8 minute read
SBT Lifestyle
from SBT issue 439
We are also passionate about bringing through the next generation of highlevel construction professionals. We partner with our clients on campaigns to promote the construction industry and recruit the best talent coming through. Many of those starting their careers aren’t aware of the diversity of roles and the training available which could get them on their desired career track.
How has Covid-19 affected your business and the industry? Have you seen an increase in candidates looking for new roles?
In the short-term, the coronavirus crisis has had a huge impact on the recruitment industry as a whole. With many companies sole focus being on survival right now rather than expansion. I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t affected us but we have been fortunate to build strong relationships with some very well managed clients and we are still seeing steady permanent and contract work coming through and our pipeline is getting stronger as the pandemic appears to have passed its peak. As a slight aside, through the whole crisis my staff have remained positive and their desire to get back to work as a team and get through this has impressed me immensely and I’m very proud of that.
Honestly, my current feeling is a stark contrast to mid-March this year when COVID really hit. We had projects we had spent many weeks on suddenly cancelled or put on hold. Of course, this is disheartening and hard to take but took it on the chin and dusted ourselves off. We’re now working harder and digging deeper than ever to make things work during this difficult time.
We know if we keep doing what we do best we’ll come out of this crisis stronger. Fortunately for us, construction is an incredibly resilient industry and the current government is providing investing heavily. Proving just how important the industry is.
We have seen a huge increase in the number of candidates seeking new roles. Some are enquiring about the state of the market as they’re worried about their job security
Dan Cassidy
and some are seeking new opportunity after losing their jobs. As you would expect, we are committed to helping as many people find new opportunities as we can.
Do you have any key advice top tips for candidates looking for a new role?
First and foremost, I would advise them to ensure they are utilising all available channels to find their next opportunity. Whether this is searching job boards, reaching out to their existing network or working with a recruiter. If you do decide to work with a recruiter it can be tempting to take the volume approach, which has its benefits. However, be wary of sharing your CV with those who do not understand your value and experience as they are unlikely to be able to identify the right opportunities for you and, even worse, will be unable to get your proposition right to a potential employer, meaning you may not even get the interview even if your CV does get in front of hiring manager for your perfect role. If you work with Parasma you will receive industry specific advice, a deep understanding of your background, knowledge of what should be your next career move and we guarantee that you will be positioned optimally to our clients.
What does the future hold for Paramsa Recruitment?
We want to continue to build our company through broadening and deepening our current relationships and adding new clients who are a correct fit for Parasma and our candidates. Accordingly, we want to build on our brand and become the market leader in our space, known for efficient and effective, knowledgebased recruitment in Construction.
Our growth over the last 20 months has exceeded my expectations and, like all business owners, I hope and believe the future of my company is bright. Even through the COVID crisis we are continuing to add high level talent to our team and my existing team will continue to work fulfil our mission through our M/O honesty, integrity, excellence and desire… this is what gives me confidence for the long term.
Dan Cassidy www.parasma-recruitment.com
T: 01903 950541
E: dan@parasma-recruitment.com
RESTAURANT AND HOTEL BLOGS CREDITED TO OUR SPONSORS VISIT BRIGHTON.
Develdas
THE IVY IN THE LANES
POST LOCKDOWN REVIEW BY KATIE
LETS MEET... HERVÉ GUYAT
FROM THE NEW STEINE HOTEL, BAR & BISTRO
WITH DEVELDAS LUXURY CHOCOLATES
The Ivy in the Lanes – post-lockdown review
Last week I was invited to the Ivy in the Lanes to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening.
It was my first post
Lifestyle lockdown meal out so naturally I was a little apprehensive but I couldn’t wait to get dressed up and have someone else cook for me!
The Ivy is known for its beautiful interior design, slick service and delicious all day dining menu, however in this new Covid world that we are living in, I was unsure if my dining experience would feel safe or if I would be able to relax and enjoy being out again. Keeping safe is the key thing on everyone’s mind at the moment so I was really hoping that the Ivy had enough safety measures in place to make the experience safe without losing the enjoyment of dining out.
The Ivy has implemented a number of measures to ensure guests can confidently dine in a safe environment. We had such a fantastic evening and felt completely at ease with being in the restaurant. The Ivy had gone above and beyond to keep all restaurant diners safe while keeping that Ivy luxury and charm.
On arrival we were greeted and taken to our table. The staff were friendly and relaxed but they were all taking appropriate social distancing measures with customers to keep themselves and us safe. Every table had hand sanitiser for you to use which matched the décor of the restaurant! The tables were all nicely spaced out and there were signs reminding people to keep distance.
Once we settled in at our table we started to relax, realising that this felt really safe, clean and so good to be back in a Restaurant. The restaurant had such a lovely atmosphere so we decided to take a deep breath and enjoy the evening ahead.
We started with Tempura Prawns with Salt and Pepper Squid and a very, very delicious Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin cocktail.
For mains I opted for the Prawn and Monkfish curry which was served with rice and green beans. The fish was so tender and tasty, not like anything I have been producing at home! My husband decided to have the chicken Milanese with Truffle Fries. The chicken was yummy and the fries were pure heaven, the perfect balance of truffle and cheese. Dessert was the highlight of my meal; a melting Chocolate Bombe with a Vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre with hot salted caramel sauce. Just wow. The food coma was real once I had pretty much licked my plate clean!
Our first post lockdown restaurant visit was over and I can’t believe how much I enjoyed it. Not only were we treated to
an evening of beautiful food, drinks and service but we were able to feel safe and I realised that this new way of living isn’t actually so bad.
Thank you to the Ivy Brighton for taking such good care of us, we can’t wait to come back.
Katie
The Ivy in the Lanes offers all-day dining, seven days a week, from dawn until dusk. An enticing cocktail list sits alongside the dining menu, featuring a choice of traditional and contemporary bespoke cocktails. Visit www.theivybrighton.com
We’ve decided to get to know some of our local business partners a bit better - and today we speak to Hervé Guyat from The New Steine Hotel, Bar & Bistro...
What’s your role at
Lifestyle the New Steine and how long have you been there, we hear it’s a big anniversary?
Yes it is a big anniversary as it is 20 years since I bought the New Steine Hotel and put the keys in the door. Whilst I am the proprietor of the New Steine Hotel & Bistro, my role is very hands on; from checking guests and looking after them to serving in our French bistro or checking the rooms with our head housekeeper. I do believe it is important to keep an eye everywhere.
What do you like most about what you do?
My passion is to get to know my customers, chat with them and share my local knowledge, helping them have the best experience possible not just with us at the hotel but in Brighton as well.
How did you get into tourism and hospitality?
My original trade was fashion / Haute Couture. I was working for Valentino in Sloane Street, London. I moved to the hospitality industry after the Gulf War when we had less customers. I did not want to wait around. I had done a year at hotel school back in Biarritz but left to move to a fashion house in the south of France. I went full circle and back to the hospitality industry.
How has your business evolved over the last few years?
The original New Steine only had 11 rooms and was more of a seaside B&B.
