advertising jobs, scoring and shortlisting of candidates, interviewing and onboarding new hires.

It also includes a variety of features as standard to help support employers’ diversity and inclusion goals, including diversity capture, anonymised and disability-confident applications and ongoing performance monitoring.

The platform is designed to make life easier for employers and provide organisations of all sizes with the tools, insights and capability to compete with larger rivals in their sector.

In December, hireful secured a seven-figure funding package from SME Capital, facilitated by Leyton Capital Advisors, to support its growth strategy and expansion plans.

Hiring Hub, which is based in Manchester and operates across the UK and Europe, connects businesses with boutique recruiters through its marketplace platform to help employers find quality candidates quickly.

Companies post their vacancies on the platform and set the fee they are willing to pay a recruiter, and recruitment agencies pitch to work on them. This enables employers to manage recruiters centrally online, widen their candidate search and swiftly find off-market talent via specialist head-hunters.

The platform is used by employers such as Dodd Group, Sega Amusements and industrial and consumer goods company Henkel.

Simon Swan, founder of Hiring Hub, said: “The team at hireful are dedicated to making the lives of HR and in-house recruitment teams as simple and straightforward as possible, an ethos that very much aligns with our own.

“This partnership is a great fit for us as an organisation and, more importantly, it will deliver real value for the users of both our systems. It will increase the options available to employers using hireful when they are looking to quickly widen their candidate search, fill a specialist role or have a vacancy that has proven particularly challenging to fill. That is when we can add real value.

“We are looking forward to helping hireful users to find and hire quality talent using our award-winning recruiter marketplace.”

Adrian McDonagh, co-founder of hireful, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Hiring Hub.

“By combining hireful’s technology with Hiring Hub’s expansive recruiter network, we aim to set a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in connecting employers with top-tier talent. Recruitment has always been about hiring first-rate talent, and our customers will benefit from the support of Hiring Hub’s network.”

Hiring Hub is backed by Manchester-based private equity firm MonacoSol, which last year invested a multimillion-pound sum to scale its sales and customer operations in the UK and overseas. MonacoSol is the private office of software and technology entrepreneur Richard Beaton.

News

New sales boss spearheads expansion plans at 150-strong care agency

ONE of the most respected names in the North Wales commercial and health sectors has joined the team at an acclaimed care organisation.

Leanne Andrews is the new Head of Sales at Enhanced Healthcare.

Following almost 20 years in media and advertising, the mum-of-two switched to medical recruitment during the pandemic and is now spearheading a campaign to attract more clients and carers following a successful first three years for the Colwyn Bay-based agency.

Originally from Rhyl, she has already secured customers from Anglesey to Chester and is pleased to join a business with a “clear and caring vision” for the future having been given a warm welcome by founder Chanel Williams and Director of Operations, Natalie O’Brien.

“As soon as I sat down with Chanel and Natalie, I knew this was the place for me,” said Leanne, who lives in Kinmel Bay with fiancé Dion and her children Ava and Brodie.

“Enhanced Healthcare is widely praised for putting people first, from patients and families to their own team of more than 150 nurses and health and social care workers.

“Their values and standards align with my own, so I am thrilled to be here and excited at the strides we have already taken together in growing the company in this region, into the North West and beyond.”

The firm – which delivers temporary staffing solutions to a range of health and social care services – has received plaudits for helping employees cope with the social, economic, and mental health challenges of the current cost-of-living crisis.

This included training and events with financial advisers, health and wellbeing experts and more, tackling issues such as debt, mortgages, rising childcare costs, energy bills and the compounded remnants of recent times, including Brexit and Covid-19.

Leanne says the knock-on effect is an even stronger and more positive collective determined to raise the bar for the healthcare arena.

“This in turn is very attractive to prospective employees, who are keen to join an agency which has their best interests at heart,” she said.

“That’s certainly the case here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Leanne added: “I had always loved sales but wanted to do something that made a difference, and this role has given me the chance to do that, providing solutions for a wide range of clients from housing associations, nursing homes and local authorities to supported living services and mental health settings.

“I joined the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I was in at the deep end, but the experience was pivotal in building my confidence and the confidence of customers.

“The numbers on both sides are growing all the time – staff and clients – and we look forward to more joining us in the months ahead.”

Chanel is thrilled to have Leanne in their ranks and said: “Her reputation and ethos runs parallel with ours. She is driven and determined to make a difference, for the customers and in matching the right candidate with the right setting.

“That is vital for what we do, and why we are expanding both here in North Wales and across Cheshire, the Wirral, and neighbouring areas.

“Leanne will be key to that growth, she is well known, well respected and a great addition to our talented team.”

For more news and information and job opportunities with Enhanced Healthcare, visit the website www.enhancedhealthcare.co.uk and follow them on social media @enhancedagency.

Alternatively, call 01492 459896 or email info@enhancedhealthcare.co.uk.

Appointments, Business, Employment, Energy, Job Opportunities, Jobs

250 new jobs created at Consumer Energy Solutions

SWANSEA-BASED energy efficiency firm Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has recruited 250 new staff so far this year as it experiences growing demand for its products and services.

The recruitment drive follows the opening of two new offices in Swansea’s SA1 waterfront area at the end of 2023 as the company addresses those growing demands.

The fast-growing company now has a workforce of more than 700 people, supporting customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint, and ultimately, their energy bills.

The new hires span across various departments, including administration, customer service, finance, people services, heating, insulation, renewables and electrics.

Lewis John, Managing Director, Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “At CES, we are deeply committed to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the regions where we operate.

“Our investment in expanding our workforce underscores our belief in the potential of local talent and our commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities.

“By nurturing a skilled and diverse team, of which we have massive ambitions to grow even further, we not only strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional service to our customers but also contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.

“We firmly believe that by investing in people, we can drive positive change and make a lasting impact on both the environment and the economy.”

Established in 2016, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) delivers money-saving energy efficiency improvements to homes across South Wales and the South West.

 

Current Consumer Energy Solutions career opportunities can be found here: https://careers.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

For more information, visit: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/ 

 

News

Skin clinic named best in Wales following expansion, investment and charity campaign

PURE Perfection Clinic added another prestigious accolade to its long list of titles at a national prizegiving.

The trailblazing business, based in Rossett near Wrexham, was named Best Clinic Midlands and Wales at the Aesthetics Awards, hosted by TV personality Vernon Kay.

Director Sara Cheeney and her seven-strong workforce were also commended for Clinic Team of the Year at the ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House.

Sara, an ambassador for the world-famous Hydrafacial aesthetic treatment and UK trainer and key opinion leader for Zo Skin Health, said they were “completely shocked” to receive the trophy.

“We were all stunned when they called out our name, it took us a few moments to process before we went up to collect the award!” she added.

“Pure Perfection has won several prizes over the years but none bigger than this, so we are absolutely thrilled.

“It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all our team, who have worked tirelessly over the last year to maintain our high standards following a challenging time for the industry post-Covid.

“We ourselves have gone from strength to strength and being named best in the country reflects that, so we are privileged and thankful to the judges, and our loyal customers, for their support.”

The good news followed a period of investment at the Chester Road site, which included redevelopment of the premises, a revamped treatment room and expansion, with new faces joining in past months.

The mum-of-two, from Llangollen, has also been busy as one of the founding members of the Star Box campaign for the charity Awyr Las, a care package for patients using the Shooting Star Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

The Unit cared for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and she says the appeal is “a form of therapy”, an outlet to give back and helping others on their “cancer journey”.

Having been put into a ‘false menopause’ while undergoing treatment for the condition, she wants to help more people in that position, having seen a surge in demand for support in past years.

As NHS waiting lists for skin treatments continue to rise, Clinic Manager Marianne Burrell says they aim to meet rising demand by continuing to invest in state-of-the-art technology unavailable elsewhere in the region, including CO2 and vascular lasers.

“We will keep raising the benchmark for aesthetics in Wales and beyond, which means introducing the best machinery and training,” she said.

“The clinic has experienced an increase in the number of men visiting for a wide range of services we offer, which is fantastic to see, and there will be new health treatments for women, which will be rolled out this year.

“We have also seen a rise in acne treatments and the results have been very positive, producing lasting results for patients, while also adapting our clinical pathway to meet the holistic needs of all our customers.”

Marianne added: “There is a lot happening and Pure Perfection continues to grow; to win such a huge award gives us confidence we are moving in the right direction, and that the best is yet to come.”

The Aesthetics Awards are the most prestigious and longest-standing awards ceremony in the UK medical aesthetics industry. striving to promote best practice, safety, efficacy, and recognise the top leaders in the field.

With more than 400 entries and 950 guests attending, the evening brings together the very best in aesthetic medicine.

Visit www.aestheticsawards.com for more information and a list of all the winners.

For more information on Pure Perfection Clinic, visit the website www.pureperfectionclinic.com or follow Pure Perfection Clinic (@purepclinic and @pureperfectionrossett) on social media.

For more on the Awyr Las Star Box fund visit www.awyrlas.org.uk/starbox.

News

1,000+ jobseekers attend returning North Wales employment expo

MORE than a thousand people flocked to one of the biggest employment exhibitions North Wales has ever seen.

The third annual Conwy Job Expo brought together over 1,110 attendees with up to 90 leading organisations at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub (part of Conwy County Council) in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, Creating Enterprise and Conwy Business Support, the popular Expo exceeded all expectations, shining a light on career opportunities and securing permanent and temporary positions for many candidates.

Among those in attendance were Abergele’s Manorafon Farm Park, North Wales Police, Llandudno Pier, British Army Careers Centre, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Zip World, Dwr Cymru, Wales Ambulance Service Trust, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Evadx Ltd, Conwy County Council, the RAF, and many more.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “We were expecting an increase in numbers on previous years given the current economic climate and demand for workers in this region, but to have well over a thousand in attendance was incredible.

“The feedback we’ve had has been positive, particularly as a lot of the companies had vacancies and were able to pre-interview candidates, which was great from both sides.

“The workshops we held at Jobcentre Plus in advance of the Expo helped job seekers prepare for this important event with top tips on how to stand out to exhibitors and increase their chances of success in finding their dream job.

“This proved invaluable, with many also taking up the follow up one-to-one support with CV and job applications, so that’s something we will look to do again in the future.

“Thanks so much to everyone who came along on the day, notably the exhibitors who showcased the amazing careers available right on our doorstep.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “What makes Conwy Job Expo so special is the very real opportunities that are out there, and the platform prospective candidates had to discover so many different sectors, and discuss with top employers whether it’s a career for them.

“The results spoke for themselves, both in the number of people who attended, and the successful links built between recruiters, educators, and private and public sector organisations.

“Once again, thanks so much to everyone who came along to this year’s event, it was a fantastic day.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

News, North of England, Packaging

Jobs saved as eco-friendly packaging manufacturer is sold in pre-pack deal

A company which manufactures eco-friendly packaging for takeaway food items as well as wooden cutlery, paper straws and cups has been bought out of administration, saving the jobs of its 14 staff.

Steven Wiseglass, a director at Manchester-based Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency, was appointed administrator of Eco Packaging Products Ltd on Thursday, February 15.

Following his appointment, Mr Wiseglass completed the pre-pack sale of the business to EP2 Packaging Ltd.

Eco Packaging Products was founded in February 2020 and operated from a 25,000sq ft facility in Little Hulton, Salford. The premises are accredited with grade A status by the British Retail Consortium. EP2 Packaging is operating from the same premises.

The company supplies wholesalers with a range of corrugated cardboard and solid board takeaway food boxes which are free of plastic, responsibly sourced and biodegradable. They are used for snacks and meals as well as cakes and baked goods, pizzas, burgers and chips.

Its wooden cutlery is produced from ethically sourced birchwood and all items are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, as are its paper straws and cups.

Mr Wiseglass said: “Eco Packaging Products showed great potential and spent a lot of money on research and development, but unfortunately business did not go quite the way its owners wanted.

“We are pleased that the business has been sold and that the jobs of its employees have been safeguarded, and hope it flourishes under its new ownership.”

News

70+ organisations to showcase career opportunities at returning Welsh job expo

MORE than 70 organisations from across Wales and the North West will join forces to showcase employment opportunities at a returning careers event.

Organised by Conwy Employment Hub in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the popular Conwy Job Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm at The Barn, Eirias Events Centre, Colwyn Bay.

Ahead of the big day, which is expected to attract more than 500 people of all ages, there will be a live workshop with mentors and trainers at Jobcentre Plus in the town’s Bayview Shopping Centre.

To be held this coming Tuesday (February 6) from 12.30pm-1.30pm, it will include tips and advice on a wide range of subjects from CV skills to interview techniques and guidance on applying for your dream role. There will also be additional live workshops held between now and the event.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said: “These pre-Expo sessions will give anyone wanting to attend the chance to sharpen their skills before meeting the prospective employers in attendance.

“They represent many different industries, and some will even be conducting interviews and meeting with possible candidates on the day so being fully prepared can only be of benefit from all sides.”

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “Once again we have some of the top public and private sector organisations in the region – and beyond – exhibiting at what has become the number one jobs and careers fair in North Wales.

“As well as looking for potential hires they will be showcasing what they do, and why people should work for them, so it’s going to be a very useful event for everyone in attendance.

“As was the case last year, we hope it brings people together and shows what amazing careers are out there and how there is demand in multiple sectors for new workers.”

Among the businesses, charities, social enterprises, and public bodies exhibiting will be the British Army Careers Centre, Thorncliffe Building Supplies, HB Leisure, HMP Berwyn, Alpine Travel, Supertemps, Maximus UK, Zip World, Prime Cymru, North Wales Police, GYG Karting, Excell Supply, ALG Security, The Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, EvadX, Airbus, the RAF, St Kentigern Hospice and many more.

For more information or to book attendance at one of the live workshops, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 575578.

News

Jobs Expo returns bigger and better after 500 attended last year’s event

THE leading employment and training event in North Wales is back and bigger than ever before.

Businesses, skills organisations, educators, charities, and individuals wanting to exhibit at this year’s Conwy Job Expo are urged to do so fast.

The free exhibition will again be held at Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay and following the success of last Spring – when up to 500 school and college students were in attendance – it has been opened-up to people of all ages.

In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by Creating Enterprise, Conwy Business Support, and Working Wales, which is delivered by Careers Wales, the Expo will be held on Thursday February 22 from 1pm to 5pm.

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, hopes to see even more organisations at the venue than in 2023, when more than 80 signed up.

“We have had a very positive response so far and spaces are filling fast,” she said.

“As well as pupils from schools across the region – many of whom are still undecided on their future career – this will be an opportunity for people in jobs who are looking for a new direction, or anyone seeking employment, to explore what opportunities are out there in multiple industries.”

‘The Barn’ at Eirias Events Centre will be divided into sections for exhibitors, education and training and demonstrations.

Jane Cook, the DWP’s Employer and Partnership Manager for Conwy, added: “The Expo is aimed at anyone wanting a fresh start, or looking to take the next step in their education or working life.

“This event will bring some of the region’s top organisations and businesses under one roof – as well as representatives from the public sector – and provide them with a platform to attract their employees of the future.

“It’s also a chance for networking, to conduct initial interviews, and to demonstrate what apprenticeships, work placement and voluntary roles are out there on the market.”

Among the employers taking space at the last exhibition in 2023 were Adra, the WRU, Supertemps, Conwy Mind, Becoming the Great, Parkdean Resorts, Akari Care, ALG Security, Michelle Salon, The Army, Airbus, Zip World, North Wales Police, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

More than 80% of those surveyed lauded the programme of activities and organisation on the day, describing it as “excellent”, “a great opportunity to speak to young people”, “really useful” and “one of the best career events we have attended in a long while”.

For businesses/organisations interested in exhibiting, register at employers@conwy.gov.uk or contact Alice on 07548 845679 or Clare on 07892 709837. The deadline for applications is February 12.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

News

Dyslexic mum-of-four in line for top award after creating life-changing jobs project

THE inspiration behind a life-changing project helping socially isolated people into work has been nominated for a top award.

Mel Davis, an Employability Mentor with Conwy Employment Hub, is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year Management category of Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards.

With no previous academic qualifications to her name, the Old Colwyn mum-of-four joined the Hub six years ago and was encouraged to return to learning for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and to help lay the foundations for her future career.

Mel went on to achieve a string of qualifications, including Diplomas Levels 3, 5 and 7 in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring.

She also secured a Level 4 Diploma in Project Management and did so having only recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, working her day job and creating the hugely successful Confidently You pre-employability scheme, which more than doubled its initial commitment to help 30 people across the county.

She is “delighted” to be nominated for the title but insists the acclaim will be shared with her colleagues and those who took part in the project.

“It was a shock and surprise to hear that I had been chosen, so I’m of course delighted given I never had any traditional qualifications before joining Conwy Employment Hub,” she said.

“That helped build my own confidence and led to us launching Confidently You, which has supported so many people into the position of applying for and securing jobs.

“For those who were socially isolated, especially after the pandemic, it was a chance for them to meet new people, learn and develop social skills and see what opportunities were out there for them.

“We are so pleased with the results as having targeted 30 people there were in fact more than 60 who engaged with the project, many of whom are now in work and loving life, so it’s been incredibly heart-warming to be a part of that.”

Backed by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, Confidently You brought people together for more than 113 indoor and outdoor group activity sessions, ranging from bushcraft to paddle boarding, e-biking, caving, arts and crafts, and much more.

The results to this point saw 25 of them gain a qualification and 13 find employment while having a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of all participants.

“For so many of them to now be in jobs, and jobs they love, is amazing, and a big part of the success,” said Mel.

“But for some just getting out of the house having been so socially and economically inactive for so long was a fantastic outcome and so courageous – hopefully the first step on their way to finding work.

“For all this to be recognised with a nomination from Grwp Llandrillo Menai is really heartening, and I thank them for the support they’ve shown me throughout my learning journey.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, added: “We are so proud of Mel, she is a truly inspirational mentor and fully deserving of this nomination.

“She is dedicated to helping others and creative in developing training programmes such as this, which have had a major impact across Conwy county – we wish her luck at the awards.”

To vote for Mel, visit www.awards.gllm.ac.uk/2024/management.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.

News

£300k secured to deliver vital jobs and training academies in North Wales

CONWY Employment Hub secured up to £300,000 to deliver vital jobs and education training academies across the county for the next 12 months.

The Pathways to Employment project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered and managed on a regional basis.

Together they will be targeting industries with a labour shortage locally, including Energy and Environment, Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative and Digital, Tourism and Hospitality, Health, and Food and Farming.

Conwy Employment Hub’s grant was for £292,510 and in past weeks training has begun, led by key organisations in each sector.

Among those to enrol on a course was Haydn Foulkes, who attended sessions with Go North Wales in Colwyn Bay, at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy and the Hilton Hotel, Dolgarrog, led by North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones.

Haydn has since gone on to secure a role in the hospitality arena.

“We learned a lot about tourism and hospitality in North Wales through this friendly programme, which also provided us with a training pack and exercises to hone our thoughts, ideas, and goals about this as a future career,” he said.

“I found it very useful, not only did I learn a great deal about tourism and hospitality but also about my approach to work.

“Since then, I have obtained new employment, and whilst it’s not as a tour guide – which I had set my sights upon during the course – it is still in the hospitality field, in catering.

“I thoroughly enjoy it and had I not been on the course I might not have considered going into this as a job.”

Jim added: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Conwy Employment Hub at the Go North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Academy.

“Partnering with them has proven to be invaluable as they refer us clients who have been thoroughly vetted and possess a genuine enthusiasm for getting involved in our industry.

“This has benefited us greatly, as we can now seamlessly guide these individuals through training towards job opportunities that align with their aspirations.

“Together, we are fostering a strong connection between potential employees and employers, making the process of finding suitable positions more efficient and rewarding.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said the funding will enable them to support even more people into work and education over the coming year.

“In addition to providing job specific training, all courses will focus on increasing confidence, resilience, wellbeing, team building and employability skills,” said Libby.

“They will also include the completion of CVs/application forms, interview skills, sector specific accredited qualifications and basic IT skills, with an introduction to each sector by an employer or industry expert.

“Attendees will generally be people that are work-ready or close to being work-ready, including those in seasonal roles or on zero-hour contracts who will benefit from more secure employment, and efforts are being made to include people from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds.

“We want to open-up these unique opportunities to as many people as possible, and that includes employers in Conwy so desperate for committed, skilled workers.

“In turn that will have a knock-on effect for communities and the local economy, which is our top priority.”

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub and information on the training academies.

Alternatively, call 01492 575578, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or you can self-refer via the website at https://bit.ly/Conwy-form.