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

Sales Office Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC22
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Sales Office Coordinator to join a well-established company based in Ipswich.

You’ll be working within a busy, fast-paced, team-oriented, customer-focused Sales Office. The main emphasis of the role is to manage customer expectations by organising the pricing of materials to meet project deadlines. Previous experience in processing quotes, sales, purchase orders, and invoices is preferred.

The ability to problem solve and seek solutions is essential, as is the ability to control workload with varying demands, whilst applying attention to detail with a diplomatic and proactive approach. You will possess previous experience within a similar role.

Duties include:

  • Preparing project quotations.
  • Processing sales and purchase orders.
  • Preparing/checking customers' invoices.
  • Data validation/attention to detail checking customer purchase orders/project information.
  • Proactively managing customer relations with both approved contractors, suppliers and external sales teams.
  • Managing inter-departmental communications relating to project quotes/orders/deliveries/invoicing.
  • Co-ordination of project pricing, deliveries and problem-solving customer queries.
  • Ability to adapt communication style/approach to manage a diverse range of tasks throughout the project process.

Key experience required includes:

  • Previous experience in high-level administration, with strong attention to detail and excellent customer service skills
  • Experience within a sales support function would be advantageous.
  • A proactive approach to workload, rather than reactive.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period — a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

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

 

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Warehouse Team Leader
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC21
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing company based in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Warehouse Team Leader.

Duties include:

  • Overseeing and coordinating daily warehousing activities, including receiving, storing, handling, shipping, and inventory management.
  • Getting stuck in and working with the team on a daily basis.
  • Implementing and enforcing safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a secure working environment.
  • Scheduling and assigning tasks to warehouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow.
  • Assisting in inventory control to optimise stock levels and minimise discrepancies.
  • Ensuring the team is equipped with proper safety attire for their protection.
  • Preparing and managing the smooth transfer of stock to and from stores.
  • Leading and motivating a team of 6 passionate warehouse associates.

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm.
During peak seasons, you may be required to work a Saturday.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous experience in a warehousing role.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively manage a team.
  • Be able to prioritise own and team’s workload and use own initiative.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

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

 

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Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

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

 

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Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
    Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing engagement campaigns and events, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions, events, internally-focused training videos and externally-focused client knowledge tutorials, bring online the delivery of live-stream events.
  • Assist in the delivery of PR programmes to match the company's marketing focuses.
  • Work with creative agencies, designers, suppliers, and providers to maintain the corporate brand within their deliverables.
  • Work with the marketing team in the development of collateral and content for presentations, videos, and other multimedia activities.
  • Liaise with the external sales team and product development managers to ascertain appropriate messages, projects and products suitable for external and internal promotion.

Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and delivering marketing and client engagement strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

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

 

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Trainee Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB09
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an ambitious Trainee Commercial Manager to join our client’s supplier negotiation team.

Based in Colchester, you’ll play a key role in purchasing, pricing, and supplier communications, gaining valuable experience within a rapidly expanding national business.

Working hours 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday - 30 minutes lunch break.
23 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Duties will include:

  • Supporting the Commercial Management team in negotiating purchasing agreements and maintaining supplier relationships.
  • Assisting with pricing queries from managers and estimators across the business.
  • Collaborating with the Product File team to help maintain accurate pricing and product information.
  • Working directly in our Profit Centres to gain valuable experience of the industry and how to run a profitable business.
  • Identifying new product ranges and suppliers that will provide future-proofing for the years to come.
  • Providing direct assistance to the Commercial Director with support from the other Commercial Managers
  • Confidence with Excel is a must.
  • Key personality traits would be a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

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

 

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