2019: the year in content

Just Recruitment’s website has been a treasure trove of information, insight and entertainment in 2019. Here are 12 highlights from the year

If you’re a regular visitor to these pages, you’ll know that justrecruitment.co.uk is a recruitment site like no other.

    Sometimes, Just Recruitment director Peter Foy gets an idea for a story that sounds two parts bonkers to one part profound.  

Rather than boring you with a detailed company history or self-regarding values statement, we entertain you with regular articles about a whole plethora of subjects. We cover music, TV, politics, cars, business, lifestyle… we even ran a story about strawberries in the summer.

To give you a flavour, here are 12 of our favourite articles from 2019. Happy New Year!

1. Business heroes: Ove Arup, Structural Engineer: Shaping the world

Just Recruitment has always celebrated inspirational business people, and they don’t come much more significant than Ove Arup. One of the pioneers of employee ownership, the global business Arup founded is akin to a movement for good: improving the lives of employees, clients and citizens throughout the world. Read his story and be inspired.

2. What’s the connection between three dead dogs, Bruce Springsteen and a coconut?

Sometimes, Just Recruitment director Peter Foy gets an idea for a story that sounds two parts bonkers to one part profound. This is one such article and it proved a huge hit among our readers. Read it to discover why notions of “truth” may be more slippery than you think.

3. Why encouragement is the greatest motivator

Our editor-in-chief Tim Gibson was in a philosophical mood when he wrote this piece about a sailing trip he enjoyed as a young man. The story illustrates an important theme in leadership: give people time and encouragement, and they’re capable of great things.

4. “We just need to get serious about climate change”: a teenager’s perspective on global warming

Never ones to shy away from controversial topics, or resist having our assumptions challenged, we asked Isaac Shaw to write about his views on climate change. As a teenage work-experience student, it’s fair to say he had some refreshing opinions that questioned our norms.

5. Six ways to keep the summer spirit alive

Here in the Just Recruitment office, we were feeling glum about the arrival of autumn. So Evie Prosser concocted a guide to keeping summer burning, even as the leaves start to fall. It still makes for inspiring reading as we battle through the New Year’s chill.

    In celebration of the diversity of musical tastes, we offered an introduction to the joy of country music.  

6. Just testing: Range Rover Evoque D180 First Edition

There are cars, and then there’s the Range Rover Evoque. Tim Gibson fell in love with the one he tested, even though every fibre of his being wanted to resist. This is one of a monthly series of car reviews from motoring journo Tim. Read them all to get his views on the latest motors.

7. These five creatures can harm humans and they all live here

When Lizzie Fletcher heard about the influx of false widow spiders to the UK, it gave her a creepy-crawly idea for an article: she identified a variety of animals that live in the UK and can harm humans. It made for a less-than-relaxing read, but informative nonetheless.

8. Why it’s time you got into country music (and eight albums to help)

In celebration of the diversity of musical tastes, we offered an introduction to the joy of country music. As well as explaining its appeal, honky-tonk enthusiast Tim Gibson identified eight albums that are sure to engage newcomers to the genre. Yee-haw!

9. EACH’s chaplain – finding strength through weakness

In October, we announced that we’d be sponsoring East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Christmas concert, fronted by Griff Rhys Jones and featuring a variety of his showbiz friends. As part of the build-up, we spent some time with the charity, meeting its people and understanding what makes it tick. One of the most popular features to emerge was this profile of Alex South: EACH’s chaplain, and a truly inspirational person.

10. Want a good opening gambit? These writers can help

Another Peter Foy special: this time, exploring how the world’s finest writers have approached the task of kicking off a discourse. This compendium of brilliant openers will inspire anyone with a tricky speech or report to write. Enjoy, and be empowered.

11. Why I became a writer: a builder’s tale

Guest writer Paul Allen told the story of his life, from jobbing builder to published author. A local Suffolk lad, it captured our readers’ imaginations, showing them that anything is possible if you have determination, grit and flair.

12. Workplace dilemmas: I just can’t help falling in love

Our workplace dilemmas always provoke discussion, and we all enjoy a love story. No wonder, then, that this dilemma about a hotshot lawyer who keeps falling for his colleagues proved a hit.

Read a whole load more content at justrecruitment.co.uk. Our articles are updated daily, so there’s always something new to enjoy.

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 2 January 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

You may also enjoy: Is home working all it’s cracked up to be?

Jobs currently available

New job
UK Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB28
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a UK Sales Manager to join a company based in Braintree, who is a pragmatic leader, accustomed to working in medium-sized business structures, and has leadership experience of small teams.

This office-based role will involve client visits approximately three days per week. It offers an exceptional opportunity with diverse and exciting tasks, alongside a dynamic team and a collegial working environment. Company mobile phone, laptop and a company car to include private use.

You will have at least 2 years’ business-to-business direct sales experience, preferably in the electrical / tools / PPE / sector.

Role will involve:

  • Leading and inspiring the UK sales team under your responsibility: conduct individual interviews, develop skills, handle conflicts, participate in recruitment, etc.
  • You will supervise relationships with key accounts and also acquire new key accounts, especially in the area of (electrical) distributors and wholesalers.
  • Strategic Deployment: define the development strategies, translate operational actions, and oversee their implementation.
  • You will be monitoring the market and your competitors and defining actions in order to grow the business.
  • Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Developing the commercial policy, product offerings, and pricing conditions; prioritising and allocating resources; developing sales forecasts; monitoring margins on direct costs.
  • Facilitating decision-making and resource coordination, ensuring efficiency in expenses and investments, monitoring regulatory changes, evolving organisation and procedures, establishing and updating performance indicators, and monitoring service effectiveness and efficiency.
  • You will be working in close collaboration with the colleagues in Product Management and R&D.
  • Ensuring budget management and reporting for the service.
  • Coordinating with the Sales Department and local Service Managers.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CNC Machine Setter Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB26
About the role

Due to continued growth, a leading UK Supplier of premium building products, systems and solutions is recruiting for a CNC Machine Setter Operator.

Working hours: 40 hours per week on a weekly rotation shift comprising earlies and lates.

Early shift:
Monday to Friday, 6am – 2pm (paid 0.5hr lunch).

Total = 40hrs

Late shift:
Monday to Thursday, 2pm – 11pm = 36 hrs. (paid 0.5hr lunch)

Friday 2pm – 6pm = 4 hrs.
Total = 40hrs

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience as a CNC Machine Setter Operator / Programmer
  • Working knowledge of diverse high-speed machinery and measurement tools
  • Previous setting/programming knowledge of CNC multi-spindle machines preferred
  • Previous Mazak CNC machine experience is advantageous
  • Ability to adapt to change
  • Tool setting
  • Part inspection

Role will involve:

  • Setting up machines (calibration, cleaning, etc.) to start a production cycle
  • Producing components in accordance with layouts, drawings, sketches, production orders or verbal instructions, working to the stated limits of tolerance
  • Controlling and adjusting machine settings (e.g., speed)
  • Feeding raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
  • Inspecting parts with precision and measuring tools
  • Testing the operation of machines periodically
  • Fixing issues that might occur during the shift
  • Checking output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws
  • Keeping records of approved and defective units or final products
  • Maintaining activity logs
  • Using cranes and forklifts

Benefits include:

  • Holidays: 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension
  • Scheme Cycle 2 Work Scheme
  • Quarterly Employee Recognition Scheme
  • Benefits Hub (Discounts, Rewards and Perks on 1,000s of brands)
  • Health and Wellbeing Employee Assistance Platform
  • Free parking

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales and Office Assistant
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £25,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913743
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing business in Sudbury that is looking for a Sales and Office Assistant to join their team.

Duties include:

  • Taking telephone orders and answering customer queries/taking telephone messages
  • Processing customers' orders, picking stock and processing customer details
  • Assisting the E-commerce Sales Manager in labelling stock, making up boxes, inserting marketing materials, etc
  • Assisting with creating purchase orders
  • Assisting with replies to email enquiries
  • Sending out written customer communications as required
  • Processing customer account statements

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Service Engineer (Gas Safe)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Guildford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB15
About the role

Just Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Service Engineer, ideally located in the Guildford area, to cover South East London and the South East England region.

The role will involve carrying out routine servicing and maintenance, including filter changes and breakdown repairs, across a wide range of company units. You will need to have a good level of physical fitness and be comfortable working at heights.

Occasional call-out cover will also be required to support a key local customer.

Key requirements include:

  • Must have a full driving licence
  • Must be Gas Safe Registered, ideally with CoNGLP1 PD COCN 1 CIGA 1
  • CDGA 1 ACS accreditations
  • Electrical/Mechanical/Engineering background required
  • Experience with gas/oil burners
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Ability to use initiative and have excellent customer liaison skills

The benefits package includes:

  • Competitive salary depending on experience, overtime, paid door to door (at 1.5x (travel included)
  • Company Vehicle
  • Mobile Phone / Tablet
  • Pension
  • Private Health Scheme
  • 25 Days Holidays

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer (Days)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB22
About the role

Just Recruitment is currently recruiting an Electrical Maintenance Engineer for their client based in Braintree, Essex.

The purpose of this role is to take a proactive approach to preventing equipment failure and to ensure that all planned preventative maintenance (PM) schedules are completed effectively and on time.

You will work as an integral part of the maintenance team, supporting the achievement of quality, waste reduction, efficiency, and KPI targets, while ensuring all Health & Safety procedures are adhered to at all times.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.
20 days holiday rising to 25 days for every year worked, plus bank holidays.
The company operates a 1:3 call-out system.

Qualifications and job skills required:

  • Previous manufacturing / processing / warehouse / cold store industry experience.
  • Electrical bias, electrical qualifications/time served apprenticeship.
  • 4 years’ experience
  • A good standard of both written and oral English.
  • Basic Health & Safety.
  • Data and analytical skills.
  • Computer literate. (Word/Excel/Windows-based packages).

Desirable skills:

  • PLC, hydraulics, temperature control, instrumentation, welding, FLT/MEWP licence.
  • Can do approach, drive and ambition towards maintenance excellence.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Part-Time Finance Manager
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913741
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing, sector-leading business in Sudbury that is looking for a Part-Time Finance Manager to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to manage the Finance Department and to support senior management in all areas of finance and accounting, reporting directly to the MD and being responsible for an Accounts Assistant.

Key duties include:

  • Reconciling current accounts on SAGE.
  • Updating the cash flow spreadsheet and reviewing.
  • Loading purchase invoices onto SAGE and distributing them for approval.
  • Producing Balance of Accounts for Finance Meeting.
  • Reviewing the sales ledger and purchase ledger.
  • Compiling supplier invoices, reviewing and loading for payment via Bacs, updating SAGE and sending remittance advice.
  • Managing SAGE backups.
  • Reconciling all bank accounts against paper statements.
  • Loading credit card payments onto SAGE and reconciling against the paper statement.
  • Calculating commission figures for payroll.
  • Processing wages – gathering all timesheets and expenses, compiling and sending to an outsourced company, receiving documents and payslips back, loading Bacs payments and sending payslips and loading Journals onto SAGE.
  • Downloading monthly supplier invoices.
  • Creating monthly sales invoices.
  • Compiling and filing VAT returns.
  • Compiling required documents for accountants at the financial year end, processing SAGE year-end end and communicating as necessary with accountants
  • Managing commercial and vehicle insurance. Reviewing current circumstances, reassessing cover and requirements, and supplying supporting documents.
  • All property management tasks with support from the Accounts Assistant.
  • Reconciling rental payments from the agent’s statement.
  • Communicating with and managing tenants when required.
  • Supporting other departments as required.

This is a part-time role - working 20 - 25 hours per week - this role is office-based, and the ideal candidate will be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays, but hours can be flexible.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a lovely business, with a great ethos and a long-standing team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more