What a year to try and review in a short newsletter. I can’t believe we are in December – where has that year (well let’s be honest the last 18 months) gone?
Lockdown 3
We started the year in lockdown and for myself and my husband we started it with Covid which wasn’t pleasant (obviously we weren’t vaccinated at this point). It really knocked me for 6 energy wise and losing smell and taste towards the end wasn’t any fun at all – particularly when there was little to look forward to in lockdown 3 in winter! Thankfully we are all OK now.
Farewells to family
We then moved house into a massive renovation and extension project and my Stepdaughter emigrated to Australia with our 3½ -year-old Grandson 2 days later – emotions were running high let me tell you!
Bouncing back
Finally, the UK gradually came out of lockdown and the employment market bounced back. In fact, its bounced back so much its now the most buoyant market I have ever known and that’s saying something since I have been in the industry for over 31 years. As followers of mine you will know that I am always looking for the positives and therefore it’s what I call a “jobs rich” market rather than candidate shortage.
Furlough ended in the summer and as I predicted there weren’t hundreds more people looking for work!
The status quo
Even now in December I am still taking on new jobs, new clients and more importantly turning away jobs daily. In fact, November was my best month since I set up the business in January 2011 – it’s tough and hard work but I am filling jobs on a regular basis.
I pride myself on my individual service to both clients and candidates and as such will only work with clients that are using my services exclusively, will pay the going market salary and will listen to me and move quickly.
To assist me with my recruitment I have taken on a freelance, part time, remote resourcer called Emma who is helping me with some of the additional workload of late.
So, if you are looking to recruit in January (or seriously get the January blues and start thinking about a new job), then reach out to me via my website, phone, email, or social media. I will do my best to help and provide you with the current local employment statistics.
A few AOBs to note:
Many of you will know that I am (and have been for over 15 years) an Ambassador for Dorset Chamber. Ambassadors give up their time voluntarily and have to get re-elected every 3 years. I am delighted to say that I am hoping to be re-elected for another 3-year stint which is great as I am passionate about doing business in Dorset (and Hants obviously!).
The roadworks are due to start on the A31 at Ringwood in January for a year – joy! Traffic is horrendous here as it is but there we go.
I don’t tend to send Christmas cards or gifts, preferring to donate to charity instead. On behalf of Aspire Jobs this year I have made a donation to Parkinson’s UK which is very dear to me as my dad was diagnosed a few years ago now.
I’m taking a well-earned break over the Christmas holidays and will be away on holiday from 15th December returning to the office (PCR test allowing) on 4th January 2022. I will be monitoring emails, so if you need to contact me urgently, please contact [email protected].
Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support this year. It really does mean the world, so for all the referrals, words of support and encouragement to me personally and on social media I thank you all.
Have a great Christmas and New Year and stay safe.