Why recruitment is getting harder!

Innovate UK has officially shifted its strategy. With £4.8bn earmarked for deployment over the next four years, the agency is moving away from "volume-based" grants toward a more focused, venture-style investment model. For founders, CEOs, and researchers, this isn't just a change in paperwork—it’s a structural shift in how your business must be positioned to secure support. 

Bringing a wealth of experience in construction and project management, this candidate has built a noteworthy career through dedication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to tackling challenges. Their career spans several key roles within the construction and refurbishment sectors, underscoring a robust understanding of both practical and managerial aspects of building projects. Their ability to thrive under pressure and commitment to fostering an environment of excellence make them a standout choice for the current vacancy. In their current role as a Contracts and Repairs Manager, they demonstrate exceptional capability in managing repair phases of subsidence claims, consistently ensuring efficient settlements. This includes comprehensive management of contractor performance, stakeholder relationships, and stringent planning and regulatory adherence, all while maintaining a focus on cost control and customer satisfaction. During their tenure as a Contracts Manager, they showcased a talent for handling multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from small to large-scale contracts. Their responsibilities included overseeing contract tendering, client liaison, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Their experience in managing insurance-related works and refurbishment projects provides a strong foundation for strategic decision-making and operations efficiency. The candidate's freelance period further enriched their skill set through diverse project management in residential, commercial, and new-build projects. They effectively coordinated various maintenance and refurbishment endeavours for high-profile clients, exhibiting a breadth of technical knowledge across multiple disciplines. This comprehensive expertise is reinforced by formal qualifications in electrical installations, demonstrating their in-depth understanding of both the technical and operational facets of construction projects.

Qualified By Experience Accountant looking for their next opportunity Hard-working and experienced QBE Accountant with 20 years practice experience (over 12 years running their own business which was successfully sold to a large local practice). Having previously had almost 100 clients in a variety of industries including agricultural, facilities management, restaurants, cleaning companies, motor industry, consultants, hairdressers and property investors. Positioned Company in the top 10 Marketplace Growth Voucher Scheme providers in the U.K., out of 350 nationwide approved Suppliers of the Service.

This candidate is a highly motivated and versatile professional with significant experience across a business. They possess strong communication and negotiation skills, complemented by a proactive approach to work, which has seen them excel in building and maintaining client relationships, leading teams, and managing operations. Currently, the candidate serves as an Office and HR Manager, where they efficiently manage account tasks, office operations, HR processes, and financial responsibilities. Their ability to perform diverse roles indicates a flexible and adaptable nature, making them well-suited for dynamic work environments. Earlier in their career, the candidate managed their own business, highlighting entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Their background in hospitality management provided a foundation in operations and quality control, further underpinning their well-rounded experience in business management and client engagement sectors.

This candidate is a highly motivated and versatile professional with significant experience across a business. They possess strong communication and negotiation skills, complemented by a proactive approach to work, which has seen them excel in building and maintaining client relationships, leading teams, and managing operations. Currently, the candidate serves as an Office and HR Manager, where they efficiently manage account tasks, office operations, HR processes, and financial responsibilities. Their ability to perform diverse roles indicates a flexible and adaptable nature, making them well-suited for dynamic work environments. Earlier in their career, the candidate managed their own business, highlighting entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Their background in hospitality management provided a foundation in operations and quality control, further underpinning their well-rounded experience in business management and client engagement sectors.

An accomplished accountant with over thirteen years of experience, this Audit Manager has an extensive background in both audit and finance management, having worked with leading global firms. Initially launching their career through a school leaver programme at Grant Thornton, they later joined KPMG where they gained valuable exposure in audit management and business development within the insurance sector. Progressing to a managerial role at Crowe, they quickly advanced to Senior Manager, showcasing strong leadership skills and expertise in managing client portfolios across various industries.  Currently operating as a contractor, the candidate has diversified into consultancy roles, reflecting a strategic shift to gain broader industry exposure. Their tenure as a Finance Consultant saw them overseeing financial operations across multiple regions, contributing to the financial planning and strategic analysis for international entities. Their experience in leading audit engagements and developing financial processes illustrates their adeptness in ensuring compliance with international standards such as IFRS and US GAAP, and their initiative in identifying business opportunities underlines their strategic mindset.

This candidate brings a wealth of experience in marketing and senior leadership from both the not-for-profit and private sectors, showcasing a dedicated focus on customer-centric strategies and team empowerment. Their career is anchored by significant achievements in enhancing marketing communications and public relations, evidenced by remarkable growth in media and social media engagement, strategic bidding support, and the mobilisation of EDI initiatives. In recent roles, the candidate has successfully boosted press reach and achieved substantial engagement growth through strategic marketing strategies. Their leadership extends to deputising for top positions and driving organisational initiatives such as impact monitoring and project excellence, indicating their versatility and capacity for handling diverse responsibilities. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is further highlighted in their time as an Independent Advisor and Director for a sports-centric Community Interest Corporation, where their strategic input led to securing crucial funding and establishing media relationships. Previous experience includes significant contributions to race equality initiatives in sport, resulting in enhanced public reach, increased funding, and strategic press connections. Earlier roles include a tenure at an international business, where they were integral to brand identity, customer acquisition, and retention strategies across multiple countries. Their impact in promoting inclusive marketing strategies and crisis management is noteworthy, alongside impressive advancements in sales and channel partnerships. Beyond their professional endeavours, the candidate is engaged in volunteer activities, such as public speaking on mental health and EDI, and coaching a sport in their private time at high competitive levels. Their accolades, including multiple awards for marketing excellence and recognition in diversity initiatives, further underscore their industry expertise and leadership calibre.

This candidate brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the field of Facilities Management, showcasing an impressive track record in managing diverse, complex environments. With a strong educational background in Chemistry, complemented by professional qualifications such as CIWFM and NEBOSH certification, they are well-equipped to tackle senior roles in Facilities or Health and Safety management. Their management acumen is evidenced by their current oversight of a £3.5 million Facilities Management budget and the successful delivery of high-value projects. A notable achievement includes a £2.4 million fit-out project that transformed 20,000 square feet of conferencing space into usable lab and office areas. Their strategic approach includes implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimise supplier management and driving cost efficiencies whilst maintaining service excellence. Their career history spans across various senior roles where they have demonstrated leadership in Health and Safety, space planning, and refurbishment projects. They have been instrumental in managing multi-site operations, leading large teams, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. Their proficiency in contract negotiation and relationship management further supports organisational goals through seamless delivery of facilities services. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, this candidate effectively liaises with stakeholders at all levels, cultivating robust customer relations and managing client expectations. Their passion for mentoring underscores their commitment to team development and operational excellence, making them an ideal candidate for a challenging senior role in a dynamic and diverse environment.

A seasoned Shipping and Logistics professional with a robust track record in logistics and freight forwarding, this candidate excels in partnering with shippers to optimise shipment planning and execution. Their comprehensive understanding of the supply chain is demonstrated through hands-on experience with vendors, factories, freight forwarders, and shipping lines, ensuring efficient and effective operations. Skilled in fostering collaborative environments and maintaining open communication, they have consistently delivered high levels of customer satisfaction.  In their current role as a Senior Customer Logistics Coordinator, they have successfully managed the release and coordination of shipments, dealing with significant global disruptions such as Brexit, COVID-19, and the Suez Canal crisis. These accomplishments underline their strategic planning and problem-solving abilities. Previously, as a Senior Clearing and Forwarding Import Controller, they led key operations for major clients, optimising documentation processes to avert unnecessary costs and enhance logistics efficiency. Awarded with honours in Customs Clearing certifications, they possess a solid educational foundation in the field. Proficient in MS Office and various Commercial Customs Programmes, they bring attention to detail, excellent time management, and critical thinking skills to every task. Adaptable, reliable, and a strong team player, they offer valuable expertise to enhance any logistics operation.