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Head Office:
182-186 Cross Street,
Sale,
Cheshire,
M33 7AG.
Tel: 0161 962 9711
Fax: 0161 905 1413 |
Branch Office:
99 Deansgate,
Manchester,
M3 2BQ
Tel: 0161 832 0303
Fax: 0161 832 2233 |
Branch Office:
78a Princes Street,
Stockport,
SK1 1RJ.
Tel: 0161 474 0100
Fax: 0161 480 2462 |
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CONNECTIONS RECRUITMENT EXPERT SIGNALS FOR NAVY - 08/05/2006
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A recruitment executive with a double life is making her mark at the Sale office of Manchester based recruitment agency, Connections. When she’s not busy with her day job, Lorna Bowman provides her expert communications skills to the Royal Navy Reserves as part of the land-based logistical branch.
27-year-old Lorna from Altrincham, has just returned from a two week training trip to Oman with the Royal Navy, which included a tour of the HMS Illustrious. Lorna specialises in signal communication and logistics – a highly complex role that involves detecting and transmitting information. An integral part of the ship’s communication team, Lorna helps arrange the movement of cargo, mail and personnel on and off boats safely.
The recruitment executive said: “I love meeting new people and am really fortunate that with both of my jobs I am able to mix with characters from all walks of life. My work with the Royal Navy is extremely fulfilling and has provided me with skills that are also tremendously helpful to me in my job at Connections. I can really advise jobseekers to ‘go for it’ when they’re ready for their next big challenge.”
Training fits well around Lorna’s day job, as she attends the Liverpool arm of the Royal Navy Reserves one day a week and also takes part in two weeks’ worth of training weekends every year – as well as socialising with her fellow Royal Navy volunteers. Lorna has always been very community-minded and once collected over a tonne of stamps to help purchase guide dogs for the blind.
Lorna continued: “I’m in training for the real army and will be on call from the end of this year – a thought which fills me with both excitement and anticipation. You never know when your skills will be needed and what you might be able to achieve with them. Working with the Royal Navy is a very rewarding and humbling experience.”
Director at Connections, Michelle Kingsley, said: ‘’We’re so proud of Lorna – she’s a real bright spark and team player, whose enthusiasm is infectious. She’s been with us for nearly a year now and the way she balances the two areas of her life so well is an inspiration.‘’
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| CONNECTIONS BOOSTS TEAM WITH MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS - 21/04/2006
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CONNECTIONS BOOSTS TEAM WITH MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS
Manchester-based recruitment agency, Connections, is best known for its success in sourcing staff for other companies. However, it has recently benefited from its own expertise, with the appointment of three new additions to its team. The agency is increasing its headcount following a hugely busy period, and the new recruits will work across Connections’ trio of offices in Sale, Manchester city centre and Stockport.
Sarah Walker, 30, from Macclesfield, has been appointed manager of the Sale branch. After working for Connections over seven years ago as temporaries controller, Sarah developed her experience during a five year period at Hays, but now returns to Connections, lured by its exceptionally strong emphasis on staff recognition.
Liz Craig, 27, also from Macclesfield, will be based at Connections’ Stockport office as a recruitment coordinator. Following her degree in art and psychology at Liverpool Hope University, Liz pursued a career in recruitment and brings extensive customer service and job-matching experience.
The Manchester office of Connections has also been given a boost, following the appointment of Sarah Brierley as recruitment executive. Boothstown-based Sarah, 27, also brings a broad base of customer service and recruitment expertise, having worked for Natwest and the Bunzl Retail Group as well as living for a period in the USA.
Director Jonathan Dobkin said: “Connections’ reputation as the North West’s recruitment agency of choice is a direct result of our talented and committed team and we’re delighted to welcome these high-calibre new team members on board.’’
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| UK’s Workers Suffer Sunday Night Blues - 21/04/2006
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Watching the Antiques Roadshow with a heavy heart, tackling a huge ironing pile of work outfits, checking and double-checking the alarm clock and a rising feeling of anxiety are all experiences that much of our working population suffers from every Sunday evening, reveals Manchester-based employment agency Connections.
The agency questioned 200 employees across a range of different industries, and found that 8.00pm on a Sunday evening is the most depressing time of the week. Up to 55% of workers dread the return to work on a Monday morning – spending much of the weekend fretting about work issues rather than relaxing. Many of those questioned described sleepless Sunday nights, nightmares about the week ahead and resorting to an extra drink in an attempt to relax.
The Connections website, www.connectionsemploymentagency.co.uk,
has seen a surge of online enquiries for job vacancies during the weekends and, in particular, on a Sunday evening. In the first quarter of the year alone, the recruitment site received more than 36,000 hits from people from across the North West who logged on at weekends to seek out a new role.
According to Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, “The weekend marks some time and space away from work so that, very often, problems in the workplace are easier to analyse. Weekend ‘wondering’ can often lead people to the conclusion that they’re no longer enjoying their job - and that’s its time to make a change for the better.”
In the meantime, Michelle offers the following tips to reduce the tension in your shoulders and stop you thinking about the presentation you have to give to your surly boss on Tuesday!
· Have a ‘to do’ list – write down all of the things that you need to do the following week on a Friday afternoon or evening. Sometimes just emptying tasks from your mind helps you to relax and enables you to feel more organised for the Monday morning start.
· Do something fun! – make sure that you do at least one fun thing every weekend. Invite friends round for dinner, take the kids to the park or watch a film. Taking your mind off work can be all the tonic you need!
· Get moving – raise your levels of serotonin by using that rather expensive yet underused gym membership. Failing that, a walk to the local pub can be just as refreshing and uplifting for the spirit!
· Plan your week – a weekday night out with a friend or enrolling yourself onto a night class can break up the long working week and give you something to look forward to throughout the day.
· Get help – if you are really worried that your feelings of anxiety are out of control, or starting to affect your life, then see your GP as there might be some underlying problems triggering these feelings. If a particular work problem has you tied up in knots all weekend then speak to someone else at work about it – a problem shared is a problem halved.
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| CONNECTIONS EXPANDS WITH STOCKPORT LAUNCH - 19/09/2005
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Connections Employment Agency has signaled the latest stage in its expansion with the opening of a new branch in Stockport’s town centre. The launch coincides with the agency’s 20th anniversary and complements its two existing offices, located at Cross Street in Sale and Deansgate in Manchester’s city centre.
One of the region’s key generators of employment, Connections’ client base spans thousands of SMEs and PLCs across the North West. The expansion to Stockport follows in the wake of the launch of two new divisions – Executive Appointments and Connections Finance – and the growth of its Connections 50 division, which is dedicated specifically to placing more mature candidates.
The new branch – located on Princes Street, in the heart of Stockport’s business centre – will be headed up by Heather Nutton who will manage a team of three recruitment consultants. 25-year-old Heather, from Hazel Grove, has worked for Connections since the age of 16, when she joined the agency as a schoolgirl, working part-time. She has since accrued many years’ expertise in successfully fulfilling the recruitment needs of a diverse range of businesses.
Co-founded by Marion Dobkin and her sister Francis Alexander in 1985, Connections is now under the stewardship of the next generation – brother and sister team, Jonathan Dobkin and Michelle Kingsley. The agency is fiercely proud of its exceptionally low staff turnover and team loyalty. As reinforced by Heather’s appointment, Connections aims to promote from within the agency wherever possible.
Jonathan Dobkin, director of Connections, explained: “We’ve seen a marked increase in our business with Stockport-based businesses over the past couple of years – and we consider the establishment of a local presence as the next logical step in Connections’ geographical expansion. It’s particularly exciting that the new office is opening in this, our 20th anniversary year. We’re confident that our investment in Stockport will cement our reputation as one of the North West’s most successful independent employment agencies.”
Heather Nutton added: “My aim is for the Stockport office to mirror the success of our well-established offices in Sale and Manchester’s city centre. I’m very much looking forward to offering the vibrant business community of Stockport a first-class service – and talking to candidates across many disciplines in the area.”
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| WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? - 25/06/2005
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Sam McQueen is now a recruitment consultant, working for Connections, in Sale, Cheshire.
She finds permanent jobs in accounting, administration and sales for a variety of job seekers including school leavers, recent graduates and company directors. At any one time Sam can be looking after 200 to 300 candidates and each week she is expected to place three or four of them in work.
“When I started this job I was worried that I wouldn’t remember many of my candidates when they rang, but fortunately I do; something just clicks when they start speaking,” she says.
During a typical working day Sam registers new candidates, looks at their CVs, makes amendments to them if necessary and sets up interviews from jobs listed on the company’s database.
On average it can take Sam three days to place a candidate in a job. But this feat doesn’t come without its challenges. “People can let you down by not going to their interviews,” says Sam. “They come up with all sorts of excuses such as a member of my family died or I have a hairdressing appointment, but really they’re just nervous about going for interviews.”
Sam observes that these are just minor problems in an otherwise very rewarding role. “It feels great finding someone their ideal job and if they send you a bottle of wine or a card to say thank you, you feel even better.”
Sam is looking forward to a new role. From September, she will be in charge of the Connections office in Deansgate, central Manchester. “I’m not nervous about this responsibility,” she says. “I had four or five stores to run with 20 to 50 staff when I was with Aldi as a trainee area manager. I thrive on challenge.”
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| SURVEY SHOWS EMPLOYEES BALK AT SMELLY OFFICES - 21/06/2005
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With temperatures set to soar to a sweltering 28˚C this week, new research points to fetid offices as a smouldering source of employee dissatisfaction.
Manchester based employment agency, Connections, quizzed 500 office workers on work irritants and the results revealed their physical office environment to be a major bone of contention.
Overheated, stuffy offices were cited by 34% of those questioned as a factor in making the working day unpleasant. Respondents objected vociferously to being assaulted by colleagues' BO and foot odour, with many voicing their distaste at colleagues' tendency to remove their shoes at work. The growing trend for cycling into work is also breeding discontent, with some unfortunate workers being subjected to a lingering smell of stale sweat throughout the day.
23% said that dysfunctional office equipment such as slow computers, faulty printers and temperamental email systems sent their stress levels through the roof - especially when they are preparing important documents.
Lunchtime habits were also shown to foster discontent. 9% objected to colleagues' smelly lunches, especially malodorous egg or tuna sandwiches. Toilets ranked as another cause of complaint with 13% condemning their loos a smelly and dirty. 6% of the employees questioned - some from eminent professional services firms - were aghast that many of their co-workers neglect to wash their hands after using the bathroom, often going on to eat their lunch with germ-ridden hands.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, says: "With temperatures rising, it's more important than ever that employers ensure a clean, healthy office environment. Simple measures such as maintaining proper ventilation will help eliminate odours and make staff more comfortable. Companies should beware of being stingy when investing in fans and should make sure that each and every employee has access to one. After all, a stifling office makes for irritated employees and severely affects output."
Talkative colleagues proved to be a thorny issue for a further 8% of the respondents. They described background chatting and joking as an unwanted distraction, especially when working to a tight deadline.
7% of respondents flagged up other office gripes, which included: leaving the milk out, filing nails, cutting off split ends at the desk, not reclaiming mouldy food in the fridge, leaving dirty mugs on desks and nabbing other people's pens.
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CONNECTIONS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS - 17/05/2005
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Manchester based recruitment agency Connections has celebrated its twentieth year in business. Established by two sisters in 1985, the company now ranks as one of the North West's largest independent employment agencies.
With a client base that spans thousands of SMEs and PLCs, Connections is one of the region's key generators of employment, placing 16,000 candidates a year in temporary and permanent jobs. The past 12 months have seen the launch of two new divisions - Executive Appointments and Connections Finance - to complement its highly successful Connections 50 division, dedicated specifically to placing more mature candidates.
The 20th anniversary coincides with the announcement of Connections' expansion plans: the agency will shortly open a new office in Stockport, where it expects to replicate the success of its existing sites in Sale and on Deansgate in Manchester's city centre.
The agency is fiercely proud of its status as an independent, family run business - and of its exceptionally low staff turnover. Co-founded by Marion Dobkin and her sister Francis Alexander, Connections is now under the stewardship of the next generation - brother and sister team, Jonathan Dobkin and Michelle Kingsley.
"We've come a long, long way in twenty years - thanks to our exceptionally loyal staff, several of whom have been with us since the 1980s. Having just celebrated our best 12 months yet, the business is in better shape than ever and we're looking forward to taking it from strength to strength," said Michelle.
Long-standing members of staff are not alone in sticking with the agency. Also happy to return to Connections are candidates - such as 52 year-old Edna Norris from North Manchester. First placed by Connections sixteen years ago, she recently returned to the agency following a redundancy and was even placed by the same friendly face, June Kelly, who had interviewed her in 1989. Edna said: "I didn't hesitate to return to Connections after all this time. My memories of the staff were extremely positive and I wasn't disappointed this time around. It was great to see June again and I'm delighted with my new job."
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| COMPANY BENEFITS FROM CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY UNIT - 01/05/2005
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For some people the idea of working with family members might be a nightmare, but for the Dobkins it has been a catalyst for the success of a £5M turnover business.
In 1985 Marian Dobkin and her sister Frances Alexander set up the Connections Employment Agency, and now Marian’s two children, Michelle Kingsley and Jonathan Dobkin, effectively run the business, with Marian taking more of a back seat.
“It’s not difficult at all working with family members in our case. We are a close family to start with so that helps. I know lots of families might feel they could not work together, but it works brilliantly for us,” says Marian.
Speaking at Connections’ offices in Sale, Michelle and Jonathan echo their mother’s assessment of how the family makes their closeness work for them in the professional environment.
“If you have a family business and you all get on there is no better business,” says Michelle.
She has three young children, however, and has had to deal with the compromises necessary in balancing work and home commitments. “I am very close to my mother, but there are times when I might want to go home and concentrate on the children and not think about the business. Sometimes it can be hard to know that my mother is going to be on the phone in the evening talking about the day’s activities at work!”
Michelle also admits to feeling guilty taking time off if one of the children is ill. “I have had to work hard to prove that I am not here just because I’m the boss’s daughter,” she says.
Jonathan adds: “The main thing is that when you are running a business like ours, which is reactive, you eat, sleep and drink the job. The people I feel sorry for are the other family members – Michelle’s husband, my father – when nearly all the conversation at get-togethers might be about the business.”
The brother and sister combination is now being given the chance to drive the company forward, as Marian takes more of a supporting role. She does, however, still give the youngsters the benefit of her business acumen, accrued over the years. “They are very happy to take constructive criticism and, as their mother, I know the best way to give them advice.”
Says Michelle; “My mother says she has done her stint. She started the business when we were 15 and 13 years old, and I think she feels it’s coming to the time when we take over. Jonathan and myself have very different personalities, but we complement each other and work together well as a team.”
Jonathan, who was a high flyer in the insurance industry until joining the family business, explains: “I’m more laid back than Michelle, My qualities come to the fore when contacting customers. Michelle is far more operational. She is extremely focused on driving forward the operation and making sure all staff issues are sorted.”
It is clear from speaking to Marian and her offspring that there is a real pride in each other’s achievements and a will to succeed for each other. Jonathan comments: “Michelle and I want to set a good example so we don’t take advantage of the fact that it’s our mother’s business.”
And Marian identifies the key element in why this family has made a success of working together. “There is a mutual respect on all sides. No-one is thinking “I’m the big boss” so we have the respect of each other.”
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| SURVEY FINDS BOOZE NUMBER ONE STRESS BUSTER - 03/04/2005
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74% of office workers reach for the bottle after a stressful day at work, according to research conducted by Manchester based employment agency, Connections. The nationwide survey - which questioned 1000, 20-35 year old office workers on how they alleviate stress - found that alcohol is seen as the number one tension reliever. A glass of wine was the tipple of choice for those wanting to wind down.
48% of those quizzed opted for a more wholesome method of stress relief - exercise - whether pumping iron in the gym, taking yoga classes or attacking a punch bag. The cigarette came in at third place, with 41% of respondents admitting that they head outside for a puff when the pressure gets too much. A startling 23% admitted to indulging in soft drugs such as marijuana to calm them down.
For 19%, slobbing in front of the TV was the perfect antidote to a busy day. Just 8% were extravagant enough to treat themselves to a massage to rid themselves of knots. It seems that both male and female workers are also exploring more creative ways to alleviate stress, with 8% claiming to have taken up a hobby such as cooking or knitting. Aromatherapy candles and baths were also cited as ways to reduce stress.
Workplace stress is now the fastest growing cause of absence from work, costing British companies £3.7 billion pounds a year. According to a recent survey released by the TUC, three in five workers now complain of being stressed at work, with the figure being higher in larger companies.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, said: "This is clearly the 'work hard - play hard' generation, which puts in long hours and demands instant gratification to relieve tension.
"People cope with pressure in different ways - what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. While a little pressure can actually be a good thing as it can act as a motivator, serious stress affects both wellbeing and work performance. It's up to employers to monitor stress levels and introduce measures to reduce workplace stress." |
| CONNECTIONS SCORES WITH LOCAL SOCCER STARS - 15/03/2005
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More known for job matching than sport matching, Connections Employment Agency has thrown its weight behind a junior football tournament, via the Government’s Sportsmatch sponsorship initiative.
The agency sponsored a mini soccer festival organised by The Trafford Football Development Scheme, which encourages local football talent through a programme of mini-soccer, coach education and mentoring. It provides equal opportunity for all players to progress and develop - in particular, girls and children with special needs.
Connections’ involvement in the scheme allowed over 1000 children to participate in the mini soccer festival which is the perfect environment for six to eight-year-olds just starting out on their football careers. It also created the opportunity for high school students to become qualified referees and offered free FA coaching qualifications to many parents and community volunteers.
Nick Hall, football development officer for the Trafford Football Development Scheme, said: “Connections’ contribution has given a massive boost to local football and has laid the foundations for future footballers to make the most of their talent.”
Jonathan Dobkin is Director at Connections and a passionate football fan. Speaking at the presentation of the ‘Fair Play Award’ at JJB Soccerdome on Saturday, he said: “The Trafford Football Development Scheme is a brilliant, grass roots organisation that’s nurturing Manchester’s future football talent. The Connections team is delighted to have had this opportunity to give something back to the local community via its work.”
The football festival was arranged in partnership with Timperley and District Junior Football League.
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| CONNECTIONS BUCKS UNEMPLOYMENT TREND - 15/02/2005
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In spite of near full employment in Manchester, the city’s Connections Employment Agency has got 2005 off to a flying start. Latest figures from Manchester City Council show unemployment rates have dipped by 20% from the same period last year, which would normally spell bad news for the recruitment industry. But Connections has bucked the trend and placed an impressive 50 permanent candidates in the first month of the year.
According to Tricia Bullman, Business Development Manager at Connections, the agency’s specialism in sourcing first-rate packages for candidates is the key to their success. She said: “January is usually a busy period for the industry as many employees opt for a change of job after reflecting on their situation during the Christmas break. This year though, the drop in unemployment levels means that fewer people are looking for permanent jobs. However, we’re finding that many are still willing to move for a really attractive package.”
She added: “Employee benefits are becoming a pivotal factor in influencing a candidate’s decision to accept a job - and they are certainly far more aware now of the scope and quality of benefits on offer. With perks like extended holiday entitlement, pensions, health insurance and childcare vouchers widely available, they’re increasingly likely to move job to secure a more favourable package.”
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| GRADUATES FAIL THE OFFICE TEST - 25/01/2005
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Too many graduates underestimate the importance of work experience, according to Manchester based recruitment agency Connections. The agency warns that many graduates are being passed over for desirable positions because they have no real-life office experience.
Connections assessed the skills of a sample of 200 new graduates, revealing that many were poorly equipped for the world of work. 49% had never worked in an office environment; 55% had never used a fax machine; 74% were unable to change a printer cartridge; and 71% would not feel confident drafting a simple report, business letter or memo.
Jonathan Dobkin, director at Connections, stressed that graduates needed to supplement their degree with proper work experience. “In our experience, far too many graduates still have an inflated perception of what salary they can command. We regularly interview candidates who believe that a psychology degree alone will enable them to walk straight into a £20,000 a year job. The reality is that employers are looking for meaningful office experience – not just evidence that candidates are proficient at pulling pints. Those with work placements under their belts can secure £15,000 a year for their first job.”
He offers the following advice to graduates: “Temping allows you to build up work experience while earning a decent wage. It can also lead to something more long-term. More than half of the staff we place on temporary contracts end up being offered permanent positions.”
24 year old Nyall Simpson from Sale is a case in point. With a degree in Marketing Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, he approached Connections in search of temporary work. “Connections found me a temporary contract with MKM Marketing, which involved assisting the marketing director. Within a couple of months, they’d offered me a permanent contract.”
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| SURVEY CONFIRMS SMOKING IS A DRAG FOR EMPLOYERS - 14/12/2004
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A survey carried out by Manchester based recruitment agency Connections reports that employers are shunning smokers. Connections asked 500 employers for their views on the habit. An overwhelming 80% of respondents thought smoking in the workplace should be outlawed. 62% said they would be put off from employing someone who was a smoker. 74% admitted they would favour a non-smoker over a smoker if faced with two otherwise equally suitable candidates for a position.
This research follows in the wake of fierce parliamentary debate on the issue. The Government is considering imposing a nationwide ban on smoking in the workplace, other than in designated areas.
Smoking in the workplace poses increased health risks to non-smokers -as well as to the smokers themselves who are more likely to suffer from coughs, colds and flu or much more serious illnesses. This, in turn, leads to lower productivity and greater absenteeism.
Scores of businesses throughout the UK have already introduced a ban in an effort to cut down on time wasted by staff going outside for a cigarette break and to reduce the littering of entrances with unsightly butts.
Jonathan Dobkin, director at Connections, said: "The results of this survey have confirmed the hardening of employers' attitudes towards smoking. We've seen a marked increase in the number of companies expressing a preference for non-smokers, particularly for client-facing jobs.
"In addition to the health issues involved, bosses are now acutely aware of the negative impression created by someone smelling of cigarettes. They're also conscious of frequent cigarette breaks being a drain on productivity - and the resentment that these breaks engender amongst non-smoking colleagues. If someone has a serious addiction to smoking, that can also present behavioural problems."
Employers that have already introduced a ban include computer companies, accountants and other professionals. Under British employment law, it is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, sexual orientation, religion and disability. From 2006, this legislation will also apply to age. There is no specific legislation covering smoking.
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| CONNECTIONS EXPANDS WITH CREATION OF EXECUTIVE DIVISION - 10/11/2004
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Manchester recruitment agency Connections has continued its programme of strategic expansion with the launch of a new division dedicated to placing middle managers – Connections Executive Appointments. The division will focus on the needs of companies looking to recruit executives across a range of disciplines, including executive PAs, team leaders, supervisors and HR managers in the £20,000 to £40,000 salary bracket.
The move comes as Connections – which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year – reports the most successful six month period in its history. It also follows the launch of another new division for the agency – Connections Finance, which places purchase and sales ledger clerks, credit controllers, accounts assistants and bookkeepers.
The executive division will be headed by Justine Miles, Business Development Executive at Connections. She said: “We have a solid infrastructure coupled with 22 expert recruitment consultants and feel that the time is ripe to introduce a dedicated executive division. With such extensive, long-standing knowledge of the North West business community, I believe that Connections is perfectly placed to handle the employment needs of local companies – at whatever level.”
Connections originally specialised in placing temporary and permanent candidates in secretarial, administrative, sales, accounts and customer services positions. 2004 has seen a broadening of its services in response to market demand. The number of interim managers employed in FTSE 250 companies is currently at its highest level for five years. According to the Interim Management Association, 80% of FTSE 250 companies are taking on interim managers, as opposed to 65% last year.
Connections is headed up by brother and sister team Jonathan Dobkin and Michelle Kingsley. “The executive division complements our existing services and will allow our clients to benefit from a complete recruitment solution with a single point of contact,” commented Michelle.
“The business is performing better than ever and we’re confident that the new division will take the agency from strength to strength. In fact, plans to develop further specialist divisions are already in the pipeline.” |
| CONNECTIONS POLISHES UP ITS CANDIDATES - 25/10/2004
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Candidates on the books of Manchester based recruitment agency Connections will have no excuse for turning up at job interviews with mucky shoes. The agency is giving away a free shoeshine kit to every candidate to sign up with them from now until the end of November.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, explains the thinking behind the shoeshine kits: “When applicants go for job interviews, the one preparation that is most often overlooked is polishing shoes. We regularly see candidates whose image is marred by scruffy, mud-splattered shoes.
“Our poll of North West employers shows that over 70% do actually notice and judge candidates’ shoes. Interviewers generally make a judgement on an applicant as soon as they walk through the door – so candidates would be well advised to make sure their shoes shine as well as their personality.”
Connections specialises in placing temporary and permanent candidates in secretarial, administrative, sales, accounts and customer services positions.
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| CONNECTIONS TEAM BOUND FOR PARIS - 23/09/2004
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Simon Jacob, from Manchester based employment agency Connections, is one lucky man. On 23 October, the 28-year-old Client Services Manager will be jetting off to Paris on an all expenses paid weekend break, flanked by ten female colleagues.
The eleven consultants make up the permanent placement team at Connections. The team was awarded the trip to Paris for hitting its target of £95,000 worth of placements in one month. Connections’ directors have made reservations for them to dine out at a top-class Parisian restaurant and are providing generous spending money for shopping.
Simon said: “I’m really excited to be going to Paris – not least because I will be surrounded by ten women! I’m also relishing the prospect of sampling some fine French food and wine.”
Michele Kingsley is director at Connections. She says: “We’ve opted for this type of reward because we believe it builds team spirit and mutual support that individual financial recognition doesn’t. The permanent team has truly earned this trip. They’re a terrific bunch and I’m sure they’ll have a fantastic time together in Paris. Simon might not admit it - but he’s one of the girls really!”
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| OFFICE DESKS ARE FILTHIER THAN TOILET SEATS - 12/08/2004
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Many office workers eating lunch at their desk would be safer dining in the toilets, warns Manchester recruitment agency Connections. Their poll of 500 office workers revealed that one in three cleaned their desks, keyboards and ‘phones only once every three months – and that, for almost one in ten, this is a twice yearly event.
“The results of the poll are horrifying, particularly given recent research from the University of Arizona which indicates that the typical office desk harbours 400 times more disease-causing bacteria than a toilet seat,” said Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections. “The muckiest spots were shown to be the telephone and desktop, followed by the keyboard and computer mouse. But the highest levels of bacteria were found on the humble fax machine – astonishingly, three times more bacteria lurk there than on the toilet door.
“The British are becoming increasingly fastidious about cleanliness in their own homes, as borne out by the popularity of Kim and Aggie’s ‘How Clean is Your House’. And yet, the workplace – where they spend the vast majority of their waking hours – is being woefully neglected.
“Viruses can spread around offices in no time, especially if employees are hot desking.
With more and more office workers skipping a proper lunch break and dining at their desks, bacteria is multiplying along with stress levels.
“Employers should make it their business to ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly and regularly cleaned to minimise the risk of contracting germs.
Neal Etchells, consultant with Professional Health and Safety Consultants, acknowledges that poor hygiene in the workplace is becoming a serious cause for concern. “One of the reasons for the decline in workplace hygiene is that many offices have cut down on professional cleaning, relying instead on employees to clean their own work areas – and it’s simply not happening. With more workers eating lunch at their desks, it amounts to an alarming health hazard. Food left decaying on desks attracts cockroaches and other vermin, which can find their way into air conditioning systems and bring about viral diseases.”
Connections suggests that companies employ a specialist cleaner who will monitor the number of germs present before and after cleaning. To safeguard costly equipment, office staff should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. For example, wiping PC screens with ordinary kitchen cleaning fluids rather than a specialist product will leave smudges and thereby increase stress levels placed on the eyes.
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| CONNECTIONS WELCOMES ALEX FERGUSON'S SUPPORT
FOR OLDER WORKERS
- 29/06/2004
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Manchester based recruitment agency Connections has welcomed the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson in highlighting the benefits of employing older people. Connections is the only agency in the North West to operate a specialist division dedicated to securing employment for those in the 40 years to retirement age bracket. Called 'Connections 50', the success of the division has proved that older people are very much in demand by companies weary of young employees with itchy feet.
The 62 year old veteran Manchester United manager is backing the Department of Work and Pensions' Age Positive campaign. He said: "Age is simply a matter of mind and is something we should not be afraid to face, especially in the workplace."
Tricia Bullman, recruitment consultant at Connections, added: "By 2010, 40% of workers will be older than 45 and there needs to be a sea-change in the way employers view recruitment of older people. The good news is that - from our experience of Connections 50 - there are many companies crying out for older people's expertise and maturity."
66 year old Brenda Waite from Whitefield is a case in point. She is regularly placed by Connections in reception and switchboard positions and is invariably praised for her experience, punctuality, dependability - and the courtesy she extends to all visitors. She said: "I've never experienced any age-related discrimination. On the contrary, the companies I temp for are always asking me to take up a permanent position with them. At my stage of life, though, I'm much happier doing temporary work. I take jobs as it suits me and I'm rarely out of work. I've every intention of carrying on for as long as I'm able to."
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| TRIPLE APPOINTMENT FOR CONNECTIONS AS TEMPORARY BUSINESS
GROWS BY A THIRD
- 02/06/2004
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Manchester based recruitment agency Connections has expanded its team with the appointment of three consultants. The move will equip the agency to handle a sharp increase in temporary contracts generated by its growing partnership with national, managed agencies.
25-year-old Sam MacQueen - a former area manager with supermarket chain Aldi - joins the Connections team as recruitment consultant . Vicky Kinsey, 26, and Joanne Roylance, 25, have been appointed as temporaries controllers.
Connections was first appointed to act as a second tier agency to managed agencies 12 months ago. Since then, it has registered a 30% increase in temporary contracts and is now working in close conjunction with six national agencies.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, explained: "We have an in-depth understanding of the local market and - because of our uniquely low changeover of staff - our team is able to see contracts through with a consistent, personal dedication. The quality of our performance to-date has positioned us as the support agency of choice to handle managed agencies' North West business."
The three new appointments take the total number of Connections employees to 25. The family run organisation, formed by two sisters in 1985, is renowned for its emphasis on staff recognition - an ethos that has fostered an unusually high degree of staff loyalty. 90% of Connections consultants have worked with the agency for over 8 years and recruitment consultants Tricia Bullman and June Kelly have chalked up 14 years and 18 years respectively.
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| CONNECTIONS CROSSES THE FINISH LINE - 13/05/2004
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Simon Jacob from Manchester based recruitment agency, Connections, shed his suit to run the London marathon for the first time. The 28-year-old completed the run in five hours, raising £1,500 in sponsorship for Oxfam.
"Running the London marathon was one of the most exhilarating experiences;" says Simon. "The last ten miles were the toughest because my right knee went and I was really starting to tire. But the tremendous atmosphere and sight of my mum cheering me on from the sidelines kept me going. All my friends, family, work colleagues and clients have been terrifically supportive throughout."
This represents a great achievement considering Simon only took up running a year ago. "I wanted to take up an exercise I could do alone, wherever and whenever I wanted, so running was perfect. I started off training three miles at a time, three times a week, then gradually built it up to 11 miles three times a week. Last year I weighed 17 stone and didn't do much physical exercise. Now I've lost two and a half stone and feel really active." His next goal is to take his trainers across the Atlantic and run the New York Marathon in 2005.
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| CONNECTIONS CELEBRATES BEST WEEK IN 18 YEARS - 04/05/2004
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Manchester based employment agency Connections has celebrated its most successful week in its 18 year history. The agency placed 40 candidates in permanent jobs across many sectors, from vehicle leasing and travel to banks and insurance.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, attributed the surge in placements to the
Easter holidays. She said: "This year, the Easter break seems to have had the same effect as Christmas. Many people have been reflecting on their situation during the holiday and approached us directly afterwards. Clients have also been very proactive and quick off the mark in snapping up quality candidates."
Ms. Kingsley predicted that the upward trajectory would continue. She continued: "There appears to be a real feel good factor at the moment and the market in general is increasingly fast-moving. Companies have drawn a line under the effects of recent global crises and candidates are now benefiting from a great deal of choice."
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| CONNECTIONS TEMPORARY TEAM GETS SET FOR FRENCH LEAVE - 15/04/2004
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The seven-strong temporary team at Connections will soon be packing their bags for a spring weekend in Paris, courtesy of the recruitment agency's directors. The team has been awarded the all expenses paid trip for hitting its target of placing 350 temps in one week.
Tricia Bullman, one of the lucky consultants, said: "We're thrilled that the entire team is being rewarded for reaching this new benchmark. This is a fantastic morale booster."
Director at Connections, Michelle Kingsley, added: "We'd like to thank all our clients and the temps who perform so brilliantly for us. We couldn't have achieved this target without them."
The family run organisation, formed by two sisters in 1985, is renowned for its emphasis on staff recognition - an ethos that has fostered an unusually low changeover of staff. 90% of Connections consultants have worked there for over 8 years. Tricia Bullman has now clocked up 14 years with the business while her colleague June Kelly still maintains an irrepressible zest for placing candidates after 18 years at the agency.
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| EMPLOYMENT AGENCY CRACKS DOWN ON REVEALING HIPSTERS - 24/02/2004
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Manchester based employment agency Connections has warned that the increasing ubiquity of hipster trousers could jeopardize women's credibility in the workplace.
Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections, said: "Practically every girl who walks through our doors these days is wearing hipsters. Although we've all become accustomed to stomachs hanging out and g-strings poking out, the fact is that hipsters are simply not appropriate or practical wear for the workplace. It's extremely off-putting for male staff when a female colleague exposes her backside everytime she stretches to pull a document off the printer. It also contributes to an atmosphere where women may become the butt of lewd comments and, ultimately, erodes their professional credibility."
She added: "Hipsters are certainly not suitable attire for a job interview. We always advise candidates to wear a smart suit to an interview - and those who do indisputably stand a far better chance of securing their career of choice. Candidates who turn up for an interview with their stomach on view do their employment prospects no favours at all."
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| EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WARNS OF EFFECTS OF MATERNITY LAWS - 24/02/2004
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A recruitment expert is warning that women are being increasingly overlooked by potential employers because of changes to maternity leave that are strangling smaller companies and costing UK companies millions of pounds a year.
The legislation - introduced in April 2003 - allows mothers to take 26 weeks' paid leave and upto twelve months in total off work.
Michelle Kingsley is director at Connections Employment Agency in Manchester and is herself a mother of three children under six. She said: "From our experience, the maternity legislation is placing excessive pressure on businesses. Most women employees that we come across are now taking a minimum of nine months off work and a growing number are taking the full 12 months allowed. From the employer's perspective, it's extremely difficult to find a suitable replacement for a whole year. So bosses find themselves struggling to fill a slot - and even then, they are unsure if the employee taking maternity leave will actually return to work at the end of it.
"Large corporations are clearly better placed to manage because there are generally lots of 'floaters' who can fill in for colleagues. The situation is far more serious for SMEs, especially when all their employees are already stretched and working extra hours to cope.
"The feedback we're getting is that the maternity laws are making bosses extremely nervous. We've noticed a definite trend of bosses overlooking women simply because they're scared they will leave. Increasingly, employers are asking for women candidates to be aged over 35 or are specifying that they should have grown-up children only. That's patently a great injustice to women and their skills.
"We're also often told that many employers are not sympathetic to women who are finding it difficult to settle back at work after such a long time off with their baby. This is compounded by the fact that a company's situation - from IT systems to client base - can alter considerably during the course of 12 months. Personally, I believe that the transition back to the workplace is made far more traumatic if a mother has had a full year at home."
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| CONNECTIONS REPORTS BUSIEST EVER JANUARY - 04/02/2004
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Manchester based recruitment agency Connections has reported its busiest January on record. The agency placed 60 permanent jobs in the first week of the year and predicts that the particularly buoyant job market is set to continue.
The turnaround of placements has also condensed dramatically, according to Michelle Kingsley, director at Connections. She said: "It's very much a candidates' market at the moment and clients need to realise that, unless they act quickly, they'll lose out on the best talent. We increasingly see cases where an excellent candidate comes in to see us at the beginning of the week and is placed permanently by the end of the week."
She added: "January is a traditionally busy period as many people opt for a change of job after reflecting on their situation during the Christmas break. Clients, too, often decide to recruit post-Christmas and, now that the effects of the war have subsided, companies are no longer nervous about expanding."
The surge in placements at the agency comes after an unusually busy 2003, during which Connections experienced none of the usual dip in temporary business which generally occurs after the summer break.
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| ©2004 Connections Employment
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