THIS week The Mercury spoke to Helen Lacey, managing director of Bridgwater-based Red Berry Recruitment about how the company has grown and what the opportunities available in the area.

 

Helen Lacey founded Red Berry Recruitment in 2007 as she felt she could offer businesses in Somerset a different approach to recruitment.

 

Ten years on and the company has three offices in Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil and is set to open a satellite office in Cardiff.

 

"We are a multi-award winning consultancy with more than 20 staff which supply, temporary, permanent and contract candidates to a number of specialist sectors including sales, creative, blue collar, engineering, finance and administration," Miss Lacey said.

 

Over the years, more businesses have utilised recruitment agencies to help with peaks and troughs and changes in the labour market.

 

"The opportunities on offer to the local people in Somerset and the South West is actually very good," Helen said.

 

"It is a candidate driven market which means there are more jobs than candidates. Of course not everyone can do every job but there is choice if you want it," she added.

 

Red Berry is already preparing for big changes in Bridgwater when the Hinkley C effect kicks in.

 

"There will be thousands of jobs and although many will be offered to local people, if they have the skills and experience, many are specialist so might have to be sought outside of the area unless the skills required can be found within the region," Miss Lacey said.

 

"As advice goes, I would suggest that people really do use their CV as their selling tool. You will be surprised at the amount of CV’s that are basic or even non-existent.

 

"If offered an interview – prepare! The amount of candidates we hear that no matter how much help and guidance we give, still do not look at the company website or have some questions ready."

 

She said Red Berry was also able to offer support and guidance for those looking into apprentices. With the Government's apprenticeship levy started there is more money available for training and taking on new staff.

 

Red Berry wants to hear from people looking for employment or businesses looking to recruit. For more information email info@redberryrecruitment.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Twitter.