Four Front | Four Recruitment Company Update | Winter 22

FourFront Four Recruitment Company Update

Winter 2022 Interactive Issue

My Vistage journey

Burnout Britain

Future of wellness

Our MD, Claire Sofield shares her personal experience with the executive peer-support network, Vistage.

Reports of postpandemic burnout are creeping up. Find out how to tackle this as an employer.

We catch up with Julia Miles to find out how they’re blurring the lines of technology and healthcare at Reviv.

Hello and welcome to our latest FourFront.

Claire & Philip Sofield, Owners of Four

I

can’t quite believe we are already in 2022 and sharing our winter newsletter with you.

I’m sure many of you will agree that it has been fantastic to start experiencing a bit of normality again. I know I was glad to be back at physical events and seeing clients face-to-face. We saw several of you at our various events in 2021, including our HR Retreat, the Finance Summer Formula and our Big Bolton Santa Dash. Our events calendar will be ramping up this year and we hope to see you at one of them.

At the end of last year we completed our Big Bolton Santa Dash, where we were joined by families, friends and businesses from across the region to cover five miles and raising much needed funds for Bolton Lads and Girls Club. Thank you to everyone who got involved or donated, your money will help this fantastic charity to continue supporting young people across Bolton.

There’s still time to make a donation – any amount will be greatly appreciated, especially at this time of year when there are children and families who go without over the festive season.

As I’m sure you are aware, recruitment is insanely busy at the moment and has

been for the past year! A combination of how we responded to the pandemic and very favourable market conditions contributed to achieving our best ever year in 2021! We’re now a team of twenty with big plans for 2022 including re-opening our Manchester office, developing our product lines, whilst continuing to grow our team.

On the subject of internal hires, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of Helen Jackson. Helen joins us as Commercial Director with over 12 years of experience in recruitment. She is a key part of our senior management and will support the growth and expansion of Four. You can find out more about Helen and her new role on the opposite page.

As we start 2022 and begin executing our growth plans for the year, we want to ensure our operations are as sustainable as possible. We’re introducing ‘Four Our Planet’ – our ecoframework to help us as a business to reduce our carbon footprint, limit our waste and protect our planet. Keep an eye out on our social channels as we will be sharing more information and documenting our journey towards becoming a cleaner, greener business.

Claire Sofield Interactive Issue We have added QR codes throughout this newsletter.

If you spot one, scan it and you can connect with that person on Linked In or get access to additional content.

The Four Class of 21 We have recently revamped our graduate training programme which will provide the next generation with a broad range of skills.

Meet Helen

In addition to developing our graduates as successful recruiters, we will provide them with the opportunity to learn about all elements of business operations including; HR, Finance, Marketing, IT and Sales.

Meet our latest intake of graduates below.

Hamza Finance - Manchester

W

e are pleased to announce our latest senior hire, Helen Jackson who joins us as Commercial Director.

Hamza has joined us after graduating from UCLAN with a Law degree.

Hannah Business Support - Lancashire Hannah has joined us after graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in Psychology.

Helen’s role will be to drive day to day operational success through alongside our growing team of recruiters and to further expand and develop the business.

Helen’s appointment is our most senior one to date.

Her role will enable Claire and Phil to identify and execute key strategic opportunities for the business.

Helen was previously director at another Lancashire based recruitment agency and joins us with over 12 years experience in the industry. She commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join Four, Claire and Phil have great plans for the growth of the business and I’m looking forward to being a part of this success.

“I was instantly attracted to Four, because their values as a business are very much aligned to mine, delivering a long-standing, value-added service for clients that reinforces the great value that the right recruiter can add to a business.”

Callum Finance - Manchester Callum has joined us after graduating from Manchester MET University with a degree in Business.

Managing director Claire Sofield added: “The past year has been record-breaking at Four. In addition to a continually growing team, new divisions and more product lines, we have also identified other areas of business growth and have a number of exciting plans for the future. Helen’s role will enable us to focus more on these projects and continue expanding the business”.

Added Phil Sofield: “Helen will be a key member of the senior management team, working alongside Claire and I to continue our business growth trajectory. Her knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to our team and we’re delighted to welcome her.”

Burnout Britain A

fter everything we’ve been through in the past two years, it’s no surprise that many employees are suffering from workplace burnout as a result of Covid-19.

Mental health charity, Mind found that the well-being of 41% of employees had got worse during the pandemic.

The World Health Organisation recognise burnout as an ‘occupational phenomenon’, it characterises it in three ways:

1 2 3

Feelings of exhaustion Increased mental distance from your job or negativity & cynicism towards it Reduce professional efficacy

The physical and emotional exhaustion that turns into burnout doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s the result of hundreds of incidents of stress that ultimately lead to employees hitting the wall, mentally checking out, or even leaving their jobs entirely.

Recovery Research by Deloitte found that poor mental health can cost UK employers up to £45bn a year and for every £1 spent by employers on mental health interventions they receive £5

back in reduced absence, productivity and staff turnover.

So, what can employers do? Taking a break from a stressful environment can produce immediate results. In September, Nike gave all their staff a week off to recover from the pressures of the pandemic. Others such as PWC have told staff that they can decide when and where they work. There are many more examples of employers trying to ease the pressure.

Gemma Sofield head of Four HR comments: “We are finding that many candidates are looking for a new role as they have felt unappreciated and undervalued as a result of the pandemic.

“They are looking for companies who can provide well-being support. It doesn’t have to be as much as a week off work, small gestures of appreciation and recognition motivate people and can be done immediately. The marketplace is hugely competitive right now so it’s essential that employers think carefully about how they take care of their employees.”

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SAYLAR GUIDE

HR

Financial

Business Support

COMING SOON

My Vistage journey V

istage is a global business consisting of ambitious MDs and CEOs, yet it is still a relatively undiscovered business.

I want to shed a light on this valuable group and the benefits that it has provided myself and my business.

As a business leader I am aware of how challenging and often lonely the role can be. Vistage was established in 1957 with the aim of creating a community of highcalibre executives, who offer peer support for growth focused, high integrity leaders to foster sustainable growth across their businesses.

values. These now resonate across our business and are at the heart of every decision made by myself or my team. We have also applied a more methodical Sales & Marketing approach to support our business growth with the help of an external consultant as a result of another keynote speaker session.

Written by Claire Sofield Managing Director, Four Vistage member

Hamish Hamilton, Vistage Chair

Hamish Hamilton first came into contact with Vistage 28 years ago and has been a Group Chairman for the past seven years. He currently chairs my Vistage group and I caught up with him to understand what drives him in his role and how Vistage plays a key part in his

aspirations for the North West.

During the pandemic Vistage members grew their own business by an average of 4.6% Vistage compared to non-members who members grew saw revenues drop by 4.7% as their business verified by Dun and Bradstreet. by an average 64 years on and Vistage is a of 4.6% global network, existing across 22 countries with over 25,000 members.

“I am passionate about the growth potential in the North West of England, particularly Blackpool, where I grew up. Unfortunately, I’m not smart enough, rich enough or influential enough to make a difference personally but I knew Vistage could support me with this aim. Chairing my Vistage group allows me to grow people, who grow companies, that in turn my Vistage grow opportunities for our group allows children and beyond. I have been I joined Vistage in September 2020, at a time me to grow lucky enough to be involved with when most businesses weren’t investing in people, who Vistage since 1993 and have seen their own development. Despite the difficult grow companies, first-hand the benefits the group climate I recognised the need to evolve the that in turn grow provides to businesses.” business and the benefit that being around opportunities successful business leaders would bring to my As a business owner, Vistage own personal growth. has delivered many benefits for myself and for Four. Primarily, I have found comfort and support I have now been a member for over a year and in surrounding myself with people in similar in that time, I have extended my network at MD/ situations and being able to learn and share CEO level, surrounded myself with supportive, knowledge and expertise. like-minded individuals and have implemented various business strategies on the back of my If you’re a fellow business leader and you feel Vistage meetings. On one occasion a keynote like you would benefit from being around likespeaker asked us to evaluate our business values minded individuals then I would be happy and positioning. This exercise got me thinking to arrange a call to discuss the benefits and and inspired me to work with an external brand opportunities that Vistage offers. agency, Muddy Wellies to refine our company Email: claire@4recruiting.co.uk

Four Community We’re a proud Bolton business and enjoy doing everything we can to support and fund local charities and community initiatives. This includes sponsoring the Ladybridge Leopards youth team and fundraising for Bolton Lads & Girls Club through our recent Big Bolton Santa Dash event. We are also proud members of Bolton Green Umbrella who are committed to a cleaner, greener Bolton.

The future of wellness

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e all understand that healthcare is important and more so now, than ever before. But why do we believe that health Julia Miles and wellness is a one Chief Operating Officer size fits all approach.

REVIV Global We now live in a world where healthcare and technology are blurring boundaries to offer a truly bespoke and personalized service.

Our Marketing Manager, Leah Allen caught up with Julia Miles, Chief Operating Officer at REVIV Global to find out about the business and everything they’re achieving in the world of healthcare.

LA: Can you tell us a bit more about REVIV and what it does?

only company globally that has developed a nutritional health eco-system incorporating a retail health network, life sciences, genomics and technology. We have been able to develop proprietary algorithms to match an individual customer’s personal objectives, symptoms or condition to the micro nutrients that will deliver them the greatest benefit. This technology has allowed us to evidence improvements that can be achieved against specific illness, disease and disorders.

LA: What trends have you seen recently in the health and wellness industry?

JM: The primary trend that I’m seeing is a growing interest in a more The primary trend personalized approach to that I’m seeing health and wellness. The is a growing general public are definitely interest in a more becoming more educated personalised to the fact that it really isn’t approach possible to take a ‘one size fits all approach’.

JM: Established in 2012 and head quartered in Manchester, REVIV is the global leader in preventative health, based on nutrition. For the ultimate experience in personalization REVIV is able to match a consumer’s genetics to personal objectives for optimum results. We have built up an impressive global REVIV has footprint of 90 clinics across evidenced 42 countries offering signature improvements IV therapies and vitamin that can be injections to 190,000 global achieved against specific illness, customers. disease and LA: What is REVIV achieving in disorders health and wellness that other

companies can’t offer?

JM: There are many facets of the REVIV service offering that are unique. We are the

We can also see from the figures coming through from our global clinics that there has been a clear knock-on effect after COVID. People are definitely more aware of their health, particularly those more vulnerable to the virus.

LA: What does the future look like for REVIV? JM: Our goal is to be the only personalized nutritional health company that offers precision nutrition solutions, using big data coupled with AI, to evidence that nutrition can have a positive impact on medical conditions or disease.

Get in touch with Julia

Four Our planet As an eco-conscious business we are striving to minimise our impact on the environment and improve our ESG efforts.

2021 was a huge year for change at Four. We made the move to refillable cleaning and toiletry products with local business, Refillery to reduce our plastic waste.

However, there is still much more to be done. The Four Our Planet initiative sets out to reduce our carbon footprint, limit our waste and other resources and give back to the community.

Our 3 step plan to a cleaner, greener Four Recruitment Switch We will switch away from unsustainable sources across our business Energy | Technology | Supplies

Fix We will audit and fix any areas that are inefficient or wasteful Premises | Operations | Logistics

Select We will select who we work and purchase with based on their values Suppliers | Clients | Products

Recruit like a boss!

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e experienced a 254% increase in vacancies in 2021 compared to the previous year, yet the number of available candidates has dropped significantly. As the candidate shortage continues to plague businesses, we have received several calls from clients looking for advice on how to navigate these new challenges. We have put together our top tips to help you find the best talent in a market where the candidate holds all the power.

Team up It’s vital to have dedicated resource to ensure that time and attention is spent on finding the best talent. If that’s internal, then its advantageous to have someone specifically looking at recruitment as opposed to it being part of a hiring managers job. If you’re going external, then do your due diligence on agencies with similar values and purpose, as you’re more likely to get a strong working relationship.

Brand on point People don’t just apply to a role, they apply

to a company and everything that it stands for. The stronger your employer brand - the more organic talent you will attract. Be sure to promote your values and culture and showcase everything you have to offer as these are the areas that will attract the right candidate.

Speed it up In today’s market candidates are receiving numerous job offers and getting snapped up quickly. You need to have a slick and enjoyable recruitment process to ensure you stand out.

If you think you’ve found the right person then don’t delay, make them an offer, invite them to a second interview, whatever you do make sure you continue communication, or they might just go elsewhere.

Grow your own Apprenticeships and placements can provide an opportunity for you to shape and develop individuals at a junior level. Establishing an academy or a similar process will allow you to have a continual pipeline of new recruits with the relevant experience and understanding of your business.

We’re Recruiting 2021 was a record breaking year at Four and now we’re recruiting for a variety of people to join us on our journey.

We’re on the lookout for ambitious, driven and business minded individuals to join our fantastic team.

If you know someone with a sales or recruitment background looking for a new opportunity or a graduate hoping to start a successful career then please send them in our direction - we would love to hear from them. Scan the QR code to find out more.

Who’s Who at Four: Claire Sofield

Managing Director

claire@4recruiting.co.uk

Phil Sofield

Operations Director

phil@4recruiting.co.uk

Helen Jackson

Commercial Director

helen@4recruiting.co.uk

Abbie Smith

Four Finance

abbie@4recruiting.co.uk

Gemma Sofield Four HR Four Executive

Neil Whitaker Lauren Ellison

Nicole Marsden Leah Allen

gemma@4recruiting.co.uk

Four Business Support

neil@4recruiting.co.uk

lauren@4recruiting.co.uk

Four Supply Chain

nicole@4recruiting.co.uk

Marketing Manager

leah@4recruiting.co.uk

Lower House Farm, Mansell Way, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6JL T: 01204 326 444 www.4recruiting.co.uk Four Recruitment

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@fourrecruitment

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