Article
Q1 Results and Recruitment Trends
Based on 2020 Q1, the numbers are just 7% down year on year for Q1 2021, which, because 2020 Q1 was a record for Chase & Holland, we are very pleased with. The trend of positive results does seem to be continuing into April. While this is obviously looking much better than 2020, I think for Q2 results, we will look at both 2020 and 2019 for a true reflection of the recovery in our region.
Finance & Accountancy
Compared to last year, our Finance division is 4% up on turnover and as a sector is busy and back to full strength. In fact, it is fair to say it is on target for a record year if the current momentum continues. Job flow is high and good candidates can pick and choose between opportunities.
Supply Chain & Procurement
In Q2 last year, this was our most affected discipline with almost all recruitment being put on hold. It is therefore pleasing to report that compared to 2020 Q1, this division is now only 7% behind and showing signs of once again becoming our fastest-growing division.
HR & Office Support
Another division that is actually ahead on last year by 2%, it has been a part of our business that has remained solid and steady through the whole of last year with gentle growth throughout. Moving into Q2, it looks like this division is likely to continue to develop well.
IT
This appears to be a very busy sector, but at Chase & Holland, we decided to focus on our established divisions, so we have seen a decline. As a business, we have generated 40% less revenue in this area. It is fair to say towards the back end of 2021, we see this a potential growth area for us again.
"March was actually the sharpest rate of growth in the permanent job market since April 2015 in the UK, according to KPMG and REC."
So generally, it is fair to say that the market in our areas of expertise has very quickly shifted, for the most part, back into a candidate-driven market with a lot of clients recruiting. In terms of temporary recruitment, the demand is at a 40-month high, according to the same source.
