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New to Market

12 June 2025
Creative/Digital/Media, IT/Telecoms

NEW TO THE MARKET: 9-13 JUNE 2025

• Lattice has announced its next generation of AI agent functionalities aimed at streamlining HR operations and improving workplace productivity. Key updates include voice input for hands-free interaction, automated 1:1 meeting summaries, and a dashboard delivering proactive management insights. A new ‘Coach’ feature offers real-time guidance to managers and employees, while expanded integrations bring the AI Agent into tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Overlaying these new functions, Lattice’s new AI Agent Platform allows companies to build their own agents. Employees will be able to create their own AI agents that can be customised to their data, roles and systems.

• IT blog makethehire.com has launched to explore and share insights on how tech is shaping the recruitment world – from applicant tracking systems and AI tools to sourcing automation and candidate experience platforms.

4 June 2025
Oil & gas/Energy, Life sciences

Green energy firm aims to bring skilled jobs to Kent

Hydrogen TE (UK) is seeking planning permission from Kent County Council to build the UK’s first waste-to-hydrogen base at a 10-acre site in Manston, near Ramsgate. The project aims to convert household and commercial waste into clean hydrogen, significantly cutting landfill and carbon emissions.

According to a report from news site BDaily, bosses say the jobs would include skilled and graduate roles, alongside a training centre to foster local talent. The hydrogen produced will supply commercial heavy vehicle fleets and waste management operations, helping meet UK net-zero targets.

Michael Engsted, Hydrogen TE managing director, says: “This area of Kent has seen a huge depletion in jobs over the past few decades, which has forced many skilled workers and graduates to relocate.

“We are determined to help revitalise the local community by giving talented individuals a reason for staying here. We are committed to prioritising local recruitment for positions including finance, engineering and science.”

According to BDaily, the company also has plans to expand with a second plant near Newport, Wales. Joint MD Jeremy Parkin adds: “We are keen to establish the standard for plants like this, which will one day become a familiar sight across the UK.”

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.

27 May 2025
Creative/Digital/Media, Industrial/Manufacturing

NEW TO THE MARKET: 27-30 MAY 2025

• Aston University has announced a new initiative, guaranteeing all full-time master’s students a professional internship as part of their studies. Launching in September 2025, the Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme will be available to students enrolled in MSc, MA and MBA programmes at both the Birmingham and London campuses.

This scheme is designed to enhance employability by providing high-quality industry placements lasting between one and six months. These internships may be conducted in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, and will be facilitated through Aston’s global network of employers. The initiative is available to both UK and international students.

• Worcestershire-based Four Squared Recruitment has launched its new Recruitment Academy, a strategic initiative aimed at developing early careers and entry-level talent. The Academy supports new entrants with structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to prepare them for the demands of a competitive job market. Three new team members have also joined Four Squared as a result of the programme. The initiative helps close the gap between emerging candidates and evolving industry needs.

• Gi Group UK, part of global company Gi Group Holding, is strengthening its position in the recruitment and HR sector by delivering forklift and material handling equipment (MHE) training. With warehouse operative roles in high demand across the UK, the company provides essential upskilling opportunities to meet the growing needs of the logistics sector. The MHE training programme supports up to three candidates daily and is RTITB-approved, ensuring high standards of safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

• Technology recruitment provider itris has launched itris X, a cloud-based CRM and applicant tracking system (ATS) built specifically for recruitment agencies and staffing professionals. The new platform is designed to streamline the entire talent acquisition process with a focus on automation, scalability, and ease of use. itris X addresses core operational challenges in recruitment by offering AI-powered automation to reduce repetitive tasks, advanced reporting tools for performance insights, and personalised candidate communication features. The system is accessible across devices and integrates with a wide range of recruitment tools and platforms. Key features include lead and marketing management, user-friendly design and comprehensive customer support. itris X is scalable for use by both small agencies and large global firms, maintaining performance and usability regardless of company size.

• ManpowerGroup has launched the Work Intelligence Lab, a new global initiative designed to help employers and workers understand and adapt to the impact of AI on jobs and skills. With over half of employers (53%) already using AI in hiring and onboarding, the Lab provides real-time insights into how automation is transforming the labour market. The Lab leverages Manpower Group’s workforce data, drawn from millions of placements over 70 countries, and integrates real-time hiring trends, employer demand and worker sentiment. It aims to give organisations clearer visibility into emerging skill requirements, role changes and workforce dynamics.

27 May 2025
Oil & gas/Energy, Engineering

Energy recruitment firm launches in Aberdeen

Founded by Alan Golightly (pictured), an experienced recruitment professional with more than 27 years in the industry, the company targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) requiring tailored support for complex hiring needs. 

The firm provides permanent recruitment solutions for technical and engineering roles, as well as short-term internal recruitment assistance to help businesses manage hiring fluctuations without increasing fixed costs. Agilient also offers custom recruitment strategies that align with clients’ specific values and growth plans.

Golightly previously worked for, among other oil & gas recruiters, NES Fircroft, and launches Agilient from global energy recruiter Simpson Booth.

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.

27 August 2024
Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Commercial & office support, Industrial/Manufacturing

Two branches merge to create Kingdom People Manchester

The company says this strategic move “aims to enhance the provision of industrial and commercial recruitment and staffing solutions across the North-West”.

Experienced recruiter Scott Owen (above, right), who also oversees sales for Kingdom People Bolton, Rotherham and Lincolnshire, has been appointed sales director for the new Manchester branch to lead the firm’s ambitious growth plans.

Alex Thompson, operations director at Kingdom People, who oversees all operations, said that merging the two Manchester recruitment businesses was a logical step, following several key strategic acquisitions across the UK, and the consolidation “allows us to leverage our brand more effectively across the North West”.

Mike Rogers (above, left), chief operating officer of Kingdom People, welcomes the merger and Owen’s appointment: “Kingdom People Manchester is a key player in our branch network, which Alex and Scott will steer. The network now sits at five locations, with plans to increase to six or seven by the end of the year.”

According to Rogers, the network, supplemented by its managed services division, will deliver £70m of labour solutions across the UK, and “will exceed £100m soon”. 

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.

20 August 2024
Engineering, Construction & property, Graduates/Apprentices/School leavers

NEW TO THE MARKET: 19-23 AUGUST 2024

• Home builder Hayfield has launched its 2024 Graduate Development Programme. Established in 2022, the scheme provides graduates a career path in the housebuilding sector. The programme offers financial investment, on-the-job training, and supports professional qualifications and NVQs. The programme is customised to each graduate, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience. Interested graduates should contact Hayfield’s HR director Sara Hope at [email protected]

8 August 2024
Life sciences, Construction & property, Banking/Financial services, Executive search, Interim recruitment, Healthcare/Medical, Accounting/Finance

NEW TO THE MARKET: 5-9 AUGUST 2024

• Bluestones Investment Group has announced a joint venture and launched 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, according to a statement, the business will evolve to also provide contract and temporary recruitment services, as founders Darrach Teague and Seamus Moore grow the business. 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.

• Môrwell Talent Solutions, a specialist accounting and finance sector recruitment agency, has launched in Cardiff. The start-up has been created by joint directors Sarah Jones and Ceri Leath, who bring a combined experience of 35 years in recruitment, to provide permanent and interim talent for businesses looking for accounting and financial talent in Cardiff and South Wales.

• Scotland’s construction trade association SELECT has launched a new online employment resource to help companies source key personnel. The body is introducing a free jobs board to allow its 1,240 member firms to advertise vacancies directly on the front page of the SELECT website. Adverts include the full job description and details of how to contact the company to find out more.

• The Barton Partnership has opened its first office in Sydney, Australia. James Roberts leads the APAC business and the firm’s private equity and financial services practice across the region. The executive recruitment firm also has offices in London, New York, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong.

30 July 2024
Rec-to-rec, Transport & logistics, Industrial/Manufacturing, IT/Telecoms, HR, Apprentices/Grads/School leavers

NEW TO THE MARKET: 29 JULY-2 AUGUST 2024

• Freelance platform Fiverr has announced it has shifted from a services marketplace to a hiring platform. It is aimed at addressing the major changes in the workplace including a heightened focus on skills and upskilling, diverse new roles and the integration of new technologies. Fiverr provides businesses of all sizes with expanded options to recruit skilled talent. The platform now allows hiring managers to better recruit talent by showcasing freelancers’ complete skill sets and offering flexible hourly work options. Its new professions catalogue enables customers to search for freelancers based on their professions and skills, offering rich information about a freelancer’s background and experience.

• FTW Recruitment has launched a no-fee hiring service for the warehousing sector. FTW Recruitment, based in Liverpool, is a newly formed part of training provider FTW Training, which specialises in giving unemployed individuals with the skills, expertise and certifications needed to excel in the warehousing industry. The recruitment service also has wider benefits for employers, as partnering with the initiative enhances a company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

• Hunted, an online platform connecting rec-to-rec firms, recruiters and suppliers to the recruitment industry, is relaunching tomorrow (1 August 2024). Acquired in November 2023 by Elliott Manning, CEO of Kayman Recruitment, Hunted has undergone significant redevelopment, according to the company. The platform allows recruitment companies to showcase themselves and advertise roles, while recruiters can discover and apply to companies globally. Additionally, Hunted features a supplier directory for industry-related services such as CRMs, PEOs, lawyers and accountants. Future updates will include training tools and a recruitment podcast page.

• Mercury, a software company specialising in recruitment and staffing, has announced a strategic, multi-year alliance with Microsoft. This partnership grants Mercury and its agency clients access to Microsoft’s Cloud and AI technologies, significantly enhancing their ability to search, match and hire top talent. According to a company statement, the partnership will leverage AI-powered tools to substantially increase consultant capacity, enhance business development and improve fill rates with fewer candidate submissions. Mercury’s platform, built on Microsoft’s Power Platform, already integrates with vital recruitment tools like LinkedIn and Microsoft Teams.

• European HR software company Personio has announced its integration with online accounting software provider Xero to offer new payroll processes for its UK customers. Personio’s integration with Xero will enable customers to tap into accurate and up-to-date data stored in Personio, while the interface ensures streamlined and secure transition of data to the Xero platform for the payroll run itself. Payroll managers can now sync employee data, fixed salaries, one-time and recurring payments and custom pay periods across Personio and Xero, with absences coming soon.

• India-based executive search firm The Taplow Group has announced strategic investments to expand its philanthropy and not-for-profit practice across Asia and Africa regions. Over the past 10 years, the firm has delivered C-Suite searches and non-executive board positions for organisations in the social impact sector including philanthropic foundations, international non-profit organisations, impact funds, social enterprises and CSR both in India and the larger Asia and Africa regions.

Taplow India recently expanded its reach into the manufacturing, consumer and retail and education sectors. It operates in sectors including industrial, life sciences, professional services, energy and aviation.

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