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New to Market

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.”

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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.

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20 May 2025
Oil & gas/Energy, Transport & logistics

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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18 August 2022
Oil & gas/Energy, Engineering, Commercial & office support, HR, Apprentices/Grads/School leavers

NEW TO THE MARKET: 15-19 AUGUST 2022

• UK Power Networks has launched a new training programme for 16-18-year-olds from underrepresented backgrounds in South London. Twelve students will partici-pate through youth empowerment charity Urban Synergy and spend a month at the energy firm completing the DREAM programme. The group will work across various departments including asset management, employee engagement, communications and procurement. Upon completion, trainees will be rewarded with certificates and receive further mentorship to boost their job prospects and confidence.

9 August 2022
Transport & logistics, Industrial/Manufacturing

NEW TO THE MARKET: 8-12 AUGUST 2022

• Midlands recruitment agency Encore Personnel has launched a section on its website for Ukrainian refugees looking for employment in the UK. The recruitment firm has signposted a clear and accessible route to finding, applying for and securing suitable roles across a variety of sectors from logistics to manufacturing.

Encore is providing specific online resources to guide and support Ukrainian jobseekers in their job hunt. Applicants will be guided through the whole experience with expert advice on CV writing, interview advice and preparation, and personalised support on job application forms. The new web resources have been translated into Ukrainian, so refugees urgently in need of work have one less barrier to overcome in their job hunt. Its town centres branches across the region will enable Ukrainian jobseekers to have face-to-face appointments with Encore’s consultants as they search for the right role.

In addition, Encore has also opened a new office in Warrington, Cheshire. It will be led by Rob Price who brings more than 15 years’ experience in the industry to the company.

• Flexible staffing agency GIG has reopened and expanded its Manchester office, which will be led by Tony Carnall who has a background in hospitality. GIG is a staffing agency that allows maximum flexibility for their workers and clients, whilst still being able to offer greater protection compared to others in the gig economy.

5 August 2022
Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Construction & property, Commercial & office support, Hospitality/Leisure, Apprentices/Grads/School leavers

Programme helps adults with learning difficulties transition to employment

The programme aims to help people gain competitive, marketable skills to enter into paid work.

The project, which will take place in Flintshire, involves total workplace immersion, facilitating a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on skills training and is being run in partnership with national learning disability charity Hft, ClwydAlyn and Flintshire County Council.

DFN Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year transition to employment programme for young people with a learning disability and autism or both.

Kicking off in September, the programme includes team building, workplace safety, presentation skills, jobseeking skills, money management and employer specific skills. The internships will be hosted in a variety of different job sectors including catering, administration, reception work, maintenance, construction and painting/decorating, organisers said.

“Nationally only 5.1% of people with these needs are in paid employment, yet 70% of those supported by DFN Project SEARCH secure paid roles,” the organisation said in a statement. “DFN Project SEARCH’s evidence-based model challenges misconceptions and changes the way society views and enables young adults with learning disabilities and autism to ensure that they reach their true and full potential.”

DFN Project SEARCH works to build a more inclusive society by helping to create improved career opportunities for those with learning disabilities and autism. Evidence shows that being in employment improves health and wellbeing and is central to individual identity, social roles and social status. It is widely recognised that people in work tend to enjoy happier and healthier lives than those who are not in work.

Transitioning people from education straight into competitive employment also saves money for health and social care by creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities to become net contributors rather than recipients of adult social care and health services.

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5 August 2022
IT/Telecoms

NEW TO THE MARKET: 1-5 AUGUST 2022

• Recruitment agency Connect Appointments has launched its new job search app for jobseekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The free Connect Livingston App sends job opportunities directly to mobile devices, which it says takes the stress out of the job search.

• Technology staffing specialist Primis has moved to a new office in Birmingham. The office, located on Temple Row and close to New Street station, will accommodate the firm’s growth plans. It features various meeting rooms for clients to hire, a rooftop terrace and bar.

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