 As we approach 2010 – the year that economists say will be a time of recovery and recuperation from one of the worst downturns ever - recruitment consultancy Xchangeteam gives a more magnified look at just how it is performing compared with 12 months ago.
Having sat through, what sometimes felt like a fairly turbulent ride, the seat-belts kept us well and truly seated, giving the confidence that we can look forward to whatever comes next.
The communications market in general is definitely on its way to slowly climbing back up along the ‘U-shape’ model referred to in Xchangeteam founder and Chief Executive Emma Brierley’s book “Talent on Tap”. Confidence in hiring amongst clients has undoubtedly increased.
PR and Communications agencies have been at the forefront of the increase in market movement as they look to provide relief for understaffed or overstretched teams with shorter-term freelance or interim support.
As their own new business pipelines are improving they are beginning to invest in the future and make permanent hires.
And although there seems to be an even split between wanting to hire freelance or permanent staff, what Xchangeteam has experienced is an increase in agency-side roles – with many agencies consistently pitching for new business.
These positive signs stretch wider across the UK. Xchangeteam’s South-West Office has taken a record number of vacancies in the last few days, demonstrating that confidence is definitely returning to the recruitment market with roles ranging from account executive right up to account director.
New business
Regional director, Liz Snell said: “All the vacancies that we are currently working on in the marketing, creative and advertising sector are as a result of new business wins and agencies growing again.
“It’s a great sign that the economy is picking up again and allows for some fabulous opportunities for account managers and directors in the Bristol area.”
As always, the public sector continues to play a major part in how the communications area performs, specifically within internal communications.
Recent research stated that communication roles within this sector increased in demand. Employers are more and more realising the importance of the internal communication function and its role in strengthening employee engagement and driving efficiency during challenging times of economic change.
This increase in the volume of hiring demands has meant that clients have once again turned to specialist recruiters for help as they don’t always have the resources or, in fact, the time to do it directly themselves.
Written by Deenita Pattni, head of editorial, Xchangeteam – see www.xchangeteam.com |
