Permanent People

2013 started out as fairly rudimentary as years go, for me. I was in a job that was ok, which was safe but going nowhere really.

A few things happened along the way. but culminated in me coming up with the bright idea to go out on my own and start my own recruitment business. I did a few things that I now say to people they probably shouldn’t. Save enough money so you can live for six months, have a distinct idea about what you want to do and get as much advice as possible.

I didn’t do any of that. I incorporated a company, thought of a name, put a website together and away we go. Three weeks in I made my first placement in a recruitment company in London, with a candidate who is a good friend of mine today. I think that has underpinned everything we’ve done since in the way we get to know people in helping them find a job. It’s personal and matters, which I believe it should be.

A lot has happened since then and I won’t bore you with the ups and downs, but it’s safe to say I’ve learned a lot and worked with some very inspirational people. I’m proud to say we’ve placed people in five continents, and have great relationships with people all over the world.

One thing that remains true is that everyone we speak with is treated the same, and recruiters in South Africa, Chicago and Swansea all have common things they want from Permanent People:-

Great service, the personal a touch and an end result to what we do.

I’m not going to turn into Leo Tolstoy here, but it’s safe to say I’m proud of what has been acheived.

This year has been tough for everyone and there were times I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, or whether we would survive. But to be fair, if you really think about it, that’s what every day over the past seven years has been like – it’s why I do it.

So here’s to the next seven, and to making the most of what we all do everyday. And if anything new has dropped into my grey matter this year, it’s that we should all be kinder and help each other, not waste a moment and enjoy it!

PR

Riga Old Town

Permanent People have recently begun working with a leading Executive Recruitment business in Riga, Latvia. We are working closely with them, as they are looking to hire Graduate level candidates to work on roles across Europe, so we thought, rather then just tell you all about the company and job (which are both great!!), it would be useful to let you know a bit about this diverse, gem of a City.

A bit about Riga & Latvia…

Based in North-East Europe, Latvia has borders with Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and Belarus and sits on the Gulf of Riga, near the Baltic Sea.

The City is about three times the size of Bristol (UK), but populations are similar, with 630,000 in Riga, compared to 535,000 in Bristol. This accounts for about a third of the overall population of Latvia (1.9m).

As a Country, Latvia has 500km of coastline and boasts lots of beautiful beaches. Mix this with a humid and warm summer climate, make it a great place to spend time outdoors.

Half the Country is covered by Forest as well, making it a very green place to live, which is also shown in Riga, with the Vērmane Gardens in Central Riga covering 12 acres and has many rare plants and trees within it, making it a must see when you’re there.

It’s also very beautiful during the snowy winter period, and due to it’s location, there are many interesting countries to visit, including those previously mentioned as well and those in Scandinavia.

Things to do

Riga is a very creative City, with plenty of Museums and Art Galleries to take in, and historic architecture.

It’s also a big sporting City, with Football, Basketball and Ice Hockey (national sport), all being very popular pastimes, both for participation and watching.

There are some great bars, restaurants and cafés to spend your lunch break and weekends in as well.

The Central Market is also the largest of it’s kind in Europe, and has Pavilions inside Zeppelin Hangers, which are left over from WW1.

Cost of Living

Generally speaking, Riga is a very affordable place to work and live with Cost of living in Riga being cheaper than in 67% of cities in the World (188 out of 279).

Monthly rent for a 900sqft furnished accommodation, in a regular part of town, is €515 and overall monthly costs for a single person work out at around the €1000 a month level.

Here’s a handy to link to get an idea of what everyday things cost there!

What Permanent People have available?

As we said in the beginning, we are working with an established specialist recruitment company, who are looking to hire motivated Graduate level people into their business.

They would love to hear from those who are from the EU and UK, and would like to relocate to Riga.

This a great opportunity for someone who wants to work on senior level roles across Europe, into the Financial Services industry, with typical recruitment fees being worked on being at €10,000+, so there is a very good earning potential.

Interested? What’s next?

So, if you are a Graduate, with a degree in a business-related subject and feel you have the drive, motivation and sales mentality, along with the desire to want to live and recruit in Riga, contact Louise Reid at Permanent People to discuss this vacancy in more detail on:

[email protected] / +44 2920 100833

Permanent People are operating as a recruitment agency for these vacancies, and not as the direct employer.

Dubai is arguably one of the most innovative cities in the world and is home to over 200 nationalities. We have a number of clients based out in Dubai who actively look for recruitment professionals to relocate. So whether you’re firmly planning on relocating to Dubai, weighing up the pros and cons or simply satisfying your curiosity, take a look at our small snippet of what Dubai has to offer.

What’s it actually like to live in Dubai?

Living

Money Dubai is probably most used in conjunction with the word ‘luxury’, and it’s incredibly easy to see why. Dubai’s currency is Dirham (AED) which roughly converts at 1 AED = 0.20 GBP currently. Its true that the cost of living is steeper out there, but this is counter-balanced by higher wages and sheer quality of life.

Fuel Gone are the days of reminiscing back to when diesel was a mere 89.4, Dubai boasts some of the cheapest rates in the world, with fuel coming in at roughly 40p (2.15 AED) per litre.

Everything is clean and efficient At first glance Dubai seems unnecessarily strict, but these rules are in place for a reason – the Metro is one of the most efficient transport links in the world and is spotlessly clean. It’s illegal to eat, drink or even chew gum on the metro system, so you never have to worry about bearing the unpleasantness of someone else’s lunch or acquiring a sticky passenger on the soles of your freshly polished shoes.  

The weather Summer in Dubai reaches a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius during the day and mid 20s-30 at night. This sounds slightly unbearable, but you’ll be relieved to find out that every building you could possibly visit is fully equipped with air conditioning (even the bus stops!). As winter creeps in there is a drop in temperature however with December in Dubai seeing around 15-20 degrees on average. Basically, you don’t need to worry about winter blues settling in come Christmas.

Working

Working All earnings in Dubai are completely tax free.  No, you didn’t imagine that – the UAE Federal Government doesn’t impose income tax on company wealth or individuals living within its borders. Following on from that, you’ll be relieved to know that Dubai operates on a similar work schedule to the UK, with standard work hours falling between 8:30am-5pm, Sunday – Thursday, (yes, Dubai’s weekend runs from Thurs-Sat, no more lazy Sundays…)

Recruitment Being a rec2rec, we had to relate this article to ourselves somehow! The recruitment industry in Dubai is extremely lucrative – especially within industries such as Technology, Finance and Sales & Marketing, where recruiters source senior to executive level candidates almost exclusively from Australian, American and European candidate pools. Most agencies deal with incredibly cash rich businesses, meaning that earning potential is high.

Enjoying

Shopping Can’t help browsing the shops in your lunch break? Have you seen the Debenhams staff more than your own family this week? Addicted to shopping? No problem – Dubai plays host to world class shopping, where you can enjoy ‘revolutionised retail’ to your hearts content in the many malls, Souks and local markets on offer.

Malls Dubai’s Malls epitomise opulence and luxury through their impressive architecture and decadent interior design. The Dubai Mall is in fact the world’s largest mall – spanning 3.77 million sq ft; frequently cited as ‘shopper’s paradise’ it’s situated conveniently next door to the Burj Khalifa. Famous for breathtaking fountain shows, Dubai Mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium, Ice Rink, Cinema and many other hotels and attractions. As if this wasn’t enough, it has almost every brand you could possibly think of under one roof, alongside multiple food courts catering for every cuisine. If your only concern here is ‘how am I going to carry all of that?’ you needn’t worry – the mall operates a free shop & drop and hotel delivery service (!).

Markets Souks are traditional Arabian markets and offer an insight into Dubai’s heritage; examples include the Gold Souk (possibly the biggest display of precious metals, jewels and stones you’ll ever see in your life), the Spice Souk (offering a wide array of spices you’ve probably never heard of, it’s knowledgeable vendors also come equipped with expert traditional cooking methods and tips) the Perfume Souk (potentially the only other place you can buy a flagon of perfume other than duty free) and the Textile Souk (explore the finest work of Dubai’s famed tailors, including fine Arabian silks, cotton and weaves).

Eating You’ll probably have gathered by now that everything in Dubai is delivered to the highest standard and there’s no exception for its food: meat fish and rice are staple foods in the UAE, but this doesn’t necessarily mean bland. You can’t find Pork in any of the major restaurants but you can find exquisite traditional food such as camel meat, Margoogat or Al Machboos.

Nightlife Dubai operates a minimum age of 21 and underage drinking is frowned upon, making the nightlife scene a mature one. From rooftop bars, speakeasies, Hip-Hop hot spots, to circus themed clubs, you’re not short of options for an unforgettable night.

Things to do

Marvel at the tallest building in the world

Visit Old Deira

Skydive over Dubai’s beautiful skyline

Experience a desert safari – travel on camelback and discover Bedouin heritage

Zip line over Dubai’s major fountains

Scuba dive with rare fish in the Dubai Mall Aquarium or swim with dolphins, sharks and sea lions at The Palm

Snowboard at Ski Dubai

Visit Palm Jumeirah – Dubai’s manmade archipelago,

Relax in one of Dubai’s many natural parks – including botanical gardens, wildlife parks and conservation reserves

Or simply enjoy a beach day – crystal clear ocean and white sand beaches are in abundance and completely free. Ignore the rumours, you can in fact wear bikinis and shorts!

For more Information on relocating to Duabi give us a call or contact [email protected]

Reasons why recruiters should relocate to Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a coastal town on the south west coast of England, which was voted the happiest place to live within the UK. With residents there enjoying seven miles of golden sand, a thriving nightlife and great shopping. It is a vibrant place to call home for people of all ages. It is ideal for families, with its great reputation of schools and low crime rate.

Bournemouth’s economy has been growing with a particularly strong increase within the financial services, public sector services, technology and digital sectors. In fact, Bournemouth was previously named as the UK’s fastest growing digital economy. There’s also been an increase in the employment rate and annual income is at an all-time high, making it a prime time for recruiters to relocate.

Local economy and recruitment opportunities

The banking, finance and insurance sector is the most valuable to Bournemouth’s economy. With both JP Morgan and Nationwide Building Society having large office’s in Bournemouth, greatly contributing to their economy and employment rates. In turn, making these very lucrative sectors for recruiters.

Tech recruiters also have fantastic career opportunities in Bournemouth with the digital and technology sector being on a fast incline. You are also given the chance to recruit in and regularly travel to London, where there is a large demand for IT and Tech professionals.

Other sectors such as tourism, public administration, education and health care has also increased over the years. Making life as a recruiter in Bournemouth very lucrative, with great career opportunities and many high-demand sectors to utilise.

Transportation links

Bournemouth has excellent transportation links in and out of the town, whether that be by coach, car, train, plane or even boat! With direct train lines to London, Bristol, Birmingham or further afield to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Or direct flights from Bournemouth Airport to places in Europe, otherwise a 90-minute drive to Heathrow.

The seaside

Bournemouth is a fantastic tourist destination due to its golden, sandy beaches and warm weather, having 25% more sun than the UK average!

Living here, you are a short drive away from Sandbank Beach, which is the best beach on the South Coast of England. If not, the best beach in Britain! So, if you are looking for a location that offers great work-life balance, Bournemouth is the place. Nothing will beat a relaxing evening at the beach after a long day in work.

The Jurassic Coast in another great destination in Britain, located relatively close to Bournemouth. It’s the perfect spot to hunt for fossils, visit exciting museums, or take a leisurely stroll observing the gorgeous scenery and truly appreciate the coastline’s unique geology.

New Forest

The beach is not your only escape from urban life when living in Bournemouth, you have the New Forest National Park just a short distance away.

The forest is home to exotic flora, rare birds and mammals and is commonly used for camping, hiking and bike rides.

Poole Quay

A short 20-minute drive away from Bournemouth is Europe’s largest natural harbour; Poole Quay, where you’ll find tall ships and locally manufactured sunseeker yachts. You’ll be able to set sail on a harbour cruise or take a boat trip to Swanage or Old Harry.

Poole Quay is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and drinks in one of their many restaurants, bars, cafés or pubs, whilst enjoying the gorgeous harbour view. And to top it off, you have Poole Museum or Poole Park just around the corner!

Entertainment

Bournemouth is known to be an eventful town, with over 500 events every year.

There’s an event for everyone, whether that be an Active event such as the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, or an Art & Craft event with the Arts by the Sea Festival. You can even catch one of their many comedy & live music gigs or exhibitions & showings.

If you’re a party goer, there’s the Camp Bestival music Festival. Or for families, you have regular outdoor cinema events in the summer or 4-days of aviation entertainment at the famous Air Festival.

Not to mention the most exciting equestrian event on the South Coast, Sand Polo! Or the World’s Largest Sport & Music Festival, Bournemouth 7’s!

Recruitment opportunities?

Permanent People are working on several recruitment vacancies in Bournemouth.

If you are looking for new recruitment opportunities within or around Bournemouth, contact [email protected]

Reasons why recruiters should relocate to Cardiff…

Cardiff is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. With its fantastic community spirit and vibrant atmosphere, Cardiff was voted as the best city in the UK for quality of life.

Cardiff has been projected as the UK’s fastest growing city, with a large growth in the working age and strength in economy. Local businesses are currently booming, with an increased growth within the Digital, IT Finance and Construction sectors, making it the ideal time for a recruiter to relocate to Cardiff.

For a capital city, Cardiff is relatively cheap to live in. The average house prices in Wales are significantly lower than the national UK average, and living costs in Cardiff are estimated to be 20% cheaper than in London! With these low costs of living and higher than average levels of disposable income, Cardiff residents can reap the clear financial benefits and truly enjoy all the city has to offer.

It’s accessible and well-connected

Cardiff is relatively small and with the city centre being smack bang in the middle, it makes it very accessible to everyone, regardless of where in Cardiff you live. It has the attraction of being in a lively city whilst also retaining the calming and comforting feeling of living in a small town. You truly get the best of both worlds!

With Cardiff International Airport now having more affordable and direct flights, you can easily find yourself traveling to any part of Europe, or even further afield to Barbados and Montego Bay. Regarding travel within the UK, Cardiff is only 44 miles away from Bristol and 160 miles from London

It’s never short of entertainment

Regular event and festivals in a city full of bars, pubs and clubs, Cardiff never lacks entertainment. From pop-up cinema events on the Castle Ground, International Food & Drink Festival down Cardiff Bay, Oktoberfest and Inside Out festival, Bingo Lingo every Friday down the Depot or even the Big Weekend every summer; there is always something to look forward to.

And let’s not forget to mention the regular circus, musicals and theatres held at St. David’s Hall, or the famous artists that visit the Motorpoint Arena & Principality Stadium, such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Spice Girls, Pink, Rihanna, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran!  

 It’s a food paradise

Cardiff is a foodie hotspot; you are guaranteed to find any cuisine, anywhere you go. In Canton alone, you’ll find Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Lebanese, Turkish, Indian, Spanish, Italian and French! So, whether you fancy a bit of winning and dinning in a posh gourmet restaurant or a bag of chips and battered sausage from the famous Chippy Lane, you’ll never go hungry in Cardiff!

Sports

With Cardiff being home to the Principality Stadium, there’s regular sporting events going on. From the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, FA Cup, Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain to other events like Boxing, Monster Jam and concerts!

The Welsh have a great passion for sports! Every match day, there’s no doubt that everyone in Cardiff will be queuing to get into the Principality Stadium or standing in front of the big screen in one of their many Pubs. Nothing puts the Welsh in more of a celebratory mood than a good match and a cold pint of beer.

Trust me, they’ll have you wearing a daffodil hat and singing the Welsh Anthem in no time!

Full of greenery

Cardiff City is centered around the historic Cardiff Castle grounds and Bute park, meaning there’s no shortage of green spaces to enjoy. All year round, Bute Park attracts dog walkers and joggers and in the summer it’s the perfect place for a picnic with loved ones. Roath Park is another popular spot for the same reasons, with the addition of a large boating lake surrounded by ducks and swans and a children’s park.

With the Coast to the South and Brecon Beacons to the North, there are some astounding areas of natural beauty just a short drive away from the city. Including, Pen-Y-Fan and Dan-Yr-Ogof Caves which are ideal destinations for the explorers and hikers amongst us!

Rich with history and culture

Wales is home to approximately 600 castles and is known as the Castle Capital of the World. From Cardiff Castle being right in the middle of the City Centre, Caerphilly Castle being Wales’ largest castle, and Chepstow Castle being the oldest castle at 950 years old, you’ll never run out of historic things to see!

Being only 4 miles from the City Centre, St. Fagan’s National Museum of History, built in 1590 but opened to the public in 1948, is complete with original houses, a village schoolhouse, chapel, cockpit, pigsty and many more. Part of the site also includes a small working farm. You can guarantee that if you grew up in Wales, you’ve been on a school trip to St. Fagan’s!

The National Museum in Cardiff City Centre is also worth a visit.

Want to live and recruit in Cardiff?

Currently, our consultants at Permanent People are working on several live vacancies for recruiters, covering a wide rang of sectors such as HR, Marketing, Legal, Finance IT, Tech, and Construction.

If you are interested in relocating to and recruiting in Cardiff, contact [email protected]

Relocate to and recruit in Australia

Australia is the sixth largest country on Earth with a population of approximately 25 million people. With a low unemployment rate, the growth in the number of people looking for work has increased the demand for recruitment services across Australia.

It’s a multicultural country with an ever-growing economy. The recruitment industry is booming and is predicated continued growth, making Australia the perfect destination for recruiters looking to improve their future. This is the reason why our Australian desk at Permanent People is thriving!

Depending on where you go in Australia, will determine the lifestyle you live. As life in Perth will differ to that in Melbourne. Or life in Sydney will vary to that in Brisbane etc. One thing that remains the same throughout all of Australia is the importance of work-life balance. Australian’s have developed the ideal balance between work, family and leisure, truly giving you the time to explore the vibrant towns, cities and beautiful beaches.

Life in Australia is not monotonous, with work ending relatively early and being surrounded by different eateries, bars and beaches, there will always be something for you to do! There’s also a big emphasis on living a healthy lifestyle, so many Australians will head to the gym after work or go for a run or cycle.

Due to Australians strong multi-cultural and diverse population, you will never feel alienated or out of place. With their active and social way of living, the right attitude and positive personality will fit in easily.

Life in Perth  

Perth is known to be quieter and more relaxed with a touch of city life. It’s the perfect place for those looking to live in a city but without the fast-paced, busy and hectic nature.

Life in Perth is very easy-going and calm. It is the best place to go for climate, having the highest average of daily sunshine hours than the rest of Australia. It’s warm weather and coastal location makes socialising outside a popular activity, whether it be gatherings at the beach, having picnics or BBQ’s.

Due to the job market in Perth experiencing high demand within the mining, tourism, healthcare, education and technology industries. Your life as a recruiter will mainly focus on recruiting within those markets.

 Life in Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s most culturally diverse city, with its quirky street art, amazing museums, famous heritage sites, sport events and endless selection of bars and eateries. You’ll never run out of things to do and places to see. Melbourne is well-known for its sports with it being the yearly host for Australia’s Tennis tournaments, the Australian Grand Prix, AFL Grand Prix and The Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne provides a high quality of life for both families and singles. It is a well- planned out city in that everything is easy to access. Until 2018, Melbourne was voted the worlds most liveable city!

The employment market in Melbourne is resilient, especially within the aviation, construction, engineering, financial services and technology sectors. So, as a recruiter in Melbourne you will find yourself working on one of those markets.

 Life in Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s biggest, most populated and busiest city. It is surrounded by over 100 beaches and is home to some of the world’s most recognisable sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Similarly, to Melbourne, Sydney has plenty of museums, theatres and festivals to enjoy all year round. There’s also a great selection of eateries and bars, you are guaranteed to find a place to fulfill your hunger needs. Whether it be Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Western or Japanese, you name it, they’ll have it!

Working in recruitment in Sydney, you will mainly find yourself working within the financial services, communications technology and creative industries as these are currently thriving.

Life in Brisbane

Brisbane offers the excitement of living in a flourishing city but at a much affordable price. The culture is typically more relaxed and laid-back, with the residents there being very kind and respectful to each other.

There’s plenty to see and do in Brisbane with it having a vibrant entertainment scene and Australia’s only inner city, man-made beach. It is also relatively close to the one and only Great Barrier Reef! As well as great holiday destinations such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane is perfect for families, with world-class education and plenty of scholarships, internships and employment opportunities. As a recruiter in Brisbane, you will mainly focus on recruiting within the hospitality, health, manufacturing and tourism sectors, due to these being of high demand amongst workers.  

 Relocation requirements:

To relocate and recruit in Australia you must have at least 2 years recruitment experience and be educated to a degree level otherwise, you must have at least 5 years’ recruitment experience.

If you meet these requirements and are ready to make your move to Australia, contact Sheli at Permanent People. She has recruitment opportunities in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, recruiting into a variety of sectors such as:

Health & Social Care

Education

Accountancy and Finance

IT / Tech

Supply Chain and Procurement

Live and work in Bristol

  Life in Bristol –

Bristol has a unique style and character that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. From its vast shopping facilities, beautiful buildings and houses, buzzy culture and nightlife, and access to the countryside, its’s been labelled one of the best places to live within the UK (Sunday Times).

The city is a place proud of its food, drinks, balloons and street art. You are probably thinking, what a bizarre combination of things, and you are correct in thinking so. But that’s what’s given Bristol it’s quirky reputation, with a sense of fun and creativity.

Bristol is praised for its big city feel but small size. You receive all the perks of living in a big city like London, without the cost and manic crowds. Life in Bristol can be quite relaxing and pleasing. With its wonderful mix of cultures, there are always new and exciting things to try or see.

It is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

Links –

Bristol is well connected to the rest of the country by the M4. With easy access to Bath, Wales and the countryside. You can get your rural fix and escape to Somerset to explore Cheddar Gorge, or hike through the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Oh, and London is only 90 minutes away as well. You will be spoilt for choice!

Working in Bristol –

For the size of Bristol, its job market is surprisingly strong. It has low unemployment rates and higher than average salaries. This, combined with reasonable rent and housing prices, makes Bristol the place to be!

Things to do in Bristol –

After a long day in work, nothing beats a walk along the harbourside and getting a pint of scrumpy in one of their many pubs.  Or if you visit the harbourside on the weekend you will be greeted with festival-like markets, which is a community of foodies, makers, musicians and artists.

If you are looking for a more family friendly day out, then visit the zoo. Bristol is home to the fifth oldest Zoo in the world, it’s been a large tourist attraction since 1836. There’s also Bristol aquarium, given you the chance to be underwater and close to the reef without getting wet!

There are many other things to do, such as visit the museum and art gallery, or a boat tour around the harbour. You want something more extravagant? Then go hot air ballooning!

The excitement never ends in Bristol.

For recruitment job opportunities in Bristol contact [email protected]

Thinking about relocating to Singapore? Well, think no more…

After reading this, you’ll wish you were there!

There are several factors that make Singapore the ideal location, such as, access to great facilities, low crime rates, good quality education, excellent transportation, delicious food, and the presence of a large expat community.

Let’s elaborate..

Singapore is a rainforest inside a city – when people think of Singapore, they think of a city, a generic concrete jungle, but that’s not the case. Only in Singapore, would you see skyscrapers, mixed with various types of trees you’d only expect to see in a rainforest. To top that off, they have tropical plants dotted all over the city!

Singapore made a conscious effort to ensure precious pockets of rainforests remained, which you can see through the Singapore Botanical Gardens, Gardens by the Bay or the various hiking trails such as MacRitchie and Henderson Wave. More than that, Singapore has the largest indoor waterfall, located in their own Changi airport, which has been voted the world’s best airport for 7 consecutive years!  

Singapore is bursting to the seams with impressive attractions and exciting activities – the challenge you will have, is not finding something to do. Whether you are visiting Singapore alone, with your loved one or family, there’s always things to see. Beautiful architecture such as Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade, or white sandy beaches at Sentosa, or for those seeking a thrill, visit Universal Studios to experience the exhilarating rides.

Oh, and not to forget those with children, Singapore is home to an amazing sea aquarium and one of the world’s best zoos. However, if you do manage to get a babysitter, then Boat Quay or Clarke Quay is the place to go!

  Singapore allows you to treat Asia as your back garden – living here means that there are countless of adventures only a short ferry or plane ride away! Some of the most popular destinations include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. But you could also visit Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines and even Australia or New Zealand.

With many of these areas being so close, you wouldn’t even have to take time off work. A long weekend from Friday night to Sunday night would suffice. However, if do plan on staying longer, you can utilise Singapore’s 11 bank holidays. Making it very easy for you to tick all these wonderful places off your bucket list!

  Singapore will expose you to a variety of cultures and religious celebrations – despite Singapore’s small size, the customs and cultures there are unique. They are a mixture of various ethnic influences such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western. The diversity of culture is reflected in the many languages that are spoken there, including English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

Also, because there are so many racial and ethnic groups, you’ll experience many different festivals, religious services and traditions. To give some examples: Chinese New Year, which is celebrated island wide. Hari Raya Puasa, where the Muslim community celebrates the end of Ramadan and Diwali/Deepavali, the festival of lights, which is significant in Indian culture. Singaporeans also celebrate Christian days such as Easter and Christmas too.

 Singapore makes it easy for first timers – the expat community in Singapore is excellent, so you will never feel out of place, no matter where you’re from! The best way to infiltrate the expat community is to join one of the many expat groups on Facebook. You’ll be surprised how many like-minded individuals you’ll meet.

  Want to live and recruit there?

Our international team here at Permanent People have an extensive client base across Asia, where we work with leading recruitment businesses in Kuala Lumpur, China, Hong Kong and of course, Singapore.

Currently, our Rec2Rec team of recruiters have numerous vacancies, covering a wide range of sectors, including: Creative, Digital, IT, Technology, Banking, Finance, White Collar Construction, FinTech and Marketing.

And we work with all sizes of recruitment businesses, from large corporate firms to boutique, independent recruiters. So there is an opportunity for every type of recruiter, whether you are looking locally or looking to relocate, Permanent People can help you.

So, contact [email protected] and she’ll be able to inform you of all our recruitment opportunities!

  Over the past couple of years as a Rec2Rec (Recruitment-to-Recruitment) company, Permanent People have worked extensively on a variety of recruitment jobs in The Netherlands. This has given us the position of being the leading Rec2Rec within the country, something which we are very proud of.

During this time, the concentration as tended to focus on Amsterdam as a location. This has mainly been due to our client base of Dutch and International businesses who have positioned their office there, and also because Amsterdam is a very popular location for Recruiters to relocate to for numerous reasons:- fantastic culture, earning potential, booming recruitment market and work/life balance – are just some of the reasons which make the Capital such an appealing place.

Permanent People are still very busy helping recruitment businesses who are looking to hire, find the right talent and also working with Recruiters who are looking for a new job in Amsterdam – both based locally and those who are relocating from around the world.

Wider Region

More recently, and due to our success in working with an assortment of varying businesses in The Netherlands, from large corporate companies to independent boutique agencies, Permanent People have been begun working with a diverse mix of recruitment companies across the Country.

This has brought some very interesting positions for the team to work on, and mean that there are far more options available to recruiters looking for a new challenge now, rather than just being completely centred on the Capital.

Working on a range of industries, from IT, Technology, Finance, to Energy, Oil & Gas and Life Science, we now have a broad mix of Dutch clients who are looking to hire new talent.

Location-wise, we have current recruitment vacancies, working for leading businesses in:

Breda

Den Haag

Den Bosch

Utrecht

Rotterdam

Eindhoven 

These roles offer a recruiter a great challenge, and would involve working for some of the leading Dutch Recruitment companies.

To discuss your next carer move, get in contact with Paul Reid: +44 2920 100833 / +44 7523 075164 or by email on [email protected]

  Permanent People have recently been working very closely with recruitment businesses across Europe, and in particular The Netherlands and Germany, where we’ve supported numerous companies in the hiring of recruiters to their teams.

As with anything when your reputation grows, this has meant new recruitment companies have approached us, regarding their growth plans for the Eastern European market. After we successfully placed candidates in Skopje, Macedonia, as well as Vienna and Switzerland, we are now involved in recruiting for some brand new areas for us, with leading agencies looking to hire all levels of recruiters.

Locations

The main three areas that we are focusing on are: Prague in the Czech Republic, Bratislava in Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary. As well as Warsaw, Poland.

Each of these areas have their own unique selling points, and the beauty of these roles is that they are joining established businesses, with the budget and marketing behind them to fully capitalise on the growth of the recruitment market in Eastern Europe.

Sectors

Engineering, IT/Technology as well as Sales & Marketing and Accountancy & Finance for the main sector specific that our clients are concentrating on in these areas, and they are looking to hire Recruiters at the following levels:

Country Manager

Business Manager

Team Leaders

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Recruitment Consultant

Recruiters based both locally and native, as well as those looking to relocate will be considered.

Benefits

Along with a cheaper cost of living, great salaries and benefits, there is also the experience of working for leading recruitment agencies who enjoy an enviable reputation within the European recruitment market, so there’s a lot to be considered if positions in these locations is something that might be of interest to you?

If you would like to discuss these recruitment vacancies in Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, contact Paul Reid on: [email protected] or +44 7523 075164

We thought that as we work with recruiters looking for a new opportunity, and companies looking for new talent, it might be useful to share the Glassdoor rated Best Jobs in the UK.

Some of the entries aren’t surprising, however we were pleasantly surprised to see Recruitment make into on the list at number 23.

As we all know, recruitment can be a tough, demanding but rewarding industry to work in, and it’s perhaps a sign of the times, that working in it is finally being recognised by a wider audience as a talent rather than something that once was the cliched “fallen into” industry.

There’s strong presence across finance, technology and some broader job titles, and these are all based on three equally considered factors:

Earning potential based on median annual base salary, Job satisfaction rating and Number of job openings.

Have a read through the below, as I think if you work in the recruitment industry, it provides interesting reading:

Best Jobs 2019

After a long 50 years of toll fees on the Severn Bridge, today marks the day that these fees have been scrapped. We thought it would be useful to look at the positive impact that this will have on commuters in South Wales and the South West in 2019…

Many commuters who cross the Severn bridge every day will now save around £1500 per year on such fees. This is also estimated to boost the Welsh economy by around £100m as it opens exciting doors for businesses to set up new offices in Wales without the toll acting as a barrier. Those living on either side of the bridge can now look further afield when considering their career. In particular, recruitment is booming in both Cardiff and Bristol but Recruiters can widen their search for the right role and company without worrying about the cost of commuting.

There are already huge investments in smaller cities like Newport and Chepstow where new housing is being built and fantastic new shopping centers, restaurants and bars are opening. It is estimated that around 6000 houses are to be built on the Welsh border and around 1000 homes in Chepstow will be built during the coming year. This is also great news if you already own property in the areas of Cardiff, Newport, Portishead and Bristol as house prices are increasing due to the demand. In particular, house prices have increased by 16% in Chepstow and by 12% in Newport and Monmouth.

  If you’re considering looking further afield now that the tolls are scrapped, we are actively working with many recruitment agencies on both sides of the bridge. We have some exciting roles in various sectors and at all levels to start in 2019: • Associate Recruitment Director in Newport • IT Recruitment Consultant in Cardiff • Senior Construction Recruitment Consultant in Cardiff • Commercial Recruiter in Cardiff • Finance Recruitment Consultant in Portishead • Marketing Recruitment Consultant in Bristol • Trainee Recruitment Consultant in Bristol • Team Leader (IT) in Bristol

To find out more about what we have on offer in the South Wales and South West area, get in touch with our local consultants –

Sheli Barton at [email protected]

Ella McGerty at [email protected]

1)  Natural beauty meets modern city

Hong Kong is notorious for its skyscrapers and busy neon streets, but there is also an abundance of natural beauty to explore. With stunning views from hills to the North and tranquil beaches to the South, Hong Kong has 250 islands which are perfect for hiking, water sports, junk boat trips and sailing.

  2) Thriving expat community

With an expat community of 100,000 in Hong Kong, it is the perfect place to relocate with no alternative language skills. It is the ideal city for professionals to network and socialise with like-minded individuals.

  3) Efficiency

The government is dedicated to development, whether that be through investing in business, property or public organisations. Transport is innovative, clean and cheap, with the metro costing only 25p one way and taxis being extremely reasonable. The healthcare system is also ahead of its time and is free of charge. If you’re moving with a family, the standard of education is one of the best in the world.

  4) Travel!

With 15 bank holidays a year, it’s a great opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. With the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in close distance, you can spend long weekends travelling across the rest of Asia. Lamma Island is a 30-minute boat ride from downtown which is a nice getaway from the bustle of the city.

5) Low Taxes

Personal taxes are capped at 17%!

  6) Food, drink and nightlife

There’s something for everyone when it comes to socialising. As the culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong is also thriving when it comes to shopping. With traditional markets for local street food, commercial stores and more familiar restaurants, there’s always something new to try. Nightlife is buzzing and varied and Hong Kong has notorious social clubs that you can join.

7) Business is thriving

The government is always looking to develop key industries in Hong Kong, and with some of the world’s largest regional offices based there, it is an excellent location to progress your career. Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most successful hubs for the recruitment industry, with construction, engineering, digital and technology sectors continuing to flourish.

  8) Low crime rates

Whether you walk around the city in the day or the night, you will feel comfortable as the crime rates in Hong Kong are low compared to the UK.

  9) Property development

Live in an impressive futuristic apartment in the city or live in a spacious apartment, closer to the beach or pool. There’s always new buildings being developed somewhere in Hong Kong, so you can choose what neighborhood suits your lifestyle.

  10) Excellent salaries

Although the price of living and accommodation is higher than in the UK, salaries are strong and tax is low in Hong Kong, meaning that there’s excellent earning potential.

  Our consultant, Sheli Barton, is working with some of the most successful recruitment businesses across Hong Kong. With opportunities at all levels and across various sectors, there is an opportunity for everyone. With many businesses offering a relocation package, including visa costs, flights and the first months’ rent, it’s an excellent opportunity to make the move.

We have live vacancies across the following sectors-

Finance

Banking

Technology

Digital

Engineering

If you’re thinking about relocating to Hong Kong, or want to find out more, please get in touch with [email protected] for more info!

Skopje. Perhaps not the most common place to consider relocating to!!

First prize if you knew it was the capital of Macedonia. Second prize if you know anything else about this diverse country.

Did you know for example that the tax bracket is an eye watering 10%?

Or that Skopje is said to be 7000 years old. Or that Mother Theresa and Alexander the Great were born there. Or that there’s a growing recruitment scene in the Country, there had to be some reason we were writing about this, as we aren’t Bill Bryson.

What recruitment?

Due to the low cost of living, more and more Western European companies are positioning some of there recruitment business in Macedonia. This is not just down to money though, the quality of work, good location and excellent calibre of local talent means that recruitment searches and processes can be carried out by diligent teams, which are predominantly based in Skopje.

There’s all sorts going on there. From Executive Search companies who specialise in Tech Start-Ups to global brands who have concentrated their recruitment teams there.

What’s on offer?

We (Permanent People), are very fortunate to be recruiting for a brand new position, with a large Corporation who are looking to hire a Recruitment Manager to lead a small team of recruiters in the heart of Skopje.

The role will involve running the recruitment team within the business, and concentrate on placing contractors into International Agencies, such as NATO and the United Nations, amongst others. The business has already been won, and alongside the new work coming in, there is also a Project team who pass vacancies over, and it is the responsibility of the Recruitment Manager to ensure that the Delivery and Account Management of these opportunities are handled efficiently and proactively.

Due to the aforementioned living costs, and the salary of €42.000 plus bonuses, the earning will be the equivalent of £60,000 as a three bedroom house/apartment, can be rented for in the region of €500 per month. SO without going all location, location, location, it ticks a lot of boxes for an experienced recruiter who is looking for a very different type of international opportunity where they can join a global corporation, work In-House and earn good money.

What else?

The location is such that in the Winter, the Ski slopes of Bulgaria are within a short drive, and then in Summer, the Greek Islands are a similar distance. So all year round experiences to be had.

There’s also direct flights from the UK (comes as part of the package) and other excellent benefits that you’d expect when working for a large Corporation.

We lied.

This brief travel guide was actually a not-very-cleverly disguised job advert, but you get the point. It’s a great job, in a great location – we just want to speak with an experienced recruiter who reads this and thinks “that’s the job for me!”.

So if you come from one of the following job types, contact Paul Reid on +44 7523 075164 or email [email protected]  

Recruitment Manager

Team Leader

In-House/Internal Recruitment

Branch Manager

Talent Acquisition Manager

Basically any recruitment sector where you’ve lead a recruitment team and want to have a great job in Skopje

You get the picture.

Recruitment on the Coast – Relocating to the South Coast!

Moving to the South Coast is an attractive proposition for those who are looking to get away from the bustle of the larger cities and closer to the seaside. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, the South Coast has the perfect balance for recruiting and relaxing! 

  Cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton and towns like Bournemouth, are currently thriving; with modern shopping complexes and high-street stores, quirky pubs and seaside bistros, there is a mixture of the old and the new.  There is also one of the most desirable towns to live within England, which is Winchester. Winchester is a traditional, quaint town with riverside walks, winding streets and independent shops and cafes, all within a short commute to Southampton. The South Coast is perfect for anyone who likes water sports, hiking and the outdoors. As well as long sandy beaches, there is plenty of natural beauty around, including The New Forrest, a National Park known for it’s historic past and wild trails. The Jurassic Coast is also in close distance, one of the world’s heritage sites.

  And, it could be a great investment, with house prices rising year on year, it is becoming a sought-after area to buy property. If you’re looking to relocate with a family, there are excellent schools across the South, some of the UK’s leading Universities and a thriving student community.

Business is continuing to buzz across the South Coast as there are some huge company headquarters based there. The recruitment industry is currently flourishing in Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth as companies are taking a more relaxed approach to recruiting. The South Coast is a perfect location for work-life balance, and many of our clients are encouraging this. With the opportunity for flexible working, a generous holiday allowance, a laid-back culture and relaxed KPIs, these companies are rewarding their employees with a mature environment.

The South Coast is still well linked to the more cosmopolitan cities of London and Bristol, taking around two hours to get there. There are also international airports meaning that you can travel further afield. Or, you can stay closer to home and have a weekend away in Somerset or Cornwall.

Our consultant Ben has excellent relationships with some of the leading recruitment agencies in Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth. So, if you’re looking to start your career in recruitment, or you’re ready for your next challenge, Ben may have the perfect opportunity for you. We currently have positions at all levels and across various sectors, including:

Construction

Engineering

Energy

Finance

Accountancy

Maritime

IT

HR

Thinking about making a move?

Drop Ben an e-mail with your CV to [email protected], or give him a call on 0117 9055195 to discuss possible vacancies.