Let’s Celebrate Local!

Lucy Oliver is the Managing Consultant at Pertemps, which is one of the largest providers of staffing solutions in the UK, with over 200 branches up and down the country.

How are you feeling about your business?

Recent months have certainly had a huge impact on the recruitment industry, but we remain positive and optimistic as lockdown eases and a sense of normality is slowly beginning to reappear as employees are called to return to work. We have an increasing number of jobs being advertised at the moment as businesses face irregular peaks and waves of customer demand. The past few months have led to a new nature of recruiting by large-scale adoption of remote working and changes in our digital strategy, enabling us to innovate our approach and embrace what will become the new normal.

How are you feeling about business in general?

What has impressed me most recently is the resilience local businesses have shown in pulling their sleeves up and just getting on with things. It has been so difficult for everyone but there still seems to be a very upbeat mood among companies, certainly the ones we have been talking to. Hard staffing decisions have been made which have clearly not been easy and there will undoubtedly be more upheaval in the coming weeks and months. However, the adaptability and flexibility companies are showing has been admirable, so I remain confident of a brighter future.

Tell us three ways in which you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’.

I think for Pertemps, this is an approach that we have always taken. The first reason is we always aim to look after local people who are searching to find job opportunities. Secondly, our priority is always to support local businesses from the Bristol area. By combining the two – namely supplying local people to local companies – we are achieving a collective aim of supporting the wider community. On a personal level, I believe there has never been a more important time to shop locally. We all know how much of a struggle local bars, restaurants, coffee shops and bistros are experiencing right now. The international brands will be fine financially whatever happens. So, we all need to be ensuring that whatever money we do spend, a large slice of it goes to supporting local, independent outlets.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown?

Personally, I have found positivity in the slower pace of life, really appreciating the fresh air, walks and nature more as well. All so good for the soul!

Tell us what makes a ‘good’ local business.

Passion for the community they serve. There’s nothing better than a company that has set up shop here in Bristol because they truly want to bring something new to the community or enrich the lives of the people who live and work here. We all have grand designs for national or international success, but it is about first and foremost looking after the people who are on the doorstep. If you want to be a good local business, you have to become part of that culture and enjoy every aspect of it.

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? It can be any type of business in the food & drink sector.

Our office has been situated on College Green for years, and we really love the restaurants and bars close to us on Park Street! I have been enjoying Oat milk Turmeric lattes from the newly opened Coffee Under Pressure (amazing coffee!) Mrs Potts, Pinkmans and Swoon on a Spoon for the best gelatos are all major office favourites!

Can you name a local business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness?

A couple of us from the office have been doing socially distanced, small group outdoor exercise sessions at Victoria Park with RiseFit Bristol which has been loads of fun!

What are your business plans for Q4?

With workforce demands changing at a rapid pace, we will continue to help our clients to respond and recover at what is a crucial time. We will continue to embrace technology as part of our long-term strategy to mobilise and digitise our recruitment services and workforce solutions. As the labour market constantly changes, we will continually address the ever-changing recruitment needs, always ensuring our recruitment strategies are at the forefront to maintain business as usual and maintain company resilience.

Anything else you’d like to say?

We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our clients and candidates in the Bristol area for your continued support, we know how tough it has been, and would like to reassure you that we will continue to be here for you in the years to come.

Find out more by visiting https://www.pertemps.co.uk/