Neil Duggins, Midlands Construction Manager, joins Dutton International this month

This week has seen the addition of our latest member of staff to the group. Neil Duggins joins Dutton International from a major national Recruitment group from the Midlands.

At present the company has a network of national offices but a huge opportunity for growth still exists in the Midlands Region. The region is currently serviced by several branches but lacks an office to solely support expanding opportunities in the area. Over the coming months we will be launching a brand new office in a location which is yet to be confirmed. This branch will initially offer the extension of our services to the Construction Industry with plans to extend into further business sectors.

We spoke with Neil to discuss his plans for the branch and it’s future:

Neil, firstly, welcome to the company. what do you make of your latest move?

Thank you! I think with any successful recruiter, the aim is to gain as much business as possible and grow to support your own career and the needs of your existing Clients. My situation as a successful recruiter took me to a point where  I needed to work within a company that aided my career progression and offered me the room to grow. Dutton is a reputable name in the industry and its business strategy suited me. Looking at their span of offices it is glaringly obvious that there’s a huge gap in the middle of the country and I believe that I’m the man to fill it with successful branches.

What changes have you seen in the Construction Industry in the region over the past few years?

I’ve been in the Recruitment Industry for nearly 13 years now and so much has changed. Obviously the biggest change that has affected my work in construction of late has been the financial downturn. Personally I have embraced this and it has brought me more success than anything else. The recessive period we’ve gone through has “cleared house” if you like, it’s seen a lot of unscrupulous recruiters leave the industry and it’s seen a lot of companies really change their tactics and show their strengths. It  has also proved the strength of many relationships as, when the cards are down, you really know which companies will support you and in-turn let you support them. I’d like to think I’ve weathered the storm out because of my principles and my ability to support my Clients in the most effective way. There are a lot of construction companies which have seen success in the recession and have done so because of their tenacity and robust practices and, most importantly of all, the quality of their end product.

Where do you intend to be in the next 12 months?

In 12 months I intend to have established the Midlands Branch and be on my way to making it one of the most profitable in the group. I’m on the lookout now for the right location and also the right Consultants to join the company to work with me and to drive business forwards. I hope that by this time next year I will have expanded my group of core clients. As a professional living in the area where I work (Nottingham) and born and raised near Birmingham, it’s quite a personal mission of mine to bring success to these locations. I’d like to think that in 12-18 months time we will be looking at the next potential Midlands office to further enhance the group. There is a huge range of potential in the area both from the workforce and from the Client perspective that will enable that kind of growth and I want to harness that.

On behalf of the company we would like to wish Neil the best of luck and we will keep you updated on the expansion into the Midlands over the coming months.  

Lucy (left) and Julia (right) are in high spirits as they prepare for their upcoming trek

As we speak, both are preparing through rigorous training and are obtaining all of the kit needed to endure the grueling cross-country hike.

The duo are using their Just Giving Page to try to raise £2,500 and are already well on their way.

Julia says of her cause:

In February 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and with those few words my world literally turned upside down.

Fighting cancer shows you both the very best and the very worst aspects of life, the worst because you simply wouldn’t wish what I have experienced on anyone and the best because you have the true privilege of meeting people who get up and make a difference to the lives of people fighting cancer every single day.

There are many cancer charities; all of them equally important and I have benefited from the resources of several of them. However I doubt there is anyone in my position who hasn’t contemplated the fine balance between making a recovery or not.

It is for that reason that Lucy and I have chosen to raise much needed funds for St John’s Hospice in Lancaster. They provide palliative care to those terminally ill with cancer. They provide a caring supportive environment for the patients and their families allowing people to retain their dignity.

On behalf of all staff at Dutton International we would like to wish Julia and Lucy the best with their noble cause, both are truly an inspiration and we would encourage everyone where possible to donate what they can to help the pair reach their goal.

Please click HERE to visit Julia and Lucy’s Just Giving page

John Bratby has joined us this month from within the Recruitment Industry and has a wealth of Construction Recruitment experience behind him. John has worked to supply many of the U.K’s leading Construction and Development groups over his time in the industry.

John Bratby, Construction Recruitment Manager, becomes DI's latest recruit

John brings to the company his knowledge of the key players in the industry and experience of supplying an ever changing workforce.

We caught up with John today for a brief interview:

John, welcome to Dutton International, how are you settling in?

So far so good. I’ve been with the team for the last few weeks and have really gelled well  with them all. To be honest, it feels like I’ve been here a lot longer, going by the relationships I’ve developed within my team and the response I get when speaking to colleagues in branches across the country. It seems like its second nature for them to offer me support and to talk frankly about making the most out of the industry in my region

What encouraged you to work with Dutton International?

Dutton is a major player in Recruitment for those in the know. It’s almost like a boutique store in comparison, Branches aren’t always on the high-street but their quality, efficiency and service is what makes the brand renowned and enviable. I wanted to be a part of that. Also working within the same industry you come across clients that prefer to use Dutton, I recognised that I want to be part of that and the company image fitted what I want to represent so when the opportunity arose to come on-board I jumped at it.

What are your aims now you’ve settled in with your team?

I’m lucky to have joined a team which is already strong, staff being supported in their career progression is what has afforded me the opportunity to join the team. I want to take advantage of our market share and use the reputation and existing relationships that Dutton has to increase the span of business in this region. To grow business and then to grow the team to support it in the next 12 months is my aim.

What are the biggest hurdles to overcome in Construction in the area?

Construction in the area is still recovering from a difficult financial climate which is possibly the biggest issue but other than that the constant challenge always faced by Dutton International is that everything is done by the book, to a high standard and to protect the our Worker and our Client alike, sometimes we compete for business against companies who provide a service for less by ignoring several of these key factors. It’s a constant challenge to put across that we can always challenge on cost and beat on service. Selling the features and benefits of our capabilities and guiding my team of Consultants to do the same will be an on-going challenge.

Where do you intend to take the branch in the next 12 months?

In the next year I would like to see our growth continue on the path it is currently on. I want to grow the team to match the increasing business by attracting the right type of Consultants and Resourcers. There’s an exciting development in the pipeline for the Sheffield Branch in the next four months which I know will boost all of our efforts so far and have a hugely positive effect on our capabilities. To be the biggest Construction Recruitment organisation in Yorkshire in the next 12-18 months is absolutely my goal and something which I have in my sights.

 On behalf of the rest of the company; we would like to wish John the best of luck and we will keep you updated on John and his team over the coming months. 

To contact John and his team click HERE

Although not an exhibitor, Dutton International was this year in attendance at the 2012 Recruitment Agency Expo at the Olympia Exhibition Center in London. The event was packed with Recruiters and organisations offering services to the Recruitment Industry. Our delegates in attendance over the 2 days of the expo were involved in seminars and group dialogue covering a wide range of industry specific issues ranging from legislative and legal developments within the industry to technological developments and sales support.

Overall our delegates enjoyed a fantastic 2 days at the event and were fortunate to meet a lot of strong businesses and individuals, both new to and established in the industry. We hope to use new and continuing relationships to drive the brand forward over the coming year.

On behalf of the team at this weeks event; we would like to thank all companies that we met and interacted with and we would like to continue to offer the opportunity for dialogue between potential service providers. As a forward thinking Recruitment Business and one which is operationally astute; we constantly provide opportunities for a range of companies, small and large to supply us. Should you have a product or service which you would like to introduce to us, we encourage you to contact us in the first instance by emailing: brand@duttoninternational.com

Once again, thank you to all involved and we look forward to attending once again in 2013.

The Town RLFC 2012 lineup

Staff from Dutton International were present at the first match of the Northern Rail Cup season of Workington Town RLFC  vs Sheffield Eagles. As previously mentioned on the Blog, Dutton International are once again team sponsors, our branding can be found on the match day program, the home ground Derwent Park and for the first time; on the teams kit.

Although, Unfortunately Workington lost the match 14 to 28 the team played a respectable game and started their season on a good note, taking away a lot from the game. Post match comments by the Sheffield Eagles team Manager confirmed his positive impression of the team. The view all-round of the teams performance against a higher league team such as the Eagles was a strong one.

Left: players confident of a well played game. Right: Dave Bowden, Chairman presents Graham Caton with a signed shirt

After the match a presentation took place of the new team kit to Julian McFarlane, Brand Manager and a signed shirt to Graham Caton, Workington Branch Manager and hospitality was laid on to celebrate the teams efforts and the union between new sponsors.

On behalf of the Group, we would like to wish the team the best of luck over the coming season!

Chairman Dave Bowden presents Brand Manager Julian McFarlane with this seasons new kit

Rail Recruitment arrives at Leeds

In line with our latest growth initiative; our recently formed Rail Specialist Department based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, have, this month been audited and have qualified to hold the Link Up Accreditation, which is monitored by Achilles, the industry standard body.

With this accreditation, the latest in a string of quality standards officially awarded to Dutton International, our Rail Department will now be able to grow its seamless supply to rail projects which will add to our already strong capacity for recruitment. Areas of supply are now set to include:

• Rail installation
• Rail maintainence
• Underground rail projects
• Bridge work
• Track-side projects
• High speed rail projects
• Rail freight networks
• Railway station work

David Bracken, Manager of the Leeds Branch said:

Adding a specialist rail division to our already multi-disciplined branch will enhance the growth of the branch, hopefully in a manner we haven’t seen before. Through acquisitions and head hunting of prime recruitment talent in the region my branch has gone from strength to strength. Creating a rail specialist team seemed for us to be the natural progression the brand should take, our key competitors in the region have done so and, not before the time was right, it was apparent that to grow we must do the  same. I am confident that this latest enhancement to the group will prove to be a profitable addition.

It is hoped that Rail service provision will now be introduced to other strategic branches throughout the group and that our reputation for quality and service will become recognised within the rail industry.

This latest addition comes in line with the 2012 Brand growth strategy which the group has launched which will see office upgrades, Staff investment, recruitment and acquisitions across the brand. Dutton Blog will keep you updated with all of our latest advances across the UK.

For further information about our Rail Department and their capacity to supply your business or for opportunities to find work in the Rail Sector, please call  0113 877 345

As an international group we are always keeping an eye on the working climate in our various operational locations. today we decided to take a look at a recent survey conducted by Socialcast in the U.S. to provide us with an insight into the effects of being happy and what helps keep staff happy in the workplace…enjoy!

Wishing you a prosperous 2012 from all at Dutton International

On the eve of a new year and at the end of our 29th year in business we would like to take this last opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. In what has been the most profitable year on record for the Dutton International group and seen new growth acquisitions and diversification of operations; we would like to thank all of our Clients, Staff and Candidates for their commitment and loyalty. We hope that the next year will see us improve further on our achievements and mark our 30th anniversary by continuing to be at the forefront of our industry wherever we operate. 

Happy new year and all the best!!

Do you work in Recruitment? Regardless of your industry Dutton International is interested in you. Your potential is what drives us.

What makes us stand out as a recruitment business isn’t just our 30 years of success within the industry, it isn’t our bespoke, well appointed offices across the UK, it isn’t even the phenomenal financial strength that we are lucky to have behind us. No, what makes us stand out is our commitment to harvesting the brightest lights within the recruitment industry and nurturing them to achieve the most.

As a constantly developing business; we currently have opportunities nationwide for aspiring Recruitment Consultants who are interested in meeting their goals and enhancing their earning potential and reaping the rewards of aligning themselves with an aspirational and highly profitable company.

If you have a proven track record in Recruitment and would like to find out more about the opportunity we have waiting for you, we encourage you to contact us in confidence by calling Julian McFarlane on 0114 2200893.

Workington Town RLFC

A lot has gone on within Dutton in 2011, we have seen new a plethora of new staff brought on board and 3 new offices launched around the country, growing the group further. One of the new branches launched this year has been our Workinton, Cumbria branch which specialises in the Energy and Engineering industries. In line with our pledge to invest in the communities within which we operate; we linked up with Workington Town Rugby League Club to sponsor match-day events.

WTRLFC reached the televised Grand Final at Old Trafford

This season has seen the team go from strength to strength, culminating on them reaching the “Grand Final” which was a televised match, played at Old Trafford.

We are pleased to announce that we have re-negotiated our sponsorship deal with the team for the 2012 season and we will now be a major kit sponsor, with our logo printed on all team and replica shirts.

The team play their first official match of the season on Sunday February 12th at their Derwent Park ground against Sheffield Eagles. On behalf of Dutton International, we would like to wish the whole team the best of luck for their upcoming games and a successful season of achievement.