Bluestones Group

Bluestones Group acquires ThinkWorkforce

MC — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:04:10 +0000

Bluestones Group has completed another strategic acquisition, with ThinkWorkforce becoming the tenth business to join the Group’s portfolio of recruitment and staffing services businesses within the last 12 months.

Founded in 2021, and operating across the UK healthcare sector, with an offshore branch in Cape Town, South Africa – the business specialises in recruiting GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on a temporary and permanent basis. Harj Dadrah and Nana Mayosi will continue leading the business as the core leadership team. ThinkWorkforce is being acquired from Effer Ventures, a multi-sector investment company.

Bluestones Group CEO, Steve Pendergast commented:

“As we continue on our acquisition trail, we’re also further branching out internationally, with ThinkWorkforce being the second business in our portfolio to have non-UK operations. There are clear synergies between ThinkWorkforce and other businesses within our portfolio, and our ability to provide sector-specific, market-leading support services, will help the business thrive”.

Alex Fenton, Group CEO at Effer Ventures commented:

“We are delighted with the completion of the sale of ThinkWorkforce to Bluestones. The business has been able to consolidate and grow within our portfolio, but for the next stage of its growth, we felt that it needed the right growth partner. Bluestones has a fantastic track record and are perfectly positioned to take ThinkWorkforce to the next level, so the transaction makes a lot of sense from all sides.”

Bluestones Group has been firmly on the acquisition trail with this being the tenth business that has been acquired this calendar year. Bluestones invests in recruitment and staffing services businesses and has developed an enviable portfolio of over 30 such businesses across a range of sectors and locations.

You can find out more about ThinkWorkforce by browsing their website HERE and Bluestones Group via their website HERE.

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BIG Christmas Quiz

MC — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:03:19 +0000

With just five sleeps until Christmas, client visits well underway, and Christmas messages sent to candidates and colleagues, one tradition many look forward to is a Christmas quiz.

To make life easier for you, we thought we’d share our BIG Christmas quiz – including the quiz itself, a blank answer sheet, and of course, the answers.

Feel free to download, print, and share these and enjoy our BIG Christmas quiz.

The questions

The answer sheet

The answers

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QPS launches new services and a bold brand refresh

Kelly Croutear — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:15:36 +0000

QPS Group (formerly Quest Pay Solutions) has unveiled a comprehensive suite of services to empower recruitment agencies and contractors

As part of the Bluestones Group portfolio and sitting within the Group’s Support Division, Quest Pay Solutions (QPS) has been a trusted partner to recruitment businesses for the past eight years.

Specialising in Umbrella PAYE and CIS services, QPS is committed to helping businesses navigate the ever-evolving recruitment landscape. In response to the changing needs of both hirers and recruitment businesses, as well as new compliance obligations introduced by the Labour government, QPS has leveraged its expertise and resources to develop an innovative range of products and services.

These solutions are designed to support recruitment businesses in driving growth, ensuring compliance, and adapting seamlessly to regulatory changes, underpinned by the strength and backing of the Bluestones Group.

What's new? Expanded services and enhanced solutions:

Enhanced accountancy services

Recognising the unique financial needs of contractors, freelancers, and small to medium-sized enterprises, QPS Group now offers tailored accountancy solutions. These services simplify financial management, ensuring compliance and efficiency for businesses of all sizes.

Specialised financial services

Understanding that securing mortgages is a significant concern for professionals transitioning to contract positions, QPS Group has introduced specialised mortgage services. These offerings are designed to assist contractors in obtaining mortgages, addressing one of the primary barriers to entering contract roles.

Comprehensive payroll solutions

To support recruitment agencies and their staff, QPS Group now provides a range of PAYE services, including outsourced payroll for agency staff, PAYE, and Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) services. These solutions are crafted to ensure seamless payroll management, allowing agencies to focus on their core operations.

Global payroll and UK funding service

Expanding its reach, QPS Group offers international payroll services to facilitate global operations for recruitment agencies. Additionally, new UK funding options are available to support business growth and financial stability within the recruitment sector.

Robert Arnold, Managing Director of QPS Group said:

“At QPS Group, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that empower our clients to achieve their business objectives. Our expanded suite of services reflects our dedication to addressing the evolving needs of recruitment agencies, contractors, and SMEs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market.”

For more information about QPS Group’s new services, please visit https://qpsgroup.co.uk/

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Year-end reflections: Reviewing your agency’s progress and planning for growth

Kelly Croutear — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:00:47 +0000

As the calendar approaches its final pages, it’s a fitting time for recruitment agencies to pause, reflect on the past year, and chart a course for future growth. December isn’t merely the end of a chapter; it’s a pivotal moment to review achievements, learn from experiences, and set sights on new horizons.

Reflecting on achievements

Take stock of the milestones accomplished during the year. Celebrate successful placements, client expansions, or innovative strategies that propelled the agency forward.

Learning from challenges

Acknowledge challenges faced and lessons learned. Each setback holds invaluable insights crucial for refining strategies and fostering resilience.

Assessing recruitment trends

Evaluate industry trends that shaped recruitment dynamics. Understanding these trends is pivotal for adapting strategies and staying ahead in the evolving landscape.

Client and candidate feedback

Review feedback from clients and candidates. Their insights are a compass pointing towards areas for improvement and avenues for better service delivery.

Team reflection and development

Engage the team in reflections. Discuss achievements, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Invest in professional development plans to nurture team skills.

Setting strategic goals

Define clear and actionable goals for the upcoming year. Whether it’s expanding services, enhancing client relations, or refining recruitment processes, clarity in goals is key.

Strengthening brand identity

Evaluate the agency’s brand identity and market positioning. Strengthen branding strategies to amplify the agency’s visibility and credibility in the market.

Creating an actionable plan

Compile insights from reflections into a comprehensive action plan. This roadmap will serve as a guiding light, laying out steps to achieve envisioned goals. A simple SWOT analysis is a good place to start.

Strategic adaptation

Be open to strategic adaptation. As the recruitment landscape evolves, flexibility in plans ensures readiness to embrace emerging trends and challenges.

Celebrating successes

Amidst planning for the future, take time to celebrate successes. Recognise team efforts and milestones achieved during the year, fostering a culture of appreciation.

Conclusion

As the year draws to a close, embrace this time not just as an end but as a new beginning, a canvas awaiting the strokes of ambition, learning, and growth for your recruitment agency.

By harnessing reflections to set strategic goals, recruitment agencies can navigate the upcoming year with purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Are you looking to take the leap to starting your own recruitment agency in the New Year? Through our investment division, you can access a range of funding and support to get your recruitment business off the ground.

Find out more and make an investment enquiry today.

Start your Bluestones journey today

Explore our Investment Division

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Bluestones appoint fractional CTO, Tom Cooksey

MC — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:00:13 +0000

Bluestones Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Fractional CTO, Tom Cooksey, who’s joined the Group to help drive its technology strategy forward, build on the Group’s existing IT capabilities, and support the company’s ambitious future growth plans.

Speaking about his appointment, Tom said,

“I am delighted to join Bluestones as a Fractional CTO. The business is extremely ambitious and embraces technology to help drive its overall growth strategy – it is going to be great to be a part of that.”

Tom is a highly experienced technology leader with demonstrable experience in solving complex business problems. He’s a technologist at heart and is as comfortable in front of some code as he is in the board room. Previous roles include founder at IR35.io which went on to be acquired by The Kingsbridge Group, where he became Chief Technology Officer. He has also worked for major brands including EA Games, Sky, and The National Lottery.

Bluestones Group’s CEO and founder Steve Pendergast commented on Tom’s appointment, saying,

“As the Group continues to scale at pace, it’s important that we evolve sustainably and capitalise on the technologies available to us. With Tom’s experience and insight, we believe we will be well-positioned to nurture and develop our existing team of IT and technology specialists, whilst creating a structured technology roadmap for our future.”

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Bluestones Group acquires Dynamite Recruitment

MC — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:44:16 +0000

Bluestones Group has completed another strategic acquisition, with Dynamite Recruitment becoming the latest business to join the Group’s portfolio of recruitment and staffing services businesses.

Coinciding with the move, Fran Curtis and Katie Dalgleish – with nearly 20 years’ collective tenure with Dynamite Recruitment between them – will become joint Managing Directors. Headquartered in Portsmouth with 11 employees, Dynamite Recruitment is a successful multi-sector recruitment company, originally established in 2011. The Dynamite team recruit temporary and permanent personnel across the commercial, retail, technical, accountancy & finance, and financial services sectors; and provides RPO and outsourcing support for selected clients too.

Bluestones Group CEO, Steve Pendergast commented:

“Acquisitions continue to be one of the three primary growth vectors for the Group. Dynamite is well-structured, has strong client and candidate relationships, and we believe that with our support and investment can continue to grow at pace. I look forward to seeing the business evolve and scale”.

Divisional CEO, Matt Cody commented:

“We identified Dynamite Recruitment as an acquisition target and have worked at pace to complete the deal quickly, acquiring 100% of the business. Bringing the business into the Bluestones portfolio, we will work the new joint Managing Directors Fran and Katie to fully integrate the company into the Bluestones Group world and support its future growth”.

Bluestones Group has been firmly on the acquisition trail this year, and this is the eighth such business that has been acquired this calendar year. Bluestones invests in recruitment and staffing services businesses and has developed an enviable portfolio of over 30 businesses across a range of sectors and locations.

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Giving thanks: Building strong relationships with clients and candidates

Kelly Croutear — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:00:19 +0000

In the world of recruitment, the value of relationships cannot be overstated. November is not just about autumnal hues and spiced lattes; it’s also a time to express gratitude and nurture the connections that form the backbone of successful recruitment agencies.

1. The power of saying 'thank you'

Gratitude is the cornerstone of building enduring relationships. Expressing appreciation to clients and candidates demonstrates sincerity and strengthens bonds.

2. Cultivating a culture of appreciation

Foster a culture of appreciation within your agency. Encourage team members to acknowledge and thank clients and candidates for their trust and collaboration.

3. Personalised gestures

Go beyond generic thank-you emails. Personalise gestures of gratitude; it could be handwritten notes, small tokens, or personalised messages that resonate. Sending out congratulation cards to placed candidates is a great way to build loyalty and remember you next time they are looking for a new role.

4. Active listening and engagement

Listen actively to clients and candidates. Understanding their needs and concerns shows empathy and lays the foundation for lasting relationships. Ask for their honest feedback, bad and good, and use this as a way to improve your services and strengthen your relationships.

5. Building trust through transparency

Transparency breeds trust. Communicate openly with clients and candidates, fostering trust and loyalty through honest and transparent interactions.

6. Regular check-ins

Maintain regular check-ins, not just for business purposes but to genuinely inquire about their well-being. These gestures create a deeper connection beyond professional ties.

7. Sustaining relationships beyond transactions

Strive to sustain relationships even after a successful placement. Continuing engagement nurtures long-term connections. Placed candidates who you have built a rapport with are more likely to recommend you to their connections.

Conclusion

Whilst Thanksgiving may be a US tradition, November is a still a great time to appreciate the relationships that fuel success, wherever you are based. By embracing gratitude, agencies can solidify relationships and position themselves for continued success in the ever-evolving recruitment landscape.

Ready to start or scale your own recruitment agency? You don’t have to do it alone! Through our investment division, you can access a range of funding and support to get your recruitment business off the ground.

Find out more and make an investment enquiry today.

Start your Bluestones journey today

Explore our Investment Division

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Harvesting success: Maximising Q4 opportunities in recruitment

Kelly Croutear — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:00:08 +0000

As the final quarter of the year approaches, recruitment agencies have a unique chance to capitalise on the opportunities this period presents. Leveraging the unique dynamics of Q4 can significantly impact an agency’s success and set the stage for a thriving start to the upcoming year.

1. Year-end hiring budgets

Many companies allocate budgets for hiring in Q4. Agencies should tap into this window of opportunity when organisations aim to fill positions before the year-end.

2. Seasonal hires and temp positions

Q4 often sees an uptick in seasonal hiring for the holiday season. Additionally, companies may require temporary staff to cover year-end workloads. Agencies can position themselves to cater to these specific needs.

3. Strategic planning for the New Year

While assisting clients in filling immediate positions, Q4 also allows agencies to engage in strategic discussions with businesses planning their hiring strategies for the following year.

4. Nurturing relationships

It’s an opportune time to nurture existing client relationships. Building strong rapport and providing exceptional service can lead to repeat business in the upcoming year. Make a point of visiting clients during the festive season and consider sending client gifts as a token of appreciation for using your services.

5. Showcasing year-end successes

Highlighting successful placements and achievements throughout the year can boost agency credibility and attract new clients seeking reliable recruitment partners.

Case studies on your website or short round-ups on social media are great places to start.

6. Networking and industry events

Participate in year-end industry events and networking opportunities. These gatherings provide platforms to connect with potential clients and candidates preparing for the year ahead.

7. Assessing and adjusting strategies

Q4 is also an ideal time to evaluate the year’s performance. Identify successful strategies and areas for improvement to refine approaches for the upcoming year.

Maximizing Q4 opportunities

Effectively maximising Q4 opportunities in recruitment requires a combination of proactive engagement, strategic planning, and an understanding of the unique dynamics of this period.

Strategic client engagement

Engage with clients early, discussing their Q4 and early Q1 hiring needs. Being proactive positions your agency ahead of the curve.

Tailored marketing and communication

Craft targeted marketing campaigns highlighting your agency’s ability to meet year-end hiring needs. Communicate your agency’s strengths and successes.

Team collaboration and alignment

Ensure your team is aligned and motivated. Encourage collaboration to efficiently handle increased demands and cater to client needs.

Flexibility and adaptability

Be flexible to accommodate clients’ evolving needs and adapt recruitment strategies to align with changing market dynamics.

Conclusion

Maximising Q4 opportunities is about more than just filling positions; it’s about forging partnerships, strategising for the upcoming year, and solidifying your agency’s position in the competitive recruitment landscape.

As you dive into the final quarter, envision the impact your agency can make. Embrace the opportunities presented during this time, and capitalise on them to steer your agency toward a successful year-end and a promising start to the new year.

Find out more and make an investment enquiry today.

Start your Bluestones journey today

Explore our Investment Division

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Navigating industry challenges: Overcoming obstacles in the recruitment landscape

Kelly Croutear — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 08:00:42 +0000

The recruitment industry is dynamic and unexpected shifts in the landscape are not uncommon, therefore challenges are inevitable. However, the ability to navigate and overcome these hurdles is what sets successful agencies apart. Understanding and addressing challenges proactively can pave the way for sustained growth and success.

1. Talent shortage and competition

Graduates are eager to kick-start their careers and often seek guidance and opportunities. Understanding their motivations, aspirations, and expectations is crucial in tailoring your recruitment approach.

Top tips:

Personalise engagement: Tailor your approach to highlight how your opportunities align with candidates’ career aspirations and skills. Show genuine interest in their professional growth.

Emphasise growth potential: Highlight learning, career advancement, and skill development prospects within your roles. Clear paths for growth appeal to skilled candidates seeking progress.

Showcase company culture: Illustrate a positive work environment, inclusive culture, and impactful ethos. Emphasise values that resonate with skilled candidates, showcasing your company as an ideal place to thrive.

2. Technological advancements

While technology streamlines processes, keeping up with rapid technological advancements poses its own challenge. Agencies must adapt and integrate new tools effectively to enhance efficiency without losing the human touch.

Top tips:

Continuous learning culture: Foster a culture of ongoing learning within the agency to ensure teams stay updated with the latest tech trends and tools.

Balanced implementation strategy: Prioritise a balanced approach to technology implementation, considering its impact on processes and human interaction.

User-centric approach: Focus on technology that complements human abilities, enhancing rather than replacing the personal connection between agencies and clients or candidates.

3. Evolving candidate expectations

Candidates’ expectations are evolving, demanding more personalised experiences and quicker responses. Meeting these expectations while maintaining a high level of service requires agility and a customer-centric approach.

Top tips:

Swift responsiveness: Implement efficient systems or processes to ensure prompt responses to candidates, demonstrating respect for their time and interest.

Feedback Integration: Create avenues for candidates to provide feedback, allowing for continuous improvement and a more candidate-focused approach.

4. Remote work dynamics

The shift towards remote work has altered recruitment dynamics. Agencies must adapt to assess and engage candidates virtually, ensuring seamless interactions and effective evaluations.

5. Diversity and inclusion

Fostering diversity and inclusion remains a challenge for many agencies. Overcoming biases and creating inclusive environments requires ongoing efforts and a commitment from all levels of the organisation.

Top tips:

Diverse recruitment strategies: Implement inclusive hiring practices that actively seek diverse talent pools and promote equal opportunities for all candidates.

Training and awareness: Conduct regular training sessions to raise awareness about unconscious biases and promote a culture of inclusivity among employees.

Leadership advocacy: Encourage leadership to actively champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, setting the tone for the entire organisation and demonstrating its commitment.

6. Retention in competitive markets

Retaining top talent is as challenging as attracting it. Developing robust retention strategies is crucial to ensure that once recruited, top talent stays engaged and committed.

Top tips:

Career growth opportunities: Highlight the client’s clear pathways for career advancement and skill development to entice candidates, showcasing the potential for long-term growth within the company.

Recognition and advancement: Emphasise culture, including recognition and rewards for high performers, reassuring candidates of their value and potential advancement within the organisation.

Work-life balance support: Showcase any initiatives or policies that the client has in place to support work-life balance for their employees, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being.

7. Compliance and regulatory changes

Navigating through complex compliance issues and adapting to ever-evolving regulations can be daunting. Staying informed and proactive in compliance measures is essential.

Top tips:

Regular updates and training: Keep abreast of changes in legislation and provide guidance to clients on ensuring their recruitment processes comply with updated regulations.

Documentation and due diligence: Prioritise thorough documentation and due diligence throughout the recruitment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and mitigating risks for clients.

Conclusion

Navigating industry challenges isn’t just about finding solutions; it’s about fostering a culture of resilience, adaptability, and innovation within your agency. By recognising challenges as opportunities for growth, your agency can thrive in an ever-evolving recruitment landscape.

As you confront these challenges head-on, envision the transformative impact overcoming them will have on your agency. Embrace each hurdle as a chance to innovate, refine strategies, and emerge stronger in the competitive world of recruitment.

Are you interested in starting or scaling your own recruitment agency, but find the prospect a little overwhelming? You don’t have to do it alone!

Through our investment division, you can access a range of funding and support to get your recruitment business off the ground.

Find out more and make an investment enquiry today.

Start your Bluestones journey today

Explore our Investment Division

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New life sciences agency launches

MC — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:52:30 +0000

We’re pleased to announce a new Bluestones joint venture, with the launch of a new life sciences agency – SEDA Talent.

Based in central Belfast, the new business will be recruiting for biotech, foodtech, medtech, and pharmaceutical professionals throughout the UK and Ireland. Initially permanent focused, the business will evolve to also provide contract and temporary recruitment services, as founders Darrach Teague and Seamus Moore grow the business.

SEDA Talent director, Darrach Teague commented

Launching SEDA Talent with Bluestones Group is an exciting new chapter. Our mission is to revolutionise how companies build high-performing teams in this rapidly evolving sector. By leveraging our deep industry connections and focusing on recruitment as a strategic solution, we’re not just filling positions – we’re enabling our clients to scale and meet critical business objectives. SEDA Talent is committed to adding value at every step of the recruitment process, ensuring we’re not just a service provider, but a true partner in our clients’ growth and success.

SEDA Talent is a new business within the Bluestones Equity Partners division (formerly known as Bluestones’ investment division), and joins Clayton, ENS, Green Carbon Talent, and EC&I Partners.

Bluestones Equity Partners CEO, Matt Cody commented

Having the opportunity to invest in and support the launch of SEDA Talent, with Darrach and Seamus at the helm, demonstrates our capability to move quickly, identify investment opportunities, and build new recruitment brands that can enhance our portfolio. Through our investment and support, the SEDA team now have the chance to establish a prominent business in the life sciences recruitment space and realise their ambitions of running their own recruitment company.

Please make sure you also follow SEDA on their LinkedIn page to keep abreast of all developments, news, advice, and new roles.

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