Is it just me, or is this year going very (and suspiciously) quickly? It feels like weeks ago I was typing “Happy New Year” as the header of the January post, and wondering where to start! They do say that when you’re older, time seems to go quicker…

Anyway! We’re cracking on into April now, and we’ve seen a great deal of successes from our clients this quarter, in terms of award wins, new client wins and senior appointments being made. We’ve also had the delight of going on a trip to London to visit two clients that had approached us to deliver new projects for them in the North West. So far this year, we’ve met 114 people, who are looking for new roles, and we’re working with 19 brand new clients across the North. It’s been a great start to the year, and we’ve been gifted 3 times in the Agency team for the work we have done for candidates!

March has seen some change in markets, notably across integrated and digital with a shift on focus from the more senior-level roles to mid-level Account Manager positions. Please find below some bullet points as to what each consultant is finding in their specialist areas:

Emma: Integrated and Creative Agencies, North West

• Decline of senior level roles, with more of a focus on Account Managers/SAE and SAM. A couple of entry level roles are currently available for candidates with 6 months – 1 year’s commercial experience. Agency side ideally
• Retail and Shopper positions are still incredibly prevalent
• Small to mid-sized agencies not in the city centre seem to be recruiting much more recently.
• With 4 Planner positions currently available across B2B and FMCG, this specialism is in high demand once more!
• Lunches and meetings with agencies booked in to talk about their plans for Q2 and the rest of the year

Ian: Digital and Media agencies

• After seeing a high proportion of senior roles in January / February, many agencies are now looking at Account Manager and Account Executive level currently as their Business Development activities early in the year pay off with new client wins
• High demand for Account Managers with Project Management skills within smaller agencies without the resources for a dedicated PM functions. Interesting and varied roles as a result
• Working exclusively with a Cheshire based agency looking to invest in a Commercial Director to help them realise their plans to double in size over the next two years!
• Lots of meetings booked in April to pick up roles within growing agencies – contact us now if you’re looking for a new challenge!

Nicola: Creative

• March started with a client visit to a well-established branding agency in Manchester, having been aware of them for quite some time it was nice to finally visit the site and meet some of the team. They have an impressive portfolio of clients and a fantastic benefit’s package that they pride themselves on and make all the team there very happy and settled. Currently looking for a Junior/ Mid-level Front-end Developer. Know anyone?

• Myself, Emma and Ian also took a trip to London to visit a new client who was mentioned in last month’s feature. This agency is developing a presence in the North and implanting creative teams within their client’s offices across the UK. I look forward to working continually with the team in the near future and am thrilled to be part of such an exciting project.
• I am also working on some very exciting roles in the North, one of the UK’s biggest retailers are going through a digital transformation and are looking for talented Digital Designer’s from Midweight level up to team lead. Are you looking for a new role?
• I have met some brilliant candidates this month, in particular, I am working with 2 Creative Copywriters and 2 Senior Designers. All from Creative, Branding and a

Advertising Agencies looking for a new role contract or permanent.  Do you have a vacancy within your team?

Sarah: PR Agencies

• B2B is definitely in demand – This month I’ve spoken to a range of Manchester based agencies that are actively looking for B2B candidates at ALL levels. I have had several  Account Executive/ Senior Account Executive briefs with agencies at varying sizes as well as a couple of Senior level B2B roles looking for niche experience
• Fashion is the flavour right now – This week alone I’ve had 2 briefs from agencies both looking for Digital PR/Social Media specialists who have had experience working with fashion or lifestyle brands.
• Leeds has got Talent – Or has it? Tenuous link sorry but I have numerous roles in Leeds – PR Account Director, Content Manager, Social Media Account Manager, PR Account Manager but not too many candidates…. Leeds people, if you’re interested in a move please get in touch!
• Relocators – Another great month speaking with candidates looking to make the move up to the North West or West Yorkshire areas. The mixture of great work, amazing agencies, even more amazing people and cheaper than London living definitely has it’s perks…

George: Integrated and Creative Agencies, Yorkshire

• Increased demand for SAS / SQL marketing analysts at all levels. Had 3 new roles come in for different agencies that require this skill set
• Continued demand for shopper candidates. Again mixed levels, particularly AM to AD
• Towards the back end of last month, we saw agencies declare new client wins, resulting in considerable growth within their teams, both on an immediate scale and with the expectation to develop as the account begins to grow

Piece of Advice of the month:

Or “Advice Corner” we should probably say now to shorten it!!

Emma has recently had internal training with the mighty James Lawson, HR Recruitment Specialist on how to optimise your LinkedIn profile and modernise your CV. If you would like (free) advice on this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. When we meet, we will always offer CV advice, interview tips and ways to make yourself more successful in getting your dream job. We’re called Recruitment Consultants as we’re here to advice, support and guide you through your job search.

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