Adapting to business needs

[Joyce@Movingforward]

Small and medium businesses have to adapt and change in times like this. Our business has been one carrying out recruitment. Sadly as recruitment has slowed down, we are now providing support and guidance to employees of small and medium businesses who are having to restructure.
How is the economic downturn affecting your business ? Are you providing support for your staff who are leaving and do you need help with this. The positive side of this is keeping your remainin staff motivated.

[Homshaw]

Hello Joyce,

Is both permanent and temporary staff slowing down?

I was thinking of giving recruitment a go as an add-on to my existing business

I have a friend in motor recruitment who is struggling.

However I have this theory. Garages are closing. People are leaving the industry. Some recruitment companies will go to the wall. But people won't stop using cars and at some point they will need replacing.

When things turn the demand for skilled staff should exceed the supply. If you are still there you would be in a great position

Peter

[Richie N]

Hello Joyce,

Is both permanent and temporary staff slowing down?

I was thinking of giving recruitment a go as an add-on to my existing business

I have a friend in motor recruitment who is struggling.

However I have this theory. Garages are closing. People are leaving the industry. Some recruitment companies will go to the wall. But people won't stop using cars and at some point they will need replacing.

When things turn the demand for skilled staff should exceed the supply. If you are still there you would be in a great position

Peter

Both temporary and permanent sectors have slowed down due to the current climate...
Personally, I wouldn't recommend starting an agency at the moment.

[Homshaw]

Thanks for your reply Ritchie.

I have worked in accountancy for 35 years. I feel I could do a great job in screening candidates and making sure the client got relevant candidates.

I have an accountancy franchise so I have payroll software etc. I also have an office in the town centre.

When the Motor recruitment started to struggle I tried out a lady who was working there. She is fine at bookkeeping as I keep a close eye on her and she gets better by the day. But she has great communication skills and a knowledge of recruitment which I feel could be put to better use

The marginal cost of getting into recruitment would not be that high and I believe some help and funding is available. My USP would be a knowledge of what the client and candidate wants. I have worked in all types of costing systems and both the private and public sectors.

You are right about it being hard at the moment. Lots of my clients are struggling but if I am going to do it I want to be set up and ready when things turn.

I thought it might be hard to make money short term but a good time to establish contacts with quality candidates and make initial approaches to potential clients.

I realise it is a massive undertaking and not to be undertaken lightly but most of what is involved is hard work not loads of money

Any input and advice would be appreciated.