The 15 biggest recruiting highlights of 2015

In many ways 2015 was a good year for recruitment. The pendulum started to swing back the way of agency recruiters. Profits are largely up across the globe, and the howl of misguided fanatics promising to ‘destroy’ third party recruiters has dropped to a low rumbling, as it becomes clear that recruiters are not going to be uber-ised any time soon.

On a personal note, I had a fun, productive and interesting year, and I thought I would share some of the highlights with you, because they contain many lessons for all of us.

• People2people turned 10 years old. The company I helped three of my ex-Recruitment Solutions staff launch in 2005, celebrated a massive decade of success. Now with over 50 staff, 5 offices and revenues in excess of 30 million, they have done a superb job, and I have enjoyed supporting them from the sidelines as a shareholder and non-executive Director. The 10-year celebration party was a banger too!

The founding shareholders of P2P celebrate 10 great years!

• My Brisbane-based client WattsNext, an innovative HR outsourcing business, took the brave decision to close it’s recruitment division (which contributed 30% of revenue and was highly profitable), because it was not a core service, and was in fact a distraction from their primary goal. It was a tough call, which took lots of Board-Room debate, and required a firm grip on short term vs. long-term goals, but it’s paid off in spades already. The core HR. consulting business has grown exponentially, and the company vision is now so much easier to articulate to all stakeholders. Huge credit to Wattsnext, and a lesson for all of us.

• 1,000 recruiters attended my ‘Will the Golden Era of Recruitment pass you by’ Masterclass around Australia and New Zealand. That was a pretty cool achievement in itself, and I was gratified at how well the content was received as well.

Some of the 1,000 recruiters that came to the RCSA Greg Savage Masterclass 2015

• Consult Recruitment, my client in Auckland, embarked on a planned growth strategy, set by the Board, and implemented to the letter by the management. The results are there for all to see. Staff numbers up from 5 to 15. Revenue increased 75% year-on-year, GP up 60 %, and Operating Profit before tax doubled. They also hit a range of other key metrics like temporary GP staying above 60% of total GP. An exceptional year, which sets them up for further growth, and cements their position as market leader in accounting recruitment in Auckland. Good people doing a great job, and reaping just rewards. Check out their new website BTW.

• My Sydney client Precision Sourcing was growing revenue significantly year on year — but profit was dropping! There were several reasons for this, but front and centre was millions of dollars of government contracting work at margins between 5% and 8%. This was a classic case of chasing revenue over profit, and it was creating risk and losses. The hard message that emerged from our first Board meeting was, ‘fire these clients now unless they will increase pay rates‘. The decision was made. Current contracts would be honored, but no new assignments would be filled at these rates. This was a courageous move, as this government work comprised 52% of the total company revenue! However, since this initiative, profits have surged (on lower revenues) and in a gorgeous irony, many of those self-same ‘fired’ clients have come back to request contractors — at full margins! Respect to Precision for holding firm and doing the very, very hard yards.

• I was the keynote speaker at the Evolve Summit in the Czech Republic, which was a blast involving beer, babes, bands and… dogs. On top of all this, the organisers had prepared for my arrival with large printed signs, which read ‘I Love Greg Savage‘, which were enthusiastically waved by attendees throughout the day. This does not happen to me very often (i.e.. never!). I sent a picture of this to my wife. Her response is not printable here.

Hmmm… not sure that sign is going to fly…

• I volunteered to be a mentor in the RCSA PEARL Mentoring Program, and spent a couple of hours a month with my mentee, which was a rewarding experience for me, and I hope for her too. You should look into it. Either to grow as a mentee or contribute as a mentor.

• I assisted in the acquisition of Devlin Alliance in Melbourne, took a significant shareholding in the business myself, help re-brand it to People2people (Victoria) Pty Limited, and have supported Erin Devlin as she grew the business from 2 to eight people, increased temp numbers from 10 to 75, and created a strong profitable operation, poised for big things in 2016. That has been fun.

• For decades I have spoken to Agency recruiters at conferences, seminars and breakfast briefings. In 2015 I found myself regularly invited to address the HR and Talent Acquisition sectors, usually for corporate clients such at Oracle, Optiver, Corum Group or at Industry Groups such as the Trans-Tasman Business Circle. This required different thought from me, and was very stimulating. I met some great new people too!

Talking to the HR set for Oracle

• I delivered social and digital marketing strategies to several clients and it’s been a huge buzz for me to see the online success of companies like Wattsnext, People2people, Consult Recruitment, and Triple0 Medical, all of whom can point to significant ROI in terms of clients won, candidates generated, advertising costs saved and brand built. Don’t take my word for it. Look at their online footprint, and ask them directly if you wish. All will agree the social strategy changed their business. In some cases it’s totally transformed their business. Beyond cool.

• My 2015 UK speaking Tour (The tour formerly known as my trip to the Rugby World Cup) was successful beyond my wildest expectations. Five Masterclasses in Manchester and London, all sold out… and rave reviews. That was a relief!

Speaking to the UK recruiters in October 2015

• I have greatly enjoyed my role as an advisor to the HR Tech start-up Live Hire, and have been so impressed with the technology and business plan, that I’ve taken a small shareholding myself, and continue to assist, in a small way, as they grow rapidly.

• Leaving the RCSA Ball, a highly inebriated recruiter, swaying in the lift, looked at my wife who had her arm in mine, and said ‘My GOD, you are beautiful‘. Then he looked at me, bemused, and said, ‘and who the hell are you’? I enjoyed the moment, but my wife loved it!

I can see why he was confused…

• In a surprise bit of news I was voted ‘Australia’s most influential Recruiter in the last 60 years’. (Equal with John Plummer Snr). While not a highly scientific poll, it was a vote from my senior industry peers so I was honoured.

• In 2015 my brother Chris joined me amongst the ranks of the unemployed, so I have asked him to tag along on my next speaking tour, although in truth he will do most of the work, carry the bags,  and pay for all the red wine on the way. Don’t tell him will you?

Wishing you all a fantastic 2016!

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Owner Manager Masterclass. ‘Powering Profits in Disrupted times’. With Chris Savage. Six cities, Australia and New Zealand. Over 200 signed up already.  Early Bird Discounts available now but closing soon!

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