In The Spotlight 16

Q. You studied social policy and administration at university before juggling jobs as a dairy salesman and working behind a bar. How have these life-skills helped in pinpointing the right people for your clients?

I think anyone who comes into recruitment thinking that they are just going into a sales role is delusional. In recruitment, you have to be not only a good sales person, but also have good communication skills, be empathetic, and be adaptable enough to consider every person that you come into contact with as an individual with individual circumstance and individual needs.

My degree, although not related to recruitment, gave me a good understanding of wider societal issues – housing, health, education – that have given me a greater understanding of the issues that many of the people who work for us face on a daily basis that may affect either their ability to work, or their aptitude to work in particular professions.

By better understanding the challenges that some of our candidates face, I can work with them to find the best workable solution for them, meaning our clients receive more suitable candidates that they might otherwise.

Selling cheese never helped me in the slightest!

Q. Your company strap-line is ‘All About People’ – finding the best employment opportunities for candidates and the best staff for clients. It also includes investing in your workforce of 30 based at Macon Court in Crewe. Tell us about the transition from being an employee to an employer.

I’ve worked for myself for so long, I can barely remember being an employee! But I can remember one previous employer whose approach to employee engagement and motivation left a lot to be desired. They believed that the more pressure they put on their employees, the better results they would get. But people don’t always work like that.

It’s important to treat each person in your team individually; find out what makes them tick and treat them accordingly. After all, what motivates one employee might be a complete turn-off to another. My 19 year-old son, Dominic, for example, now works in one of our companies. He isn’t particularly motivated by money, authority or even career progression; his motivation is being recognised for doing a good job and working in a positive environment. So we ensured he was given the right training from the outset, was placed in the right team and that he receives regular encouragement to succeed in what he does.

Our ethos, ‘it’s all about people’, isn’t just a strapline; it’s an ethical way of working that ensures that anyone we deal with – Client, Candidate or Colleague – is treated decency, with respect and with due care to their particular motivations. It’s not just a ‘nice’ way of working; it ensures a better working environment which, in turn, delivers better results for all parties involved.

Q. How does being based in Crewe benefit the Absolute Group?

Crewe has always been an industrial hub, and its infrastructure – with great motorway and railway links to nearby major cities – also makes it an attractive place to do business. Over recent years we have seen some big-name employers settle in the town, and the town regeneration project along with HS2 and the development of several major business parks and industrial sites means that we can expect more to follow. It’s an exciting time to be here!

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Outside of work, my life is dogs and pubs and music – luckily, three interests that I can often combine at once!

I grew up down South, spending five years living in London whilst singing in the choir at St Paul’s Cathedral. Music has remained a passion for me and, aside from playing guitar and piano for the last 32 years, I also write film scores – I currently have around 70 finished scores but no films to put them to (although anyone who follows our social media may have heard some of my pieces that have snuck into the background of a number of company videos)! If I ever step away from recruitment, I’d like to write music professionally.

We have two dogs - Bruno, a Jack Russell cross and Moose, an American Bully pup who already weighs in at 28.5kg at only six months old! They are regulars at our local pub as much as we are!

Jessica and I love to travel too, and we’ve been privileged enough to visit some of the most amazing places in the world.

Music-loving Dan was a choirboy at St Paul’s Cathedral

Q. Who inspires you and why?

Two people; firstly, my Dad, who passed away several years ago. He was the most honest, decent and trustworthy person I’ve ever known.

Secondly, my wife, Jessica. Those who know us know about the cancer battle she fought through so bravely ten years ago and know how she never let it stop her achieving what she wanted to achieve. She is so strong, kind and determined and I’m proud of her every day.

Q. What is your greatest achievement to date?

Probably, not losing my mind after 20 plus years in recruitment!

Q. What are you looking forward to in 2022?

I’d love to tell you, but I can’t. There’s a number of exciting projects coming in 2022 for the Group, but I’m not allowed to tell you anything yet!

_ If you’d like to meet Dan to discuss your recruitment requirements, please call on 01270 509266 or email info@absol-group.com

Online electricals retailer AO has opened a new depot in Leeds as it continues to grow its vast logistics network. The new site at Total Park on Pontefract Lane will be the 24th depot in AO’s network, helping the retailer to be even closer to its customers across Yorkshire.

The 35,000 sq ft site is the latest depot to open its doors in recent months, following expansion into Crawley, Newport and Bracknell. Expanding its logistics network with new depots and distribution centres is key to ensuring that AO can continue to provide the best possible delivery service across the country. Over the last 18 months, AO has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80%, rapidly growing its distribution network and creating over 1,500 jobs across the business.

While the new site itself will initially create 29 new opportunities for people across Yorkshire, the move follows AO’s huge push for driver recruitment. The retailer is currently recruiting employed drivers nationwide, with over 100 logistics vacancies available, including HGV Drivers, 7.5t Delivery Drivers and warehouse operatives, with fantastic benefits and new starter bonuses of up to £1000.

David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said:

“The new depot is in the ideal location to support our growth as a business – we’ll be able to serve our customers in Yorkshire even better than before and it means we’re securing the best infrastructure for the future. The rapid expansion of AO Logistics is really a testament to the hard work of our people and how much we’ve grown over the last 18 months.”

The network of depots are supplied by AO’s main distribution centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke and the nationwide delivery coverage ensures that AO is never more than one hour away from customers.

AO acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009 and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products. It stocks over 9,000 products and delivers millions of electricals every year from its 740,000 sq. ft. logistics warehouse in Crewe.

_ For information about jobs at AO Logistics visit www.ao-jobs.com

Assurant’s European Awards continue to demonstrate uncompromising values

What sets Assurant apart and defines its culture comes down to the choices the organisation makes every day and the way in which it holds itself accountable for doing the right thing. Despite the continuance of COVID-19, Assurant is extremely proud of how its employees have maintained focus, continuing to support each other and the community whilst delivering for customers, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Assurant’s annual European Awards are a firm favourite in its employees’ calendars, celebrating the best of the best and recognising accomplishments across the European region. Assurant believes that being aligned to its strategy is key to its success and recognising talent is its way of showing how proud the company is of its talented and diverse workforce.

Throughout the pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of Assurant’s employees has been its top priority. Like many other events, the business couldn’t physically bring people together to celebrate this year, however, recognising the achievement of those shortlisted for an award was still something that was very close to its heart.

“At Assurant, we support our employees in the same way as our customers, delivering unmatched experiences so that they can, in turn, outperform in their roles. Our annual awards provide us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate those colleagues who are role models for our values. We are proud to be part of a dynamic and thriving business and want to show our appreciation for the amazing people that make Assurant a great place to work,” said Anya Shaw, HR Country Director, UK.

During a virtual event held in November, Assurant recognised and celebrated its 2021 European Awards shortlisted nominees and winners. Over 349 nominations were submitted, recognising 10 outstanding European colleagues and functions in 10 categories. Three finalists were chosen in each category by a panel of judges, who chose winners who embody Assurant’s values and made outstanding contributions to the business.

_ To learn more about Assurant’s community and social responsibility commitments go to socialresponsibility.assurant.com.

Bentley Motors has welcomed its largest ever intake of Apprentices, Undergraduates and Graduates, with 112 new recruits joining the 4,000-strong Crewe based workforce, which is currently delivering the biggest transformational programme in the luxury marque’s 102-year history.

Representing a phased introduction across programme, 39 Apprentices and 39 Undergraduates have started their Bentley careers in the past two weeks, with 14 Graduates to follow next month. The new recruits are working across a wide range of areas within the business including Engineering, Production, Marketing and Communications, Project Management, Human Resources and Digital and IT. Coupled with the 20 apprentices who began their journey earlier in 2021, the scale of the 2021 programme demonstrates Bentley’s commitment to developing future skills through trainee programmes.

Underlining Bentley’s transformational Beyond100 strategic ambitions, and to help shape the company for the future, a third of the trainees will work exclusively on digital innovation.

Nicola Johnson, Head of People, Engagement and Transformation, said:

“Bentley, and the entire automotive industry, is changing faster than ever and so recruiting the next generation and leaders of tomorrow, with a digital mind-set, is a key part of our strategy to becoming the leader in sustainable luxury mobility. We have focused on the finest talent that can help shape our future and I am delighted to welcome them as we work together to deliver our vision for a new Bentley.”

Bentley’s targets were set out in last year’s ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy, with the aim to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility and reinvent every aspect of its business. At the forefront of this strategy, is the desire to be carbon neutral and move to full electrification throughout the entire model range by 2030.

To help design and build these Bentleys of the future, the company is focusing on greater diversity, upskilling in some areas and attracting a wide range of the best talent from all walks of life, including digital innovators and creative thinkers.

Earlier this year, Bentley was again recognised for the tenth consecutive year as a Top Employer by the internationallyacclaimed Top Employers Institute – the only car brand to feature on the elite list.

_ For more on the company go to www.bentleymotors.com

College learners showcase skills at T Level launch events

Cheshire College, the largest provider of post-16 education in the region, celebrated the launch of new T Level programmes at their three Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester.

The event, which spanned three evenings, provided an opportunity for learners, tutors, employer partners and stakeholders to take part in demonstrations, find out more about the opportunities available to T Level learners on successful completion of their course and enjoy refreshments prepared by the College’s award-winning Academy Restaurant and more.

Dhesi, Principal and CEO at Cheshire College, commented: “It has been a fantastic week celebrating our new T Level programmes and welcoming so many friends, families and partners in to showcase our world-class teaching and learning facilities. Studying a T Level at Cheshire College provides young people with a fantastic opportunity to thrive in their chosen subject whilst learning what a real career in the industry they’re hoping to join is truly like.”

Richard Caufield, Area Director (North West) and National Mental Health Lead at the Association of Colleges, said: “It was enlightening to talk to learners who spoke so enthusiastically about their courses and what they are learning, and how they are planning for their future careers as skilled professionals. I truly believe that, with the support of employers, T Levels are essential to take the national skills agenda forward in training the UK’s future workforce.”

Equivalent to three A Levels and comprising of 20% on-the-job work placement, T Levels have been designed with employers to help young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace.

At the heart of each T Level programme is an extended work placement of at least 45 days which will provide learners with the important industry experience they need to further develop their skills and progress on to a higher-level apprenticeship, degree course or into employment.

A range of employers including, Virtalis, Leighton Hospital, Input Squared, Balfour Beatty, TJM Projects, Kids Planet Day Nursery, Baywater Healthcare, Russell IPM and Changing Education, attended the launch event to provide learners and their parents with an opportunity to find out more about work placements and the core, knowledge and skills that underpin many jobs within industry.

_ For more on T Levels visit ccsw.ac.uk

The Guinness Partnership has teamed up with charity the Torus Foundation to launch a project aiming to help thousands of people get back into work.

Called Springboard, it helps newly unemployed people in Cheshire and Warrington, many of whom may have never been out of work before but whose livelihoods have been destroyed by COVID-19.

The scheme offers the advice, training and one-to-one support they need to quickly bounce back over an intensive programme lasting 10-13 weeks. It includes mental health support, as well as help with digital skills, interview training, and financial advice.

Alistair Smyth, Director of External Affairs and Social Investment at The Guinness Partnership, said: “When we saw the benefits this scheme will bring, we didn’t hesitate to offer our support.

“The Springboard project is another great example of how we go further than our core housing and care

services. Through it we hope many people across Cheshire and Warrington will be able to find a job or training that will help them put their lives back on track after the disruption caused by the pandemic.”

The two-year Springboard project aims to help about 2,000 people. The Torus Foundation is running the scheme and is working with businesses by subsiding wages to secure paid work experience for participants.

A range of placements are available in sectors such as construction, education, retail, and health and social care.

As well as being funded by The Guinness Partnership, it is backed by the European Social Fund and other organisations.

_ If you know someone who could benefit, or would like to find out more visit the Springboard webpage at torusfoundation.org.uk/ springboard, email Springboard@TorusFoundation.org.uk or call 0330 01234 090.

Cyber and business skills training to boost career opportunities and tackle UK’s digital skills gap

Manchester Metropolitan University is harnessing its digital and business expertise to run a Skills Bootcamp InDigital, giving people the opportunity to build up their digital skills for a career in tech.

The training supports learners from disadvantaged groups, long-term unemployed, people re-training following the pandemic, and career changers to boost their skills in foundation computing, digital marketing, digital business, enterprise, and cyber security - giving them the advanced skills needed for technology roles.

Developed by and funded by the Government as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs, the flexible Skills Bootcamps are delivered as part of the University’s involvement in the Institute of Coding (IoC), in partnership with employers, providers and local authorities.

The University’s new School of Digital Arts (SODA), Business School, and Computing and Mathematics department delivers the 14-week programme, in partnership with Manchester Digital, The Specialists Hub, and The Heroworx Institute.

Over 30 hours a week for 14 weeks, a typical day sees individuals receive three hours of direct teaching and workshop activity, with three hours of guided learning to help consolidate their skills and develop portfolios. Learners do not need any experience to apply, as the course is designed to help individuals aged 19 years and over to upskill, reskill and build up digital sector-specific skills. Upon completing the Skills Bootcamp InDigital, learners receive the opportunity to interview with a local employer.

_ To find out more and join a taster session, visit mmu.ac.uk/

Reaseheath College announces partnership to deliver advanced construction training

One Ocean Crew: Jennifer Cullom, Emily Woodason, Janette Potgieter and Erin Bastian are backed by Mornflake as they take on a 3,000-mile Atlantic rowing challenge

Four ‘oar-some’ friends have begun an epic rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean, backed by Mornflake.

One Ocean Crew, a team of women in their 30s, hope to raise money and awareness of an ocean protection charity by taking on the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. With their search for corporate support hard-hit by the pandemic, the foursome have been thrown a lifeline by breakfast cereal manufacturer Mornflake in Crewe.

Their Skipper and Medical Lead is Jennifer Cullom, a Buckinghamshire-based physiotherapist who is helping her teammates prepare for what she admits will be an ‘incredible feat of endurance and resilience’ battling the physical and mental extremes of more than 40 days out on the open ocean. She said: “Even getting to the start line has required a Herculean effort of preparation, fundraising and of course physical training. Searching for sponsorship in the current economic climate has of course been hard. We tried over 100 companies so were thrilled when Mornflake agreed to be headline partner making our dreams a reality. The family owners have long championed healthy lifestyles and are true champions of sustainability.”

Mornflake’s premium porridge, muesli and granola products are enjoyed worldwide including the Caribbean island of Antigua where coincidentally, One Ocean Crew will end their epic journey early next year. Jenny added: “To power our transatlantic row, rowing two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours a day for more than 40 days, we need some serious fuel. Mornflake Superfast porridge oats are the ultimate fuel to give us steady energy.”

The friends have chosen the Sea Ranger Service as their official charity and after the race, they will sell their ‘eco-boat’ to boost funds for the cause which is dedicated to restoring ocean biodiversity.

Mornflake Managing Director James Lea said: “We are delighted our oat products are helping One Ocean Crew train for their mission and will be their staple food source on the row. It’s an incredibly brave and commendable effort to raise awareness of ocean protection and encourage people to live more sustainably.”

One Ocean Crew set sail from the Canary Island, La Gomera, on December 12 and their progress is being charted by Mornflake on social media.

_ For more on their mission go to ‘Powered by Mighty Oats’ Stories at www.mornflake.com

Reaseheath College is partnering Cheshire Surveys, land surveyors and setting out engineers, in an initiative to deliver advanced digital and skills training to the region’s construction and allied industries.

The Advanced Construction Training (ACT) project, funded by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is enabling selected Further Education colleges in Cheshire and Warrington to partner leading employers from within the sector. The collaboration aims to develop and promote skills in new technology which will assist companies to build high quality, smart, green and efficient buildings and infrastructures.

Warrington and Vale Royal College is leading the project, while Reaseheath College, Cheshire College South and West, Macclesfield College and UTC Warrington are ACT centres of excellence.

Head of Construction Andy Gould said: “We are delighted to be partnering Cheshire Surveys, which is well respected in the industry. Together we will be upskilling the current and future workforce through digitalisation. As an ACT centre, we can help companies of all sizes become more sustainable and efficient.

“Thanks to the LEP, we are offering training with highly technical kit and design software including digital surveying equipment, autoCAD and VR headsets. This enables us to deliver bespoke technical skills training to students and apprentices, and professional and technical qualifications to those already working in the industry.”

_ For more on the college go to www.reaseheath.ac.uk