New to Market

4 June 2025

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.”

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27 May 2025

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

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.

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20 May 2025

International manufacturer invests £170m in North Wales facility

The UK and Welsh governments have welcomed the investment into a new facility from the international manufacturer.

The announcement comes as the UK and EU hold a summit to discuss future opportunities to boost economic growth.

The landmark development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation per year and create around 140 direct jobs, with more in local supply chains.

The announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit that took place on Monday [19 May 2025].

Secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens said: “This £170m investment by Knauf Insulation is fantastic news for North Wales and our UK government mission to drive economic growth.”

Using UK-First Submerged Arc Furnace technology, the new factory will produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

The UK and Welsh government-backed North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone collectively support the decision by Knauf Insulation to lo-cate a second plant in the area.

As leaders in the production of sustainable building materials, Knauf Insulation’s expansion further supports the growing advanced manufacturing cluster in North Wales.

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7 September 2023

NEW TO THE MARKET: 4-8 SEPTEMBER 2023

• A smart new platform has launched which leverages dating strategies, AI and video to help businesses of all sizes find the best fit for their vacant positions. Candydate.app is an applicant matching system (AMS) which uses short videos and assistive AI technology to transform the traditional hiring process. It marries the visual appeal of social media-style video with the efficiency of artificial intelligence, while underscoring the importance of first impressions and collective decision making.

• Neurodiversity support provider Creased Puddle has launched the Occupational Health service solely focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Registered nurse Robert Manson has joined the Creased Puddle team to lead the new service.

Deel has launched a Project Get Hired initiative to help impacted talent re-enter the workforce and to support companies looking to match ideal talent with open roles. Workers can use Deel’s Get Hired Hub to see where to find job openings; get tips and insights from Deel’s own talent acquisition team; and download checklists and guides for effective job searches, resume tips, and cover letter writing. Workers can sign up for free headshots, which are all done remotely.

Nash Squared has announced the launch of managed service provider (MSP) and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) brand Flexhuis in the US. Flexhuis will offer US mid-sized organisations the opportunity to simplify the complexities in the hiring, onboarding, and workforce management processes, allowing them to quickly connect with skilled talent to drive their businesses forward.

Occupop, a recruitment software firm for small and medium-sized businesses, has introduced an AI prompt library known as the ‘ChatGPT prompt library for recruitment’. The resource is specifically designed to aid talent acquisition professionals in uncovering, evaluating, and generating effective prompts tailored to various recruitment and HR activities. With a collection of more than 100 prompts curated from a diverse group of recruiters and hiring managers, the prompt library for recruitment aims to simplify the integration of AI for hiring managers by offering them expert-validated prompts that are ready to be employed across a spectrum of AI tools. The streamlined approach also allows users to copy the prompts with a single click, optimising time and efficiency.

Storm4, a leader in global GreenTech recruitment, has launched Future Mobility by Storm4, a specialist sub-brand focused on the sustainable transportation industry. Led by Rebecca Saggar, Future Mobility by Storm4 is about “catalysing the conversation around future mobility” and “accelerating the transition to a cleaner and electric tomorrow”.

21 August 2023

Adjacency relaunches executive search division and expands its reach

Next month [September 2023], managing director Miles Greenslade (pictured) will relaunch Adjacency Executive Search with a new partner, expanding the division to encompass national and international business as a result of an acquisition.

Following the departure of founding partner Joe Graham in May this year, Adjacency plans to expand its presence into new locations, signalling its commitment to enhancing its reach and providing localised expertise, according to a statement from the company.

Greenslade says: “We're thrilled to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, new branding and website, as well as the upcoming re-launch and growth of Adjacency Executive Search. This year has been full of change, with founding partner Joe Graham taking a step away from Adjacency to pursue a new career. We are only in the place we are due to his guidance, and I thank him for all he has given to me, and the business during our 10-year partnership.”

As part of its growth strategy, the company has relocated its head office within the prestigious regency building Darwin House in Cheltenham. This move will not only accommodate the expansion of its workforce, but also provide a platform to rebrand and reflects its ambitious vision, growth strategy, and unwavering commitment to their clients and candidates alike.

There is also an acquisition in the pipeline, which is still to be finalised, according to the company. 

Adjacency specialises in early management to board-level appointments across finance, sales & marketing, human resources and business support, with specialist consultants operating in each discipline and covering the region spanning from Birmingham to Bristol and across to Oxford and South Wales.

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21 August 2023

Public sector collaboration in London to boost social worker recruitment

The first-of-its kind regional framework in partnership with London Councils and the London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LIIA) – Framework for London in Permanent Children’s Social Work Recruitment (FLiP) – aims to improve compliant access to permanent children’s social workers for all London local authorities.

The YPO framework provides authorities with a consistent route to 16 specialist children’s social care service suppliers, including a range of national and local suppliers to support regional requirements.

FLiP has been created on behalf of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ALDCS) following the implementation of the London Pledge. This has enabled closer and consistent engagement with the agency market to support improvements that respond to challenges the sector faces in recruiting and retaining permanent staff.

This YPO framework guarantees uniformity in price structure, stable costs, a single point of contact for recruitment, and a standard of service through pre-agreed terms and conditions. YPO’s FLiP is valued at £20m and will provide both “full” and “reduced” service offerings for London local authorities.

Jonathan Williams, speaking on behalf of the association of London directors of Children’s Services (ALDCS) pan-London Workforce Steering Group, added: “The recruitment and retention of children’s social workers is an ongoing issue for the sector.”

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21 August 2023

Danforth Care Group creates 250+ jobs in care sector

According to online news organisation Bdaily, the eight care homes have been opened all over the country, from Lancashire to Norwich. 

Opening a new care home doesn’t come without challenges, from regulation sign off, to recruitment and gaining admissions. For the care homes opened so far this year, Danforth has faced these challenges head on.

Hiring staff who are completely in line with Danforth’s values is a must for the group. The first care home openings have been a success and have prompted positive reviews, but the main thing for Danforth is the longevity of excellence. Staff will have constant training and will always be held to Danforth’s high standards and values.

Jessica Blythe, chief of staff at Danforth Care, says “when it comes to overcoming challenges such as meeting building completion deadlines, a good knowledge for the local area has been imperative. Having the support of a good team and a home manager who can be on board from the start of the commissioning process is also very helpful”.

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