Tiara Recruitment Awards MENA by TALiNT International

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

AWARD WINNER PROFILES!

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE Ken Brotherston explains why the TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA are an important industry benchmark and barometer of confidence.

Resilience, innovation and inclusion have all been themes for the TIARAs in previous years – with all three demonstrated by this year’s finalists - but transformation is still the over-arching story. The pace of change in recruitment has accelerated so much that only those recruiters with the right vision and capability to adapt have been able to capitalise on demand in the boom and sustain growth in the downturn. As always, those shortlisted for the TIARA Recruitment Awards are proving the return on investment in technology, training, and talent. Across all 11 categories, this year’s winners set an example of how to be recruitment partners and employers of choice. The competition for talent has intensified in recruitment, so those with the best employer brands who have trained their sector specialists and optimised their tech stack have already won this year. The TIARAs recognise those not only accelerating the evolution of recruitment but enhancing the

perception of the staffing sector. This year’s finalists are the impressive yet because they have continued to innovate and professionalise. It’s great to see many of the sector’s top brands shortlisted alongside the industry’s most exciting disruptors; past winners returning to defend their title and many new challengers for top honours this year. A TIARA is still the most prestigious prize in the sector because of the quality and diversity of our judging panel, distinguished by the breadth of perspectives from across the talent ecosystem. They support our judging process with their reputations as well as their considerable experience and insight. It must be exemplary, and it must impress respected leaders. Thank you to everyone who entered and supported the 2023 TIARA Recruitment Awards. TALiNT Partners are proud to celebrate the crowning achievements of the best in the industry who prove daily why recruitment is a professional service.

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Candidate Experience Award This Award recognises excellence, innovation and impact in the way candidates are sourced, managed, and supported to ensure the best outcome. VHR, recognized as a leader in recruitment across the Aviation, Automotive, Marine, and Engineering sectors, demonstrated outstanding success in 2022 through its innovative approach to talent cultivation and recruitment. Emphasizing ethical practices and global impact, VHR’s initiatives have made substantial contributions to workforce development in underserved regions. A notable project involved addressing their clients challenge of maintaining aircraft cabins post-COVID-19. In collaboration with their client, VHR orchestrated a six-week program to train 140 Aircraft Cabin Technicians (ACTs). This comprehensive endeavor, spanning from recruitment to deployment, yielded a 95% retention rate and a 76% reduction in inoperative seats, resulting in annual savings exceeding $30 million for their client. The impact transcended financial gains, with the trained ACTs benefiting from a 500% pay increase, along with free housing, flights, and transport. This not only enhanced their skills and career trajectories but also had positive ripple effects on families and local economies in the Philippines, with numerous individuals launching their own businesses. Expanding beyond this specific project, VHR’s commitment to talent creation reached five countries, effectively addressing workforce challenges and advocating for ethical recruitment practices. The company’s proficiency in visa processes proved instrumental in facilitating compliant and ethical recruitment practices in the UAE, particularly

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

WINNER

given the unique context of a workforce comprised of 95% expatriates. VHR’s all-encompassing contractor care package, coupled with a streamlined relocation process, further underscores their dedication to candidate well-being. The introduction of the Aviation Training Portal not only generated additional revenue but also highlighted VHR’s unwavering commitment to efficient, costeffective solutions for global businesses. The impact of VHR’s holistic approach is clearly evident in their substantial growth, marked by a £6 million turnover increase, 400% revenue growth, and an astonishing 1700% profit increase in 2023. The reduction in staff turnover and associated recruitment costs, alongside heightened employee morale, attests to VHR’s commitment to cultivating enduring relationships, as exemplified by their remarkable 82% repeat business rate. VHR’s success extends beyond the financial realm; it serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to talent development, ethical recruitment, and comprehensive candidate care—a model that not only transforms businesses but uplifts individuals and communities alike. Judges’ comments: VHR impressed the judges by proving the return on investment in ethical recruitment, DE&I embedded talent solutions, and its training and thought leadership to upskill candidates.

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The DE&I Award This Award recognises the commercial and cultural impact of policies and initiatives to promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion for employees, clients and candidates. Within their award entry, Mark Williams highlighted their innovative approach to Emiratisation and cultural awareness in the recruitment industry. Their unique practices have reshaped traditional recruitment norms, positioning them as leaders in connecting Emirati job seekers with the private sector. Their innovation commences with the integration of cultural awareness into their recruitment strategy. Recognizing the significance of a nuanced understanding of Emirati culture, traditions, and work ethics, they have implemented cultural competency training for all their recruiters, setting them apart in the industry. A cornerstone of their approach is the Emirati Talent Screening Process. This meticulous method evaluates Emirati job seekers not just for their skills and qualifications but also for their compatibility with the client’s organizational culture, respecting Emirati traditions and values. They have also pioneered exclusive Emirati Career Fairs, offering a direct platform for Emirati job seekers and potential employers to interact. The remarkable success of these fairs has set a new standard in the recruitment industry, significantly streamlining their clients’ recruitment processes. Their innovative methods have yielded impressive results, with a 30% increase in successful placements

WINNER

of Emirati nationals within their clients’ organizations over the past two years. A 15% improvement in retention rates indicates a more precise alignment between candidates and positions. They distinguish themselves by delivering exceptional service, characterized by a highly personalized and culturally aware Emiratisation approach. Their consultants undergo cultural competency training, ensuring a deep understanding of the UAE job market, facilitating effective communication with Emirati job seekers and clients. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident in their impressive client retention rate, standing at 90% over the last two years, underscoring their ability to adapt to evolving client needs effectively. In summary, their innovative Emiratisation initiatives have not only fueled their own growth but have also generated financial advantages for their clients. Their unique blend of recruitment strategies and cultural awareness has redefined industry standards, establishing them as leaders in Emiratisation within the recruitment sector. Judges’ comments: Judges praised Mark Williams as they are a champion of DEI and emiratisation, demonstrating genuine inclusion and impressive metrics from revenue to retention from their successful implementation of innovative strategies and initiatives, including its emirati careers fares.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Contract Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises excellence, innovation and growth in sourcing, placing and supporting temporary and contingent talent.

WINNER

Since its establishment in the UAE in 2006, VHR has successfully navigated the challenges of the Contract recruitment market by securing an on-demand Labour license, revolutionizing the sponsorship process for work permits. Boasting a workforce of over 350 contractors in the UAE, VHR attributes its success to innovative marketing strategies, as evidenced by the impactful F-18 Pilot promotional video that reached an impressive 551,000 candidates.

Their partnership with their client, involving the training of 1000 workers, reflects VHR’s commitment to industry development. Mechanics experiencing a remarkable 500% salary increase not only contribute to Etihad’s outstanding 95% retention rate but also significantly contribute to the airline’s cost savings. VHR’s adaptability during the COVID-19 rebound is evident in the introduction of new service lines such as Online Aviation Training, solidifying its position in the market.

A pivotal achievement for VHR lies in their talent creation initiatives, strategically designed to address global skill shortages. A notable example is their groundbreaking program with with their client, where aircraft technicians were skillfully transformed into cabin mechanics. This initiative not only reduced inoperative seats by 76%, resulting in annual savings exceeding $30 million for the airline, but also showcased an exceptional worker retention rate of 95%, contributing to heightened operational efficiency.

Remarkably, VHR’s strategic initiatives translated into a staggering 400% increase in revenue and a remarkable 1700% surge in profits within two years. Despite a significant reduction in staff post-COVID-19, VHR achieved record turnover and profits in 2023. This success story serves as a testament to VHR’s ability to listen, innovate, and exceed the conventional boundaries of recruitment agencies.

Responding adeptly to evolving client needs, VHR introduced Fixed Price Solutions, demonstrating excellence by achieving a £30,000 margin on a Boeing 737 pickle fork modification project for for their client in Jordan. The year 2022 also witnessed the launch of Virtual Design Services (VDS), offering cost-effective AutoCAD design services to UAE-based construction clients and generating an impressive $430,000 in revenue during its inaugural year.

In summary, VHR’s trailblazing efforts in talent creation, marketing, and service diversification have not only revolutionized the recruitment landscape but have also propelled the company to unparalleled growth, establishing a benchmark for excellence in the industry. Judges’ comments: VHR continue to demonstrate outstanding and comprehensive service. They are taking on client challenges as their own, and are clearly agile to their needs, with an exemplary training proposition to create talent as well as sourcing it.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Best Recruitment Company for Emiratisation This Award recognises policies and initiatives to successfully increase the number of Emiratis in the job market and their contribution to the economy. The innovative Emiratisation approach of Mark Williams is highlighted in this award submission. Their commitment to challenging traditional recruitment norms, especially in the context of Emiratisation, has established them as leaders in the field. Their unique innovation centeres around incorporating cultural awareness into their recruitment strategy, which includes providing cultural competency training for all recruiters, a practice seldom seen in the industry. A pivotal innovation is the Emirati Talent Screening Process, a comprehensive procedure that involves in-depth assessments of Emirati job seekers, evaluating their skills, qualifications, and their potential cultural fit within client organizations. This meticulous screening process facilitates the seamless integration of Emirati talent into businesses, respecting Emirati traditions and values. Mark Williams has also introduced exclusive Emirati Career Fairs, serving as a direct platform for Emirati job seekers to interact with potential private sector employers. These fairs have streamlined the recruitment process for clients and set a noteworthy industry precedent. Their commitment to providing exceptional service is underlined by a highly personalized and culturally aware approach to Emiratisation. Their consultants undergo cultural competency training to effectively engage with Emirati job seekers and clients, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the UAE job market.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

WINNER

The extensive screening process doesn’t just focus on skills but also considers aspirations and cultural values, resulting in a 30% increase in successful placements of Emirati nationals in clients’ businesses over the last two years. The impact of the Emirati Career Fairs is evident in the high client retention rate of 90% over the past two years. In summary, their innovative approach has reshaped the recruitment landscape, bridging the gap between UAE nationals and the private sector. They’ve achieved significant growth across key performance indicators, with a 50% increase in sales, 20% improved profit margins, and a 25% growth in headcount to meet the rising demand for their specialized recruitment services. Significantly, their Emiratisation initiatives have led to notable cost savings for clients by reducing time-to-hire by 15% and contributing to a 90% retention rate. Their unwavering commitment to Emiratisation has not only fueled their own growth but also brought financial benefits to their clients, cementing their position as industry leaders in recruitment. They are eager to share their innovative success with the Recruitment and Staffing Leaders’ audience. Judges’ comments: Mark Williams is recognised and respected as a specialist agency with a core strength in emiratisation that is clearly putting customers’ needs at the forefront, has strong brand differentiation for clients and candidates, so it’s embedded in culture and service.

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Client Service Award This Award recognises excellence and collaboration in client delivery, celebrating those winning support and recognition across their client base for dependable, timely results.

WINNER

Salt MENA, driven by an unwavering commitment to the vision of “Creating Futures,” has emerged as a standout player in the recruitment and staffing industry. The success stems from continuous innovation and a dedicated effort to enhance services, offering a distinctive, adaptive, and transparent approach.

forward-looking guidance, custom reporting dashboards, and platforms to enhance internal processes. Strategic investments in core digital markets and expansion into new verticals, including Supply Chain, Procurement, and HR, led to an impressive increase in international business from 20% to 34% in 2022.

Global Presence and Collaboration: With an onshore and offshore delivery model, boasting a team of over 70 consultants in Cape Town and expanding in Brazil, Salt MENA effectively meets evolving talent needs. Investments in infrastructure facilitate knowledge sharing, fostering crossdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing collective expertise to address client requirements.

Sustainable Growth and Employee Support: In a competitive market, Salt MENA achieved substantial growth in 2022, marked by a 19% year-onyear increase in Net Fee Income, an 18% surge in revenue per employee, and a 9% increase in net profit. The commitment to a consistent strategy, deep client understanding, and employee support is evident in an impressive staff attrition rate of 26%, below industry norms.

Adaptive Offering and Market Insights: Acknowledging the trend of remote workforces, Salt MENA partnered with a global digital payroll provider, offering compliant solutions. This adaptability extends to comprehensive market coverage and specialist segmentation, ensuring a response to the full spectrum of needs across the Digital Product lifecycle, reflected in a market-leading fill rate of 2.9:1. Transparency and Efficiency: Maintaining transparency through bespoke tracing systems optimizes the recruitment process for clients and candidates. The Salt CRM platform ensures seamless interactions, improving the interview process and consultant productivity. Client Empowerment and Strategic Expansion: Empowering clients to thrive, Salt MENA provides

As Salt MENA looks ahead, the focus on metrics and a client-centric approach positions the company for continued success in 2023, anticipating growth in revenue per head, Office NFI, and overall profitability. Salt MENA goes beyond being a recruitment partner; it stands as architects of futures, dedicated to shaping the talent landscape with expertise, transparency, and adaptability. Judges’ comments: Salt have quickly grown and established themselves with impressive brand awareness and a great reputation built by client testimonials and word of mouth. Their investment in their own talent development is enabling Salt to deliver exceptional client service with a strong market specialism and depth of expertise.

FINALISTS Highly Commended

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Growth Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises an impressive track record of sustainable growth in sales, profit, headcount, candidate and client base. VHR stands as a beacon in the recruitment and staffing landscape, unwaveringly committed to transforming lives in the Aviation, Automotive, Marine, and Engineering sectors. Pioneering talent cultivation in underserved areas, VHR’s global outlook led to a groundbreaking project in 2022, addressing the challenges of maintaining aircraft cabins post-COVID-19. In collaboration with their clients, VHR developed a six-week training program to transform standard aircraft technicians into 140 highly skilled Aircraft Cabin Technicians (ACTs). The initiative, encompassing recruitment, relocation, training, and ongoing support, resulted in a 500% pay increase, free housing, flights, and transport for the ACTs. Beyond individual benefits, this endeavor significantly impacted families and local economies in the Philippines, with many workers initiating businesses. The impact on their client was monumental. With a 76% reduction in inoperative seats, translating to over US$30 million in annual revenue savings, and a remarkable ACT retention rate of 95%, the project achieved unprecedented efficiencies. VHR’s turnover increased by £6 million, with substantial profit growth. VHR’s innovative spirit continued with the introduction of Fixed Price Solutions, delivering exceptional results such as a £30,000 margin from

WINNER

a Boeing 737 pickle fork modification for a client in just six days. The success extended to five pickle fork modifications, generating £150,000 in revenue. Embracing technological advancements, VHR launched Virtual Design Services (VDS) for UAE-based construction clients. Outsourcing AutoCAD design services to the Philippines led to a 35% reduction in BIM design costs for clients, while VHR achieved revenue milestones of $430,000 in 2022 and projected revenues of US$950,000 for 2023. Despite challenges during COVID-19, VHR’s strategic response involved heavy investment in technology, including CRM and finance software replacements and the implementation of cutting-edge marketing and AI solutions. This adaptive approach not only weathered the storm but positioned VHR for sustained success. In essence, VHR’s award-winning journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a transformative impact on both clients and candidates in the dynamic realm of recruitment and staffing. Judges’ comments: VHR impressed judges with its agility and innovation, adapting to client expectations with new, high value talent solutions to drive not only outstanding growth but profit with purpose.

FINALISTS Highly Commended

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA 11

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Best Recruitment Company to Work For (Under 50 Employees)

WINNER

In line with their renewed focus on ‘Partnerships, Innovation, Results’ and guided by their core value ‘Inspire Innovation,’ JBAndrews proudly presents their achievements in 2022.

Their exclusive partnership with a leading European logistics business, enabled by their CRM, AI technology, and loyalty program, transformed them into a preferred search partner, working on every role.

A significant milestone in 2022 was the development of a custom AI system, which improved employee productivity by 30% and reduced the time to fill positions by 30%. To better address employee and client needs, JBAndrews conducted internal and external surveys during their rebranding, leading to three key offerings: • Loyalty Program: Boosted client retention by 20%. • Employer Branding: Achieved a remarkable 35% increase in candidate and employee-reported employer brand strength. • Psychometric Testing: Resulted in a 25% reduction in placement failures.

In 2022, JBAndrews experienced remarkable growth with a 29% increase in revenue, they expanded their team to 43 members, gained 18 new repeat clients, and saw growth in repeat and referral business. Revenue per consultant increased by an average of 25% per employee.

Their core values, ‘Deliver High Performance,’ ‘Put People First,’ ‘Build Purposeful Partnerships,’ and ‘Inspire Innovation,’ drove exceptional service: • Introduction of a new CRM increased consultant productivity by 50%. • Custom AI systems saved consultants 30% of their time when sourcing candidates. • ‘Offload Program’ improved employee mental health by 33%.

FINALISTS Highly Commended

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

Employee well-being and satisfaction improved significantly through surveys and their new Head of People, who is fully mental health first aid trained. The ‘Offload’ mental health program played a vital role in this achievement. In conclusion, their commitment to partnerships, innovation, and results has brought transformative changes, delivering exceptional value and improved employee well-being in the recruitment and staffing industry. Judges’ comments: JBAndrews is scaling with a strong employer brand aligned with purpose and values. It has balanced investment in technology to enhance service with training and support for its people, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing.

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Best Recruitment Company to Work For (50+)

This Award recognises employers of choice in recruitment and talent solutions who can demonstrate innovation and impact in their attraction, induction, development, and retention of talent, and has over 50 employees. Marc Ellis’ innovative tech-driven approach has transformed the recruitment landscape, creating a Metaverse-based interview platform in collaboration with key clients. This platform has not only streamlined their hiring processes but has also empowered clients to reimagine their hiring strategies. They’ve further solidified their position as trusted advisors through their ‘Tech Talk Tuesdays’ initiative. A standout achievement is their in-house Helper bot, which revolutionized candidate engagement on LinkedIn, expanding their candidate pool by 55% while enhancing team productivity by 40% through reduced administrative burdens. Their organizational culture, featuring regular celebrations and monthly awards, has fostered an environment of appreciation and motivation, resulting in a remarkable 98% satisfaction rating for community and support factors on Great Place to Work. Their ‘Minds at Work’ podcast serves as a knowledge hub, demonstrating their commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. They’ve also obtained ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications, underscoring their dedication to quality through rigorous internal audits and system inspections.

WINNER

Internally developed innovations, including AI-powered analytics, have expedited decision-making for clients, reducing hiring time by 20% and maintaining a strong 98% client retention rate. Their strategic partnerships exemplify their commitment to collaborative growth, resulting in contract renewals and an expanding client base. Consistently positive client feedback underscores the excellence of their consultants, leading to extended agreements. Their focus on internal growth opportunities aligns with their expanding market presence, evident in the steady rise in their client base, market reach, and employee satisfaction ratings, which increased from 85% to 93% between 2021 and 2022. Their success is characterized not only by their own growth but by the symbiotic growth they foster with their clients, emphasizing team development, internal promotions, and evolution alongside their expanding categories and market recognition. Judges’ comments: Marc Ellis demonstrated how autonomy and the empowerment of their people has driven innovation and its personalised training and development of personal brand has driven excellence in client delivery and growth.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA 13

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Specialist Recruitment Company of the Year This Award recognises market leaders in a specialist sector who can demonstrate the greatest depth of knowledge, best growth and differentiation from competitors. VHR stands as a beacon of innovation in the recruitment and staffing landscape, demonstrating unwavering dedication to reshaping lives in the Aviation, Automotive, Marine, and Engineering sectors through pioneering training initiatives, ethical recruitment practices, and comprehensive logistical support. In a standout project of 2022, VHR partnered with their client to address the challenge of maintaining aircraft cabins post-COVID-19. Faced with a scarcity of skilled Aircraft Cabin Technicians (ACTs) in the UAE, VHR, in collaboration with their client and Lufthansa Technik Training Philippines, devised a groundbreaking six-week training program. By shipping aircraft seats to their Manila facility, VHR successfully transformed standard aircraft technicians into highly skilled ACTs. The impact was profound: 140 ACTs were deployed within six months, experiencing a 500% pay increase, along with benefits like free housing, flights, and transport. Beyond individual success stories, these workers became pillars of support for families and local economies in the Philippines, with many venturing into entrepreneurship. Their client reaped substantial benefits, observing a 76% reduction in inoperative seats, resulting in savings exceeding US$30 million annually. The ACT retention rate reached an impressive 95%, contributing to further efficiencies and savings for the airline. Concurrently, VHR

FINALISTS Highly Commended

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

WINNER

experienced a surge in turnover by £6 million, accompanied by significant profit increases. VHR’s commitment to innovation persisted beyond this project. The introduction of Fixed Price Solutions in 2022, featuring experienced aircraft structural mechanics and aviation-specific insurance, yielded a notable £30,000 margin in the initial successful project with their client in Jordan. Furthermore, the launch of Virtual Design Services (VDS) in the UAE, providing AutoCAD design services offshore in the Philippines, resulted in a unique market differentiator. This strategic move not only offered clients a 35% reduction in BIM design costs but also generated remarkable revenue, projecting US$950,000 for 2023. VHR’s impact extended beyond individual projects. Their partnership with their client trained over 1000 workers, leading to a 400% increase in revenues and a staggering 1700% rise in profits over two years. The introduction of new service lines, including Virtual Design Services, Online Aviation Training, and Fixed Price Services, positioned VHR as an industry leader. They capitalized on market rebound postCOVID-19, showcasing sustained excellence in recruitment and training. Judges’ comments: VHR is widely recognised as a specialist, opting to focus on depth of expertise and credibility in its sector instead of being tempted to expand into other adjacencies. Its training proposition to create talent and investment in content and thought leadership truly differentiates VHR in the region.

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Talent Solutions Company of the Year This Award recognises a talent solutions employer of choice who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development and retention of their own talent. Marc Ellis consistently demonstrates a dedication to innovation and continuous improvement in the recruitment and staffing industry. Notably, an in-house RPA Bot implementation has enhanced recruitment practices and streamlined processes. Fostering a ‘communities’ culture, Marc Ellis encourages knowledge-sharing through LinkedIn-based platforms, promoting engagement and networking among professionals. Subject Matter Expert events provide insights and encourage innovative discussions. The ‘Minds At Work’ podcast exemplifies the commitment to innovation, featuring guest speakers who bring fresh ideas and insights. Their extensive network with community groups ensures a constant flow of creative input. A personalized marketing approach on social media has been instrumental in enhancing client interactions and improving the candidate experience. Vlogs, content, and videos introduce newcomers to the Marc Ellis family. Investment in team development extends beyond skills, emphasizing empathy, effective communication, and deep client understanding, contributing to an outstanding 98% client retention rate. Innovative solutions have allowed prestigious clients to appreciate contractor involvement in key projects, leading to the conversion of limited contracts into permanent ones. Client education sessions by account managers have increased candidate acceptance rates by 14%, fostering better alignment with client goals and culture.

WINNER

The creation of a virtual AI platform for interviews, implemented with some key clients, has leveraged technology, increasing efficiency, streamlining processes, and enhancing candidate experiences. Marc Ellis played a pivotal role in the digital transformation journey of a multinational bank, resulting in a two-year contract extension and highlighting the impact of their skilled contractors on client success. A commitment to employee happiness has raised the average internal satisfaction score from 85% to 93%. Expanding into executive headhunting with Marc Ellis Executive Search and opening new offices in KSA and Qatar have led to the acquisition of 10 new clients. With a diverse team and a 15% increase in headcount in 2022 and 8% in 2023, Marc Ellis has amplified its sales efforts and expanded its client base. Efficiency improvements, including integrated systems and an open-door policy, have streamlined operations and enhanced accessibility for the team. Marc Ellis’s dedication to innovation, client success, and employee well-being positions them as a standout player in the recruitment and staffing industry, poised for continued excellence and growth. Judges’ comments: Marc Ellis impressed judges with their strong focus on DEI and their academy to develop the expertise of their recruiters, who are valued by clients as strategic advisors. Marc Ellis demonstrated a truly inclusive culture, client-led innovation and value creation, and success in their ongoing expansion in the region.

FINALISTS

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA 15

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA RECRUITMENT AWARDS MENA

The Leader of the Year This Award recognises a visionary leader who has achieved exceptional growth, pioneered transformational improvement - in their business or industry – and inspired the highest levels of engagement and performance from their people. UMATR proudly presents its achievements for the prestigious award, showcasing an unwavering commitment to excellence in recruitment and staffing. Their journey is marked by innovation, community building, and a steadfast dedication to nurturing the Scala ecosystem. Innovation Through Scala Matters Platform: The free Scala Matters platform stands as a testament to their commitment, fostering networking, learning, and growth within the Scala community. With over 1,000 members from 100+ countries, it has attracted highprofile contributors, enriching the Scala ecosystem beyond mere placements. Global Scala Meetups: Hosting Scala meetups globally, including in Tel-Aviv and Germany, underscores their dedication to community building. These events have led to direct hires, new client partnerships, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, emphasizing their commitment to fostering connections. Strategic Relocation to Dubai: UMATR’s strategic move to Dubai, while maintaining focus on the UK and EU markets, leverages time zones and extends their reach across the GCC region. This relocation bolsters their competitive edge and global presence within the burgeoning tech hub. UMATR and Scala Matters Synergy: Investing in a marketing team empowers clients and candidates beyond traditional recruitment services, providing insights on talent attraction, diversity initiatives, and employer branding for an enhanced experience.

FINALISTS Madhav Sharma Director, Strategic Partnerships, Hunters and Skipper LLC FZ

WINNER

Mitchell Franklin Founder, UMATR

Client Case Study: Their ability to unearth hidden talent pools beyond conventional recruitment was showcased when they found an ideal Scala developer through Scala Matters, highlighting their unique approach. Commitment to Service Excellence: Consistently high client satisfaction rates reflect their dedication to understanding unique client needs, further emphasized by their expansion and headquarters move to Dubai. Impressive Growth and Expansion: Starting humbly and now boasting a team of 15, with plans to double in the next eight months, their remarkable revenue increases and global partnerships solidify their success. Financial Stability and Social Responsibility: Operating with high profit margins, they channel their stability into giving back to charities and the tech community, establishing themselves as a socially responsible business. In conclusion, UMATR’s exceptional contributions to the Scala community and the recruitment and staffing industry position them as formidable contenders for this prestigious award. Their innovative initiatives, expansive global reach, and unwavering commitment to service excellence define them as leaders in the field. Judges’ comments: Mitchell demonstrated authentic leadership in driving innovation and investment in people to deliver exceptional client and candidate service that has supported scale. It was clear to the judges that Mitchell takes a ‘hands on approach’ to being a leader and sponsors development of staff to improve the business.

Mollie Powell Founder & Managing Director, Pink Camel Recruitment

Tiago Costa CEO, Parisima Talent

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA 17

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA

TIARA Recruitment Awards MENA 19