Supertemps’ plans to expand

A thriving recruitment firm is planning to expand its workforce and grow in key sectors after a period of investment.

Supertemps had a busy 2017 which included the launch of its new S2 Recruitment website – aimed at executive and IT candidates – and a new construction division. The firm employs 16 workers at its Colwyn Bay headquarters and Bangor branch, and managing director Sarah Ellwood says they will need more staff in the coming months.

Celebrating her 20th anniversary with the business, which was set up by mum Dorothy in 1980, Sarah says they have been quick to adapt to changes in the recruitment arena and are in a strong position to capitalise:

“It’s been a steady year for us and we knew that would be the case as we looked to build-up the business in new areas.

“Across the UK there are industries facing a jobs crisis, notably IT, construction and social care, so these are sectors we are looking to target. Our new construction service is already in demand and will only grow as we devote more time and resource to it. The same goes for S2 Recruitment, as IT and executive candidates are much-needed across the UK, which is where our focus will be.”

A recent report by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) revealed bosses feel economic conditions in 2018 will be no less challenging given a decline in suitable applicants. Its study of more than 600 employers found a huge shortfall of skilled, IT and executive staff, revealing a UK jobs market that is now ‘candidate-led’.

It also found that confidence in hiring and investment decisions is still positive but dropping, which is why many jobseekers move quickly to take another position when a business stalls on making an offer.

“Supertemps is in a positive place having made these changes and is now set up to meet the demands of the sector,” said Sarah.

She continued: “But one message we are giving to clients is that they must move quicker when making that hiring decision, or the candidates will get snapped up elsewhere. It’s a candidate-led market now and they will get numerous offers. That’s the same across the country as the UK has the second highest employment rate globally.

“From our perspective it’s all to play for. We will be looking to expand and see the overall picture getting clearer. It’s going to be challenging for the industry, but we are well placed to deal with it and confident for the future given the progress we’ve made and foundations laid at Supertemps and S2 Recruitment this year.”