Simon Acres Managing Director at Simon Acres Group (SAGL), looks at how to develop a successful recruitment strategy during the current crisis
The KBB recruitment market is extremely challenging at the moment. The combination of Brexit, the pandemic and busy KBB showrooms dealing with pent up demand, has created the perfect storm.
As with other industries there is a severe shortage of staff across the board, but particularly delivery drivers. A recent survey from Road Haulage Association estimates that there is now a shortage of more than 100,000 drivers in the UK. This has been caused by European drivers returning home because of Brexit or Covid, and a large backlog in HGV driver tests, making it difficult to get new drivers up and running.
Against this backdrop, it pays for businesses to work with KBB specific platforms and build a relationship with their recruitment partner. Working together it is easier to be flexible and adaptable, finding solutions that look to the future, rather than reacting and having to rely on short term solutions.
With sales people also in short supply, companies should consider using an industry specific headhunting service. With the best people not always on the market, it can be a quicker and more cost effective solution, especially when you also consider lost opportunity sales.
Businesses that have traditionally recruited directly will find that working with a recruitment partner that takes to understand their business, can utilise their contacts and save valuable time and money. A recruitment partner will take on parts of the process and vet candidates, making it more likely that only the most credible options make the short list.
Many companies will have lost staff as older more experienced people have left during lockdown and there are not enough young people to take their place. There are long terms gain to be had from helping young people seek out careers in the kbb industry. Traditionally, our industry has not had very clear paths for apprentices but with new funding and apprenticeship schemes coming on line, it should be easier to business to support new talent and help build careers.
With increased demand likely to continue for around 12 to 18 months, companies that plan ahead but can also remain responsive and adaptable will prosper and thrive.