Human resources in the spotlight
Chase Taylor is helping employers and employees navigate the human resource challenges facing the industry. John Cowie talks to Chase Taylor Recruitment’s Managing Director Mat Gibson
Human resources have never been more in focus than now. Workforces have been a central issue during the COVID-19 pandemic and as the industry eases itself out of lockdown a host of complex issues are arising. Employers and employees are facing challenges as businesses look to readjust after an unprecedented change in their trading landscape. While a number of high profile business failures have rocked the window industry, there is a strong belief that business confidence is lifting itself off the floor. The evidence is there for all to see as factories are ramping up production levels and installation firm are reacting to positive overtones from homeowners.
In a recent survey of 2,000 businesses by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation there was evidence of growing optimism in the employment market. Chief Executive of the Confederation Neil Carberry said: “We are seeing that, as lockdown ends, at least some normal activity is returning. If the lockdown measures continue to ease and public confidence improves, we should start to see business leaders put their plans into action and hire.”
Within the window industry the human resources pool is shifting and opportunities are opening for both employers and employees. One company at the heart of the recruitment requirements for the industry is Chase Taylor Recruitment. It’s been a busy period for Managing Director Mat Gibson and his team supporting clients and candidates and helping them to navigate the ever changing business landscape. “There are a host of complex issues that characterise the current employment market in the window industry. We have been extremely busy supporting clients and candidates, both are experiencing different challenges, by bringing them together we are able to formate mutually beneficial outcomes.”
Mat is keen to emphasise that it is important to remain positive at a time of uncertainty. Headlines often gravitate towards the news of business closures and redundancies, however there are a large number of cases where firms are accelerating their plans for growth and investment. The message from Mat to candidates is that ‘as one door closes another opens’, he adds: “Businesses in our sector are always on the look-out for good workers. We have witnessed a number of business failures over the last few months, and unfortunately businesses have carried out rounds of redundancies. To caveat this we have witnessed a healthy number of vacancies listed by clients. Sales and order processing positions need filling and clients are fully aware that there are worthy candidates in the market looking for a new job. Chase Taylor’s task is to bring these two parties together.”
Mat fully understands that job seeking can be a daunting task as many candidates havn’t been in the Job market for a number of years. This is where Chase Taylor can help: “We have worked with many candidates over the years who have been in employment for a large proportion of their life. A sudden period of unemployment can come as a shock and in many cases it takes the individual unawares. We are here to support that individual and offer a number of support mechanisms to help them find employment. Often it starts with the construction of a CV and then we can match them with appropriate vacancies. Time can also be spend on interview techniques – an area that is ever changing with many employers adopting video interviewing. When this is the case we can work with candidates to familiarise them with the process and polish their techniques. The overall message is, we are here to help and support a candidate’s journey back into employment.”
Talking to employers has been a large focus of Mat’s time over the lockdown period to fully understand their strategies for a return to normal. It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ model, and Matt is keen to stress that Chase Taylor is able to help across all levels of the recruitment spectrum: “We have developed a reputation for recruiting across a wide range of segments of the fenestration industry offering solutions for a wide variation of roles. For many organisations easing themselves out of lockdown sales remains a key focus. Forward thinking businesses have used the lockdown to formalise new strategies for growth. One particular client operating in the retail environment has taken the decision to open a trade division and where looking to recruit a new Trade Sales Manager. Many other businesses have continued with their normal recruitment process, replacing workers who may be moving-on, this has resulted in the normal requirements to fill positions such as order processors and administration staff. Our message to clients has been consistent and we are here to cater for all their recruitment needs.”
For individuals currently looking for employment or their next career challenge and employers looking to fill a vacancy, please contact Mat and the team at Chase Taylor on 01543 897800 (Matt 07957 003747) or via email: mat@chasetaylor.co.uk
