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REC launches two research surveys as part of new recession-beating HELP campaign

The REC is today launching a new HELP campaign for its members to steer them through the stormy waters of the recession and help them keep a step ahead through an extensive package of expert guidance and advice. 

An important part of this major campaign is the publication of two new research reports, “Riding The Recession” and “7 Secrets of Successful Recruiters” produced by the REC’s Industry Research Unit. 

Both surveys are designed to help members survive and thrive. They give a wealth of practical advice, which is based on the experiences of professional recruiters – both those who have already been through up to three previous recessions and the industry’s high achievers whose abilities and success are based on their numerous business skills. 

Kevin Green, the REC’s Chief Executive, commented: “We have a fantastic knowledge bank of dedicated professionals within our membership whose expertise and wisdom will be invaluable to those who are going through a recession for the first time. 

“For many recruiters, the next year or so looks increasingly daunting and challenging, but it does not have to be that way. Using the guides and some of the suggestions they contain will give recruitment agencies and professionals working in them  the confidence, wisdom and - ultimately, business edge -  to move forward and plan accordingly to counteract the worst of the current downturn.” 

'Riding The Recession'  for recruitment agencies is full of useful information and suggestions of ways in which they can weather the worst of the recession through adapting their business practices in areas such as strategy, people, finance and sales. 

Supporting statistics give a comprehensive background into which sectors are growing despite the downturn and those where the recession is beginning to bite. It also looks at how the current economic climate will affect behaviours in both clients and candidates; and how recruiters should prepare themselves to deal with these changes.  

Its contributors also discuss some of  the lessons to be learned from recession such as benefiting from client loyalty, working hard to build the business and growing in a new market, making an acquisition or being decisive with people. 

“Successful consultants will be those with the ability to understand and respond to clients and negotiate with them so that costs of service are balanced by revenues,” the report states. 

'Seven Secrets of Successful Recruiters' not only gives practical tips based on the achievements of top consultants, it also offers recruitment managers a guide to identifying and developing their top talent. 

Roger Tweedy, the REC’s Director of Research said: “This is very much a self-help guide to support ambitious recruiters to fulfil their career aspirations. Because of the demands of the modern day recruitment industry, those who want to aspire need to be confident, driven and above-all well-rounded individuals with an impressive range of people and business-related skills.” 

The themes of the report are constant with much of the other work it is undertaking for the benefit of its members including championing recruitment as an increasingly professional and desirable career. 

The report also supports much of the work being carried out in its newly established Academy for Business which encompasses its extensive training and nationally recognised qualifications programme, and also through its Business, Start-Up and Partner Services.

The Academy for Business is one of the initiatives in the HELP service which  also comprises:

• REC on the Road with Chief Executive Kevin Green embarking on a series of regional roadshows during which he will meet members and discuss with them the issues which currently matter to them and their businesses
• A programme of eight seminars throughout the UK at which industry experts will give invaluable advice on how to get through the downturn
• the REC's Ten Top Tips to beat the recession
• a Corporate Handbook - the definitive guide to all REC products and services for all our corporate members