Recruitment firm still putting people first

Award-winning Bradford businesswoman Jane Vincent is expanding her operations after spotting a gap in the market for her recruitment firm’s services at a time when local employers seem to be seeking more full-time staff.

Jane, who spearheads the Positive Bradford campaign, has expanded Candelisa People, which she launched at the height of the recession in 2009, into Ilkley – creating jobs for two unemployed graduates in the process.

She has made her move at a time when demand for permanent staff looks to be picking up and believes the Ilkley office of Candelisa People which has a turnover of around £2.5 million, will be able to plug into untapped demand for its services in Wharfedale and neighbouring areas.

Jane, who was named businesswoman of the year in the 2011 T&A Bradford Means Business awards, said: “Previous recruitment agencies in the Ilkley area have closed and I believe there is demand for such services there. I expect most of the demand to come from the commercial sector for people such as PAs, receptionists and other admin staff. I believe that opening our new office will provide an ideal springboard for Candelisa People to grow.”

The Bradford office on North Parade had seen demand for permanent staff increase significantly since the beginning of the year.

“Demand for permanent staff in January and February has been as strong as at any time since we started, with employers in sectors such as engineering and industrial roles, call centres and human resources looking for people. It’s probably too early to say that we are in a recovery, but our experience shows that things are certainly improving,” said Jane.

Candelisa People’s new office is staffed by Bradford University graduate Sam Dilliway and Canadian-born graduate Jessica Nicholls.

Jane said: “Sam and Jessica both impressed me and I wanted to give them a chance to prove themselves.

“They have started up the Ilkley operation and we are providing full support and putting them through a training programme while they also gain experience.

“It’s a great chance for them to prove themselves.

“Sam helped with last year’s Positive Bradford event as a volunteer and showed what he is capable of and I’m delighted to be providing him with a chance. Jessica came to us as a job-seeking candidate after returning from Canada and I was impressed enough to take her on.”

Candelisa people has moved into offices in the Wells Road business centre owned by property company Candelisa – which shares a name but has no operational connection with the recruitment business. Candelisa property director Guy Taylor is Godfather to Jane Vincent’s daughter and invested in her business when it launched.

Candelisa People’s new office was officially opened by local MP Kris Hopkins at an event attended by around 170 guests, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford Coun Naveeda Ikram.

Source: Chris Holland, Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk, Monday 19th March 2012