We Build celebrates growth with international expansion

When we first established We Build Recruitment, we couldn’t have imagined how far the business would come in such a small period of time.

Our rapid growth has led us here, having just celebrated our third birthday with our two thriving offices from Manchester and Liverpool and our wonderful portfolio of clients. And now expanding into the international market with our dedicated mining division.

Our international branch will be headed up by Matthew Chadwick, a highly experienced international recruiter who has specialised in helping mining companies secure the right talent. Matthew is joined by two fellow international recruitment professionals.

Focusing solely on permanent roles, our mining division is currently actively recruiting across the African continent, a market that is currently experiencing a huge boom, with companies constantly looking to source talent.

Future plans for our international division

Like our UK teams, our international division has ambitious growth plans. In the next three years we will look to grow our team focused on African mining from three to five, including a Team Leader, two Talent Consultants, Account Manager and Administrator.

We will then be looking to expand into the Australian and Canadian regions, with each location having their own dedicated team of five.

Speaking of our expansion, MD Michael McNeill has said:

“We have gained an enviable reputation within our industry over the past three years for our dedication to both clients and candidates in securing the ideal talent or role respectively. Our third birthday was a great opportunity for both offices to join together alongside our clients and celebrate the amazing progress and growth we have experienced since 2019.

As we unveil our international division, this is a truly exciting time for the We Build Recruitment team as we add yet another feather in our cap and support clients on a much wider scale. And we aren’t stopping there, watch this space…”

Want to check out just how We Build celebrated our third birthday in style? Take a look at our video below…


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How is the construction industry reducing its carbon footprint?

Industries worldwide are looking at ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint, and the construction industry is no different.
The built environment currently accounts for an astounding 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions within the UK, and with the ambitious target of reaching net zero carbon by the year 2050, the industry is looking at innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Below, we will take a look at just some of the ways the construction industry is working towards achieving this…

New ways of heating
The UK Green Building Council is working towards the target of no gas boilers in operation by 2050, with all sales of gas boilers coming to an end by 2030. These boilers will ultimately be replaced by heat pump systems, a device that transfers thermal energy from outside a building using a refrigeration cycle.
Not only will this national retrofit programme reduce household energy bills by around £430 per year, but it will also create 500,00 green jobs and deliver up to £56 billion in health benefits linked to improved air quality and thermal comfort.

Sourcing local materials
Many construction companies are looking to keep it local when it comes to projects. As you would expect, when materials are sourced closer to home this means significantly less transport and less Co2 emissions as a result.
In addition to materials, many are also looking to source plant and equipment that operates on renewable energy or carbon-neutral biofuels.

Investment in upskilling construction professionals
Refreshing skills and upskilling plays a huge role in the construction industry, but this has never been more important as companies look to hire construction professionals with sought after ‘green skills’ that will enable them to work in a more sustainable way, using energy efficient machinery and materials.
These individuals represent the future of the construction industry, and therefore investment in the appropriate skills for green construction will greatly enhance the probability of the industry achieving its ambitious net zero targets.
How is your business working towards lowering carbon emissions? We’d love to hear from you on social media! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.


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What is the Construction Sector Deal?

Since 2018, the Construction Sector Deal’s main goals have been to drive transformation within the industry, to increase productivity, integrate new and innovative technologies and recruit a skilled workforce.

Of course, with a significant proportion of the past four years since the Deal was introduced having been overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, progress in this area will likely have been slowed. Nevertheless, this Deal represents big things for the industry and those working within it.

Below we will take a closer a look at the Construction Sector Deal is and what it means for professionals.

Why was the Construction Sector Deal introduced?

With around 3.1 million people working in the sector and adding around £138bn to the UK economy each year, construction plays a critical role in all of our day to day lives. However, within the government’s Executive Summary of the Construction Sector Deal, it revealed that the sector’s potential was being held back by productivity, which had been historically below that of the wider economy (on average 21% lower since 1997).

The Sector Deal aims to turn the tide on this lower productivity; bringing together businesses from across the sector, their clients, the government and research institutions to ensure the construction industry is able to reach its full potential.

Ultimately, the Deal wants to deliver:

  • A ‘globally-competitive’ sector
  • Lower energy use
  • Better-performing buildings
  • Improved jobs
  • Better value for taxpayers

Reaching these ambitious goals will rely on the following three areas: adopting and implementing digital techniques, manufacturing offsite to reduce wastage and inefficiencies and focus on ‘whole life asset performance’ to ensure costs of a building across its entire life cycle are considered.

Of course, this means huge investment, around £250 million from the sector itself and £170 million from the government.

What does this mean for construction professionals?

The strong focus on the construction sector means significantly more opportunities for construction professionals over the coming years.

Furthermore the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has increased its focus on the future skills required by professionals within the industry, meaning further training opportunities for construction workers to upskill in preparation for future projects.

Want to find out more about the Construction Sector Deal? Take a look here.

Here at We Build Recruitment, we are supporting clients and candidates alike to ensure construction roles are filled by highly-skilled professionals. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact the team today on 0161 519 8584 or email info@webuildrecruitment.com.

 


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Attracting construction candidates

Attracting the ideal candidates for a job role can be a challenge for many businesses. For the construction industry in particular, the ongoing skills shortage has seen competition amongst businesses in gaining the attention of skilled workers all the more tricky.

But with many years of experience, the team at We Build have a few tricks up their sleeve to support our clients in making them truly stand out from competitors. We have compiled just some of these tips and tricks below…

Know your candidates

One recruitment strategy will most certainly not fit all. To ensure you engage with the right candidates you must first think about them; their previous experience, their qualifications, their desired company culture. You may even consider creating partnerships with organisations who would have connections with your target candidate market.

Offer a competitive salary

Of course, salary is one of the most crucial aspects for any candidate and therefore you must ensure that the salary advertised reflects industry standards. And it doesn’t just stop at salary, ensure you shout about the benefits they could receive (e.g. holidays, sick pay, social events, private medical care, etc.).

Be social

Social media, when used correctly, can be one of your most effective tools when looking to capture the attention of your target candidate audience. Consider what platforms your candidates may use most often and utilise them to showcase latest job vacancies.

Streamline the process

The worst thing you could do is go into the recruitment process unprepared; it will not only leave a poor impression of your business with the candidate, but it will also cause a great deal more work for your team than necessary. Set out your recruitment process at the outset, convey this to candidates so they know what to expect and how long it may take.

Utilise the experts

Even if we do say so ourselves, no recruitment process can compare to that of an experienced recruiter. Not only will they have a wealth of candidates on hand that they can connect you with, but they are also there to support you from beginning to end, ensuring you hire the ideal person.

Looking to attract your ideal construction candidate? Contact the We Build team today for more information on our services and to get started!


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2022’s most sought after construction skills

Demand for construction skills is at an all-time high, meaning there has never been a better time to look for your latest role or opt for a career change into the construction industry. But do you have the skills required to apply for the multitudes of job opportunities out there?

The construction industry is currently facing a significant skills shortage, with experts forecasting that the industry will need to recruit 216,800 new workers by 2025 in order to meet demand for skilled professionals.

Whilst this may sound positive due to the amount of roles that will become available in coming years, currently there aren’t enough workers carrying the skills required to take on these roles. For construction workers, however, this figure showcases the significant amount of opportunities available, if they have the right skills.

So if you are considering upskilling or are looking to enter the construction industry, here are just some of the skills prospective employers will be looking for in 2022 and beyond…

Green skills

Industries globally are looking at ways in which they can reduce their impact on the environment as we all continue to tackle the impact of climate change.

The construction industry is no different, and there are numerous strategies in place to make activity ‘greener’, with an aim to reach that all important Net Zero Carbon. As a result of this, construction workers will need to be knowledgeable on green construction skills and methods. If you don’t already have this, now is the time to invest in upskilling to ensure you can meet future requirements on site.

Building and engineering knowledge

Whilst this may seem like a fairly obvious point to make, building and engineering methods, as well as best practices and regulations are ever-changing, therefore ensuring you are continually meeting these standards is critical.

How you do this will entirely depend on your specialism, but if you are looking at ways in which to up your game in this area, your employer or chosen recruiter will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Tech-minded

More and more, technology is playing a huge role in construction, and businesses are quickly adopting these new technologies to make projects run more efficiently and accurately.

Whether it’s virtual reality, building information modelling (BIM), augmented reality or even the use of drones, employers are seeking candidates with these skills now more than ever.

Want to learn more about the skills our clients our currently seeking in candidates? Get in touch with the We Build team today on 0161 519 8584.


Liam Taylor vs David Avanesyan at the SSE Arena, Wembley - Sponsored by We Build Recruitment

Absolutely over the moon to announce Liam Taylor will be fighting David Avanesyan for the IBU European Title at the SSE Arena Wembley on Saturday 2nd October 2021.

We Build Recruitment have sponsored Liam for 2 years and prior to this we supplied Liam to a number of our clients in the Manchester area as a JIB Electrician.

Liam was denied the British Title last year when his fight was stopped due to a cut to his opponent (15 seconds left of the 4th round). Now he has the opportunity to take the European stage by storm if beating the former world champion Avanesyan.

Liam is currently sparring former World Champion Liam Smith for his fight with David and will be ready when the 2nd October comes around.

Keep you eyes out on Sky Sports not only for Liam but for the We Build logo and staff around the arena on the night!!


Meet Mike Mcneill

Meet Mike McNeil...

Mike McNeill is the Founder and Managing Director of We Build Recruitment.

Just over a year since the launch and We Build have 2 new offices, clients all over the country and already surpassed goals they had in mind for year 3. A genuine success already and creating a real impression in the market. We interviewed Mike to try and find out the secret to his success…

1. A family man, business man and man about town, how do you find the time to run such a successful business?

To be honest, this is one thing I really struggled with and still struggle with to this day. I have put my everything into setting We Build up and trying to get us in a position where people recognise the name and branding. I was working 13/14 hour day, 7 days a week and nothing else mattered which affected everything around me but luckily my family and friends are very supportive and can see the journey I am going along to get us to the top so in a kind way ‘they put up with it’. Recently the business has grown and some internal changes have seen promotions which has solidified the management structure in the business which has given me more support and allowed me to take a little step back.

2. If you were a superhero who would you be and why?

Superhero, my boys already think I am one haha, super powers, I would love to be able to read peoples minds, I think people hold back from what they really want to say for whatever reason, I think things would move forward a lot quicker if people were honest from the outset.

3. How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

I have worked in recruitment since I left school (19 years ago) and have worked for some of the biggest and smallest agencies out there. It was my business mentor Matt Tyson who kept asking me the question “why don’t you do it for yourself? Look at the experience and success stories you have had with other businesses” but if being honest it wasn’t something I had looked in to. When working at WRS along with the team we built the division to level where it warranted to be a stand alone business in its own right (£10m turnover in 2nd full year) and this is what prompted the management buy-out.

4. What was your mission at the outset? Has this changed now that you are a year in?

The mission has always been the same and don’t think it will ever change, become the biggest and best Construction Labour Provider within the UK.

5. How many employees do you have and what has been the biggest challenge with recruitment?

Currently there is 14 of us (including directors) spread across 2 offices (Manchester & Liverpool). The biggest challenge has been finding consultants who can deliver on their promises. I have met many of people who promise the world but under deliver which has a huge knock on effect on your business as not only does it end up costing you money, it knocks your forecasts out when projecting the year ahead.

6. What do you look for in a new recruit?

Over the years I have only ever wanted people who have construction experience but most recently I have been more open minded and this in turn has helped finding the right people for the business.

7. What separates We Build from the rest of the industry and competition?

Recruitment is a simple thing, hence the reason there is so many agencies, it’s the staff you employee and the service they give which separates you from the rest. At We Build we pride ourselves on being honest and telling clients if we are struggling but more importantly why we are struggling (whether it be rates, area etc) and I think this helps us retain clients as we don’t waste there time, we are straight to the point and effective.

8. If you had to describe We Build in 3 words what would they be?

Effective, Honest & Relevant

9. Looking back on the eventful year that was 2020, what have you guys found most challenging? How have you overcome this?

2020 was a difficult year for everyone in the world never mind in recruitment. The challenging thing for us was sites slowing right down meaning our numbers dropped but with the solid client base we had if any agency was needed then we were the ones to supply them.

10. What’s the goal for 2021?

2021 has started off like a bullet out of a gun, we are busier than ever which has seen growth within both offices. The goal for 2021 is to break the 500 runner barrier and turnover between £12m-£15m (which we are currently on target to deliver).

11. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

My advice would be to give it your all, if you fail, then fail trying but if you put the effort and hours in then there is no ceiling to where you business can go.

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Middleton Colts FC - NEW Sponsor!

Middleton Colts FC

We Build Recruitment are over the moon to be able to support grass roots football.

This year we agreed to sponsor #MiddletonColtsFC who are one of the teams who play under the #MiddletonColtsAcademy banner.

Jonny Munson started the academy in 2017 with a dream and that dream now has 400 players ranging from U4’s (pre-school team) to open age spanning over 35 teams.

We are looking forward to working with the club going forward and can’t wait to get to a game once the lockdown finishes.


We Build Recruitment proud sponsors of former World Champion Terry Flanagan & Liam Taylor

We Build Recruitment have committed to sponsoring former World Champion #TerryFlanagan and soon to be British Champion #LiamTaylor.

Our MD, Michael McNeill said “It was a no brainer to sponsor the lads. With both lads being from Manchester it is great being able to support them on their journeys to becoming British and World Champions. The added benefit is both lads are qualified tradesmen (Terry, Bricklayer & Liam, Electrician) so a local agency supporting local tradesmen to achieve their dreams just works.”

Terry is due to fight in Liverpool on 15th November 2019 & Liam challenges for the British Title on 30th November 2019.

We look forward to a long supportive relationship with both fighters.


The Howard Charity Gala

Recently #WeBuildRecruitment engaged with the charity #TheHowardCharityGala. #TheHowardCharityGala is a charity that works alongside #StAnnesHospice and was set up in the name of #MelHoward.

“On 16th December 2016 Mel sadly passed away from lung cancer. Mel was cared for by #StAnnesHospice in Little Hulton, #Manchester.

The care, compassion and selflessness shown by the hospice not only to Mel but her family was unbelievable and everything Mel would have wanted. The entire staff displayed some of the most caring and selfless qualities the family have ever seen.

Both Paul (Husband) & Faye (Daughter) were stunned at the care given to Mel and cannot thank them enough”

Our Managing Director, Michael McNeill commented “I am sure we all know someone who has been affected by this horrible illness and we are over the moon that both Paul & Faye allowed us to contribute and help them achieve their target of £20k.”

#ManchesterCharities #Charity #WeBuildRecruitment #WBR