Countdown to National Temps Week
Catch up with the latest news at ACR. Please feel free to click on any of the articles listed below to browse over some of our very latest activities and findings.....
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Countdown to National Temps Week |
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ACR names Student of the Year |
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Anne Corder Recruitment proud to announce opening of new office |
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ACR promise 24 hour call back |
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ACR celebrates 13th year of ISO Accreditation |
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ACR welcomes new consultant |
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ACR backs local business awards |
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ACR launches Student of the Year award |
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Seminar keeps employers up to date with employment law |
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ACR welcomes new recruitment consultant |
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Employment picture looks rosy as city salaries rise |
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ACR take first steps towards paperless office |
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Recruitment Consultant celebrates 10 years with ACR |
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Gold for Peterborough recruitment agency |
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ACR Launch New Website |
Countdown to National Temps Week
Would-be temps are being invited to learn more about the opportunities open to them at a special open day celebrating National Temporary Workers Week.
Anne Corder Recruitment is staging the special event to help dispel the myths about temping.
As well as offering the chance to speak to recruitment consultants, visitors to the open event will have the chance to undertake a skills test aimed at helping pinpoint the type of positions which may be open to them and pick up information about courses and study opportunities too.
“There is a lot of misinformation about temping,” said ACR consultant Karen Dykes. “’We hope people will take this chance to separate fact from fiction and to find out just what sort of work is open to them.”
ACR is staging simultaneous events at its two offices – 4 Park Road, Peterborough in the city centre and 42 Tyndall Court, Lynch Wood on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday, June 4, between 9.30am and 1pm.
“Anyone who wants more information about temping is welcome to drop in to either office,” said Karen. “It may be people looking to return to work, students due to graduate, people wanting to try something new or retired people who don’t want to give up work completely.”
Consultants will be serving light refreshments and there will be a colouring area for children.
Did you know…?
Focused Martina Wallis knew just what kind of job she wanted. And, through hardwork and dedication, not only is she well on the way to securing it she's also won the coveted title of Peterborough Regional College's Student of the Year, sponsored by Anne Corder Recruitment.
And now the former Stanground College pupil is looking forward to putting her newly-learned skills into practice building herself a career as a personal assistant.
The 16 year old began an NVQ course in Business and Administration at Peterborough Regional College last September after completing her GCSEs.
"I'm really organised and thought being a PA would make best use of that," said Martina. "The course at the college covers office skills and there's a lot of work experience incorporated which means by the time you finish you have the relevant experience which so many employees ask for."
Martina, who lives in Stanground, Peterborough, and has already fitted in a part time shop position with her studies, entered the Student of the Year award sponsored by Anne Corder Recruitment as part of her course.
"We had to apply for a made up office job, go through the interview process and give a presentation to consultants from Anne Corder Recruitment and our tutors," said Martina. "It was nerve wracking but a really useful experience because we got to practice the skills we'd need for applying for job. I'm quite shy and it definitely helped give me more confidence."
Martina particularly impressed the judges when she kept her cool despite a technological glitch during her presentation.
"She handled herself really well during the interview," said ACR consultant Claire Latham. "When the technology let her down she didn't panic but just made the most of the situation. I'm sure she has a great future ahead of her."
Martina has now applied for an Advanced Apprenticeship, available through Peterborough Regional College. This would see her working four days a week and studying for a day a week at the College to help her continue to build up her skill set while gaining valuable hands on experience.
ACR, which is based at offices in Park Road and has a new satellite office at Tyndall Court, Lynch Wood, also announced two runners up in the awards which was open to business and administration students - Kristy Chanter, 17, from New England, Peterborough and Joy Tooley, also 17, from Farcet in Peterborough.
Anne Corder Recruitment proud to announce opening of new office
Anne Corder Recruitment is delighted to announce the opening of a brand new satellite office.
The independent consultancy will now be offering the first-rate service clients and candidates expect from new specially-appointed offices at Lynch Wood Business Park in Peterborough.
The move is the first for the respected consultancy, which will retain its city centre offices in Park Road, Peterborough, and marks another step in the on-going growth of the business.
The new office at Tyndall Court, off Commerce Road has space for staff to operate remotely as well as interview and meeting rooms, offering flexibility, adaptability and an enhanced level of convenience and service for clients and candidates.
“An increasing amount of our business is coming from companies located on the outskirts of Peterborough – as well as from businesses in places like Stamford, Oundle and Huntingdon,” said Anne Corder. “Having a presence in offices located just off the city’s Parkway system and just one minute from the A1 will offer clients an easy alternative when organising meetings with our consultants.
“We have also seen a marked upturn in the number of potential candidates working out of the city centre. We wanted to offer them the convenience of lunch time appointments.
“We are very excited about the opportunities our new offices will open up not just for our business but for our candidates and clients.”
Anne Corder Recruitment’s new office will initially be open between 11am and 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday March 4.
The new ACR office suite also has meeting space which will be available for hire.
Independent recruitment agency Anne Corder Recruitment has stepped up its service to clients and candidates with the introduction of a ‘call back’ button on the company’s website.
Staff have pledged to contact everyone using the new service within 24 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays).
The move is just the latest in a series designed to ensure the Park Road based agency provides best practice in all aspects of its business at all times.
“The ACR website – www.annecorder.co.uk - has undergone a minor revamp to offer an enhanced service to current and prospective clients and candidates,” said recruitment consultant Karen Dykes. “The addition of the call back facility is designed to make it as easy as possible for people to get in touch with us. Visitors to the site can click on the call back button, leave their contact details and we will get in touch with them within 24 hours during the working week.
“It means people surfing our website out of hours can click on call back and then not worry about having to remember to ring us the next day – we’ll do that for them.”
The ACR website can be viewed at www.annecorder.co.uk
ACR celebrates 13th year of ISO Accreditation
THE ‘strong level’ of staff competence at Anne Corder Recruitment was singled out for special praise during the annual ISO inspection.
Auditors also commented that ‘quality management processes are well managed’ and ‘the company have a first class programme of operations and planning meetings’.
It is the 13th year independent recruitment consultancy Anne C order Recruitment has achieved the ISO industry accreditation.
Recognised as the only international indicator of quality the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) confirms ACR has achieved its on-going aim to run an efficient and cost-effective business for staff, clients and candidates.
“We are delighted to have had our accreditation renewed once more as it reflects the pride we take in our company and demonstrates to our customers the high standard of service they can expect from us,” said Anne Corder.
“It was particularly pleasing to receive the auditor’s excellent comments which also mentioned our ‘good processes of confirming customer requirements and candidate search and screening’.”
ACR holds the ISO standard 9001:2000.
Anne Corder Recruitment has welcomed a new member of staff to help drive the continuing success of the business.
Recruitment consultant Kim Stimson has 12 years experience in the industry and is now looking forward to using her business development and account management knowledge at one of the region’s most respected agencies.
“I’ve worked for a number of years in ‘fast moving consumer goods’ businesses and am looking forward to transferring the skills I have built up recruiting in a wide range of sectors” said Kim. “My new role in client account management and permanent and contract recruitment will help me to build on my knowledge as well as strengthening the already strong team at ACR.”
Anne Corder, of the Park Road-based agency, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kim to the business. Her skills and background compliment our existing team perfectly.”
ACR backs local business awards
Anne Corder Recruitment is delighted to announce our involvement in the Stamford Mercury Business Awards 2008 – launched this month.
We are co-sponsoring the Business of the Year Award, a mark of excellence for the business which demonstrates outstanding operations and performance, continuous improvement and a clear vision for the future as well as good profit levels and best practice towards staff and customers.
As a sponsor, Anne Corder will be involved in the judging process with the winners set to be announced at a glittering ceremony next March.
“As a local company, we are proud to be involved with such a prestigious award which marks the hard work, efforts and achievements of local businesses and business people,” said Anne.
Anne Corder Recruitment launches Student of the Year Award
Anne Corder Recruitment is delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Student of the Year Award at Peterborough Regional College.
The annual awards have attracted hundreds of entries in the past with winners going on to carve out successful office-based careers.
Around 80 students taking NVQ and BTEC courses in business and administration are expected to enter the 2008 awards being launched today (Wednesday) at the college.
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony early next year.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Student of the Year Awards at Peterborough Regional College once again,” said ACR recruitment consultant Claire Latham. “It is our chance to be able to recognise the best in young student talent.”
And the entry process provides invaluable practice for the students for the future.
“To enter, students have to apply for an imaginary job - including writing a CV and covering letter, filling in an application form and being interviewed,” said Claire. “It’s a real opportunity for them to practice the vital skills they are going to need when they finish their courses and start applying for jobs.”
Claire will be staging a presentation to students at today’s launch ceremony with handy tips to give them a head start.
Peterborough Regional College’s Pat Richards said: “We are pleased to be continuing our association with Anne Corder Recruitment through the Student of the Year Awards which always proves very worthwhile for students.”
Seminar keeps city employers up to date with employment law
The introduction of the Equality Act 2006 was top of the agenda at this year’s annual Employment Law Breakfast Briefing.
Around 200 of the city’s most influential business people were also updated on the laws governing working from home and dismissals and disciplinary procedures.
Now in its 15th year, the seminar, hosted by Anne Corder Recruitment and Hegarty LLP Solicitors, is recognised as a key date in the business calendar and the chance to hear news and advice on the very latest employment issues.
Working from home, which now affects around 3.1 million people in the UK, was a key area for discussion with a presentation given by Hegarty Solicitor’s employment partner Martin Bloom. He also talked about the introduction of The Equality Act 2006 at the beginning of this month (NB: October). Tim Thompson, also from Hegarty Solicitors, updated delegates on dismissals and disciplinary procedures. A question and answer session followed.
“No company, whatever the size or line of business, can afford to ignore employment legislation,” said Martin Bloom. “The seminar serves a number of purposes not least to bring businesses together to discuss relevant issues.
“In many cases individual organisations hear advice which reinforces what they are already doing, for others it can be an eye opener. A show of hands demonstrated less than a quarter of the people in the room knew about The Equality Act 2006 yet it has far reaching consequences. We aim to ensure the city’s employers have the necessary understanding and provision.”
The seminar was introduced by Anne Corder of the city’s leading independent recruitment agency, based in Park Road.
“The seminar always proves invaluable,” said Anne. “None of us can afford to let any legislation pass us by. The seminar once again provided a forum for discussion, for people to share their thoughts and to ask the experts about areas of uncertainty.”
ACR welcomes new recruitment consultant
Anne Corder Recruitment has welcomed a new member of staff to help drive the continuing success of the business.
Recruitment consultant Alex Steel has 12 years experience in the industry and is now looking forward to extending her knowledge after working UK-wide in a niche market.
“My new position is a turnaround for me working across so many sectors in one city and a challenge I’m looking forward to,” said Alex. “Hopefully my experience will help strengthen an already strong team.
“I’ve always believed in the consultative approach to recruitment and that’s a philosophy I share with everyone else at ACR. I’m looking forward to establishing the strong relationships with clients necessary to ensure their needs are fulfilled as efficiently and professionally as possible.”
Anne Corder, of the Park Road based agency, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex on board. She first came to us as a candidate looking for a new job and we knew straight away she’d compliment our existing team perfectly.”
Employment picture looks rosy as city salaries rise
City salaries are on the up, according to the region’s annual salary.
Employees have scored an average 4% pay rise in the past year compared to 3% extra in their pockets in 2006.
The findings come from the 11th Anne Corder Recruitment Salary Survey and show an average salary increase of 5.2% in the area. The survey covers a wide cross-section of jobs from administration and clerical to accounts, sales, marketing and IT, proving that any increase reflects roles across the employment board.
The pay and benefits of more than 4,300 full time staff working in the Greater Peterborough area were collated and analysed by PAYdata, a specialist provider of pay and benefits solutions, on behalf of the Park Road-based recruitment agency.
Other findings from the survey include:
The survey has become a benchmark for many companies when reviewing salaries and benefits packages.
“Pay levels are a reflection of the state of the job market and the increases highlighted by our salary survey paint a very positive picture for Peterborough,” said recruitment consultant Nel Woolcott.
“The survey not only gives a good general overview but we hope that, as in previous years, it will prove an invaluable reference tool for companies over the coming year.”
Employers wishing to access the complete Salary Survey should contact Nel or Jade Godden at ACR on 01733 319888 or email jade@annecorder.co.uk
City recruitment agency Anne Corder Recruitment (ACR) has invested thousands of pounds in new state-of-the-art IT systems in a bid to become a paperless office.
The trail-blazing move has seen the introduction of a user-friendly, secure, web-based system aimed at streamlining candidates’ registration process and believed to be the first of its kind used by a city agency.
And every temp employed by the Park Road-based company now has password access to a personal, interactive web-based information service – My ACR.
Already the new systems have proved a hit with staff and temps. And they’re just the first steps in a move which will revolutionise working practices at the independent agency.
“The idea of being a paperless office is one we have been moving towards for some time,” said consultant Karen Dykes. “Everyone at ACR has embraced the idea – now we are rolling it out to our candidates and clients.
“The new electronic registration system includes a keyword electronic filing system which will save hours leafing through dozens of pieces of paper. And it will enable us to forward targeted candidate information to clients at the touch of a button.”
My ACR has been designed to ensure candidates have all the information and paperwork they need readily available. It will also be used as a communication tool between candidates and ACR consultants.
“Every temp has been issued a username and password to enable them to access the secure website,” said Karen. ‘Time sheets and payslips will be emailed directly to each temp’s account. The site also includes a bulletin board, useful information, links and paperwork temps may need such as holiday request forms.
“The system has now been tested and we’ve had some very positive feedback already with temps saying they like the way everything they need is in one place.”
Over the coming weeks, My ACR will be rolled out to encompass permanent, interim and contract staff working with ACR.
Temps have been employed at the ACR office to transfer the existing paper files onto the new electronic system, a process which is expected to take until September.
“As well as streamlining our system, the electronic filing will be simpler and quicker to use and of course there is the obvious benefit to the environment of using less paper,” said Karen.
“We’ve always employed best practice in every aspect of our business and this is just another way we can demonstrate our commitment to that pledge.”In the fast-moving world of human resources staying in the same job for 10 years is virtually unheard of. So Peterborough-based recruitment agency Anne Corder Recruitment was proud to stage a special celebration to mark consultant Nel Woolcott’s 10 year anniversary.
Nel was the sixth member of staff to join the business, based in Park Road, Peterborough, in 1997 and was so keen to land the recruitment consultant’s post she moved to the city from Stevenage.
“I knew straightaway I wanted to work at ACR,” said Nel. “In my previous position I was buying the services of agencies so I had a very strong idea of the level of service I expected. Within minutes it was obvious I shared Anne’s vision that ACR had to offer that and more.”
Since Nel joined the company, the number of staff has doubled and the client base has grown dramatically. As well as taking charge of the permanent recruitment team, Nel also has more responsibility for strategic planning. But she still relishes her day to day involvement in the business.
“I take pride in helping to deliver the very best service to all our clients and customers,” said Nel. “Recruitment is notorious for having a high staff turnover because it is such a pressurised job but that’s what I love about it. No two days are the same and every day there’s 100 things to do.”
Anne Corder organised a special celebratory meal for all the staff to mark
Nel’s achievements. “I am delighted that Nel has chosen to stay
with ACR for so long,” said Anne. “She is a very valuable member
of the team, hard-working, a great role model and a brilliant motivator. We
look forward to her being with us for another 10 years.
Gold for Peterborough recruitment agency
ANNE Corder Recruitment (ACR) has achieved ‘gold standard’ as one
of the first companies in the region to successfully receive audited status
from the industry’s watchdog, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation
(REC).
The independent agency is among only a handful of recruitment companies nationwide to be awarded the sought-after REC accreditation so far.
It follows a rigorous, indepth auditor’s assessment of all procedures and processes at ACR’s Park Road offices in Peterborough managed internally by recruitment consultant Karen Dykes.
After receiving news of the successful accreditation, partner Anne Corder
said: “Having a process that is audited is extremely important. We have
consistently received ISO accreditation for the last 10 years and now to have
this supported by accreditation from within our own industry is
fantastic.
“It confirms our own beliefs in our high standards and levels of excellence and it demonstrates to our clients and candidates that we strive to uphold such levels at all times.”
The REC uses the SGS Group to provide its external audit service. The SGS
Group is
recognised as the global benchmark for the highest standards of expertise
and integrity.
Speaking about the scheme Gareth Osborne, Managing Director, REC said: “Congratulations
to ACR. They have set a high standard and are a fantastic example to other
recruitment agencies. ACR have demonstrated that they commit to best practice
and can prove it.”
A massive increase in demand for online job searches prompted Anne Corder Recruitment (ACR) to revamp its website.
The new-look, user-friendly site includes an enhanced facility allowing visitors to search for vacancies using a combination of keyword, salary and job categories.
There is also the opportunity for candidates to register with the Peterborough-based independent agency online, a method preferred by more and more job-seekers.
'We have seen a big increase - around 75 per cent in the last five years - in the number of people wanting to search for jobs, register and research electronically' said ACR consultant Karen Dykes, who's been in charge of the project. 'It is important our website is user-friendly, modern and comprehensive. Vacancies are added to the top of the site's list every day so it's easy for regular visitors to keep track of what's new'.
The site also includes hints and tips for applying for jobs, careers advice, latest news and information about ACR.
'Where possible we aim to get in touch with everyone who contacts us
through the website within 48 hours.'
