The Ambitions Podcast
By Ambitions Personnel
The Ambitions PodcastAug 10, 2021
Season 6, Episode 10: What can you do with a podcast?
Podcasts can be an incredible tool for branding, reputation and content creation. Host Lizzie is joined by Managing Director, Mandy Watson and the pair discuss the concept of a podcast and how the Ambitions Podcast has developed over time.
Season 6, Episode 9: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar, does it matter?
Host Lizzie is joined by Managing Director at Distract, Peter Watson to discuss the importance of spelling, punctuation and grammar in business. Peter has recently published 'The Niche Influence' a book on marketing and finding your audience. The pair discuss whether SPAG is still important and whether you can still make a good impression without a talent for English.
Season 6, Episode 8: The Lincolnshire Food Valley with Sarah Louise Fairburn
Lincolnshire is known for its food industry, but more needs to be done to promote the fact the county is full of innovation and open for business. Host Gerrard Grundy is joined by Vice Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board Sarah Louise Fairburn to discuss the food industry and how recruitment can play a part in bringing the best to the area.
Season 6, Episode 7: Retraining and workplace learning post-pandemic.
The pandemic highlighted self-improvement and remaining resilient when it comes to qualifications and learning. Host Lizzie is joined by Ambitions Personnel's Head of Commercial Recruitment, Kiran Kaur-Costa and Managing Director Mandy Watson to discuss training, internal improvements and building a workforce for the future.
Season 6, Episode 6: Post-Pandemic Legalities in the World of Work
In this episode, Ambitions' Gerrard Grundy is joined by Partner at Wilkin Chapman, Oliver Tasker, to talk about the legal ramifications that COVID and the subsequent easing of restrictions has brought the world of employment.
The pair discuss trial delays, new precedents and the challenges that this unique event has introduced unexpectedly.
Season 6, Episode 5: Employee Engagement Post-Pandemic
This week, Lizzie Tasker along with Operations Director, Becky Gench take a look at employee engagement.
It’s a topic that’s featured in many of our previous episodes, but how has the pandemic affected the employer / employee relationship. And importantly, what should employers consider as many prepare to return to the workplace? It’s uncharted territory, but can employers turn these obstacles into opportunities?
Season 6, Episode 4: Warehousing and Logistics Market Update
In our third and final labour market update, Ambitions’ Becky Gench along with Director Claire Haggar bring you up to date on what’s happening from the frontline of the Warehousing and Logistics industry.
They look back at what has changed since the start of the pandemic and how a shift in consumer habits has had a huge impact within this sector. As the world starts to open up again, will we see that shift again? And now, as businesses head towards their peak season with growing concerns over staff shortages, the conversation turns to what issues might lie ahead.
Season 6, Episode 3: Commercial Labour Market Update
This week, Kiran Kaur – Head of Ambitions’ Commercial Recruitment Division speaks with colleague Leanne Cooper on the state of the commercial labour market. Naturally, the conversation is dominated by the impact of the pandemic and the huge changes that businesses have had to implement, and the knock-on effect this has had on employee retention and recruitment.
Several trends have emerged as a result, but what looks set to stay?
We discuss the last 18 months and look at what might lie ahead in the future.
Series 6, Episode 2: Food Industry Update 2021
In the second episode of our new series, Gerrard Grundy speaks with colleague Lizzie Tasker on the state of the food industry regionally as well as nationally and the impact that the pandemic and Brexit has had on the jobs market.
The pandemic has hit some industries hard, but has this meant an upturn in worker availability to help address the shortages in the food market? We look at the state of the industry in terms of recruitment and what this might mean going forward.
Series 6, Episode 1: Is Working From Home Here To Stay?
In the first episode of our new series, Managing Director at Ambitions Personnel, Mandy Watson, speaks with colleague Lizzie Tasker on the topic that everyone has been talking about this year.
Working from home has become the norm for thousands of workers nationwide over the past year due to the Coronavirus restrictions, but not for everyone. Mandy and Lizzie debate the advantages and disadvantages of the trend and ask if it is here to stay now restrictions are lifting and offices open back up.
Series 5, Episode 7: How Did You Get Into the Recruitment Business? (Mandy Watson and Helen Mason)
Recruitment is a business that varies day-to-day and throws many challenges at those at the cliff face. Ambitions Personnel HR Manager Helen Mason and Managing Director, Mandy Watson discuss how they got into recruitment as a career in the first place, how the industry has changed and what the future might hold for those entering the profession.
Series 5, Episode 6: How Did You Get Into the Recruitment Business (Gerrard Grundy and Becky Gench)
Recruitment is a business that varies day-to-day and throws many challenges at those at the cliff face. Ambitions Personnel Operations Director Becky Gench and Account Manager, Gerrard Grundy discuss how they got into recruitment as a career in the first place, how the industry has changed and what the future might hold for those entering the profession.
Series 5, Episode 5: What is CSR and how can it benefit your business?
CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, is a subject that many wish they knew more about and get involved in. It can range from volunteering, partnering with a charitable organisation or simply good old fashioned fundraising. Businesses are looking to become more ethical and involved in their communities, but there's so much choice when it comes to research.
Director at Ambitions Personnel, Mandy Watson is joined by special guest, Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas Hospice to explore what it means to adopt a CSR strategy, what benefits it can bring and how to get started.
Series 5, Episode 4: Finding Opportunities in Uncertain Times
On what is allegedly the most depressing day of the year, this Blue Monday, The Ambitions Podcast is bringing you some optimism and perspective!
Director, Mandy is joined by special guest, Pete Watson, to discuss what opportunities have come out of the last year, and how this has shaped their values as business leaders and as consumers.
If it can’t get any worse, then it’s time to excel.
Season 5, Episode 3: 30 Years of Ambitions Personnel!
Recorded in March 2020, two weeks before national lockdown, Ambitions Personnel’s Directors and sisters, Amanda Watson and Claire Haggar, discussed their business’ incredible 30-year milestone in April 2020.
The anniversary was due to launch a yearlong campaign, celebrating their achievements; however, due to the pandemic, this had to be postponed and Ambitions faced its toughest year in its 3-decade history.
Ever the optimists, Mandy and Claire, want to end this difficult year on a high and let the adversities they’ve overcome be something else to celebrate when they can do in true Ambitions style!
Together, the co-Directors explore the evolution of Ambitions and what lead them to make the decisions they made to expand their firm from a micro-business to the large enterprise it is today. Not to mention the drastic evolution of the recruitment industry itself.
From working on production lines, driving minivans, catering events and cycling from London to Paris to winning new contracts, opening new offices and expanding divisions - there has never been a dull moment in Ambitions’ fantastic 30 years of TRANSFORMING RECRUITMENT.
Here's to the next 30 years!
Season 5, Episode 2: The Reality of a Recession
“We’re understanding faster than ever before just how integrated our economic system is.”
In today’s podcast, recorded in October, Gerrard Grundy is joined by special guest, Pete Watson, the Managing Director of digital marketing agency, Distract.
Gerrard and Pete discuss the impact of the COVID Recession, reveal how it has affected their industries and share their advice on how to stay positive despite the economic uncertainty.
Both professionals believe that there is method to the madness and there are always opportunities, even in a recession. With natural gaps being created in the market, innovators need to ensure they “don’t waste a good recession.”
Season 5, Episode 1: Changes in the Labour Market
Today we bring you the first episode of a brand new series of The Ambitions Podcast. Recorded in October 2020, with full social-distancing and COVID secure measures firmly in place.
Series five is kicking off with a discussion around the current condition of the UK labour market. Ambitions’ HR Manager, Helen Mason, is joined by Account Manager, Gerrard Grundy, to discuss the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on businesses and the UK workforce.
The recruitment specialists explore the overall affects so far, possible repercussions to come and discuss if there are any positives amongst the adversity.
Season 4, Episode 7: The Challenges of Being Young in Business
The great thing with leadership is that age doesn’t matter.
In the final episode of The Ambitions Podcast series 4, Operations Director, Becky Gench, is joined by a friendly face, Distract’s Pete Watson.
Pete shares with Becky his personal experiences and challenges with being a young entrepreneur and business owner in a predominantly senior market.
Extremely talented in his field of marketing and business, Pete talks in-depth about his journey into becoming an HR and recruitment leader, as well as how he adapted to earn the respect of his team and his clients despite being his 20s.
Season 4, Episode 6: Automation doesn’t happen overnight.
The announcement of next year’s new immigration system may have been overshadowed by the COVID-pandemic, its scheduled implementation in January 2021 has not been affected.
Shortly after the points-based system was confirmed, and just weeks prior to lockdown, Ambitions Personnel’s Gerrard Grundy and Helen Mason discussed the 'bombshell' new immigration policies.
Recruitment specialists, Gerrard and Helen explore the intended benefits of the pending points-based system as well as the potential pitfalls of such a radical change to such a heavily relied on source of essential workers.
Season 4, Episode 5: Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery. If you didn’t know what it was before the coronavirus pandemic, you sadly do now.
In this episode, Ambitions’ Account Manager, Gerrard Grundy, is joined by Tech Director of Minerva IT, Dave Rendall, to discuss the importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan, and what SMEs should consider when developing one.
A complex matter with various aspects to consider from cost-benefit analysis to business continuity. Thanks to their DR Plans, many businesses have shown incredible resilience in really threatening times.
Gerrard and Dave share their personal experiences with business disasters, what the recovery processes entailed and how they’ve mitigated future risks.
Season 4, Episode 4: We’re Human First – The Totality of Employee Wellbeing
How simple is showing your employees’ that you care?
In today’s podcast Ambitions Personnel’s HR Manager, Helen Mason, is joined by the Founder and “Chief Energy Sparker” of business and wellbeing consultancy, Firecracker. Together, they discuss the “totality” of employee wellbeing and highlight all too often overlooked aspects of the complex matter.
Helen and Rachel also explore the responsibility employers have to invest in their business’ leadership and management, and what detrimental impact ‘toxic management’ spreads through an entire company.
Season 4, Episode 3: Building, Becoming and Being a Brand.
If a picture says a thousand words, what does your brand say about you?
In today’s podcast, Ambitions Personnel’s Operations Director, Becky Gench, is joined by the company’s external graphics specialist and owner of dv8 Design, Wayne France.
Wayne was instrumental in Ambitions’ 2019 rebrand and works closely with the firm’s directors and marketing team for many major projects.
Along with Becky, Wayne discusses the ‘fundamental laws’ of branding and what the true impact of a company’s identity is in the marketplace and to its own workers. Becky and Wayne also discuss the challenges of company branding, especially when it comes to rebranding and multi-purpose
branding.
Season 4, Episode 2: The Power of Partnerships
In an industry like recruitment where confidence is key, how do business leaders remain optimistic about growth and financial security?
In this episode of The Ambitions Podcast, Managing Director and founder of Ambitions, Mandy Watson is joined by special guest, Andy Proctor, Relationship Director at NatWest Bank, who has been Ambitions’ Bank Manager since the mid-noughties.
Mandy and Andy share how essential the strength of their partnership has been to Ambitions growth, as well as what challenges and red tapes they’ve encountered along the way.
Please note that all filming of Season 4 of The Ambitions Podcast was completed before the UK COVID-19 outbreak, lockdown, and social distancing measures.
Season 4, Episode 1: How Does A City Retain Its Talent?
In the first episode of this new series Lincoln-based company founders and Managing Directors, Mandy Watson of Ambitions Personnel and her special guest, Peter Watson of Distract, discuss how Lincoln has shaped their businesses and careers. Despite neither one being a Lincoln native, both Mandy and Peter chose Lincoln to be the base of their organisations.
With 25 years between the launches of their agencies, one recruitment and one marketing, Mandy and Peter explain what initially attracted them to Lincoln, highlight what other local enterprises have enhanced the evolution of the historical city and explore what the future holds for Lincoln.
Although we're launching Season 4 of the Ambitions Podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic, please note that all filming was completed before the UK outbreak, lockdown, and social distancing measures.
Season 3, Episode 10: First Impressions Matter
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In the final episode of the third season, Lizzie and Mandy discuss the importance of a first impression.
Candidates should always remember that interviews are a two-way street. The candidate should use it as an opportunity to ascertain whether this is the right job for them. Can you see yourself working with these people who are asking the questions?
It's a nerve-wracking experience walking into any job interview. The best interviewers can get the most out of candidates by putting them at ease. It's as easy as smiling, and relating to the candidate.
What should you wear to an interview is a common question. The best thing to do if you're unsure is to dress well - interviews should be a jeans-free zone! It's also important to prepare well. Who is your interviewer, what do you know about the company, and do you have your elevator pitch ready? Be ready to describe yourself in 30 seconds hitting all the major points. Perhaps it's a good idea to take in a "cheat sheet" with you.
Season 3, Episode 9: Transferable Skills
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Becky and Lizzie discuss the importance of transferable skills. The difference between soft skills and hard skills and why both are vitally important to career progression. Can your skillset prove more important than experience when looking for a new role?
The majority of skills can be transferred from role to role, and even from one industry to another. Customer service skills gained in a customer-facing retail role translate very well to an office environment, for example. There is usually almost always a way to transfer a skill.
Interviewers love asking questions like "tell me about a time when...", which is usually asking for how you utilised your skills to solve a problem. As a candidate, if you can answer that question creatively by using a transferable skill, that can only work in your favour.
Employers also like to look for flexibility in candidates. They often want to build loyalty in their new employees by upskilling them, usually to improve their own retention rates.
Season 3, Episode 8: Careers Advice
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
This week, Gerrard and Paula discuss careers advice. How to plan your career, how to know when to change jobs, what to look for in a new job and more. Even if you know what you'd like your future to look like, changing careers prove a huge challenge, almost always resulting in some temporary loss of income.
There are plenty of signs that could mean a career change is imminent. Monday morning dread, not wanting to get up and go to work, or becoming easily irritated and frustrated at work are two of the most prominent. It is, however, important to understand where that frustration lies. Is it the job itself the organisation you work in? If you make the decision to move jobs, it's important to make sure that it will cure your frustrations.
Season 3, Episode 7: The benefits of temporary work.
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
This week, Mandy and Becky discuss the benefits of temporary work. There are a whole plethora of reasons why people use temporary work, although employers and workers on temporary contracts get a lot of bad press.
Sometimes temporary work is seasonal, such as at Christmastime in busy shopping periods or summer work at music festivals. Sometimes workers don't want to be tied into a permanent contract, so temporary work can suit them well. Those who have previously retired also fit well with temporary contracts, being able to more easily choose when they work and for how long.
Season 3, Episode 6: How to build a successful team
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this week's episode, Mandy and Becky discuss building successful teams. Every person in a team is important, regardless of seniority in the business. If one person in a team isn't functioning properly, that can cause trouble down the line.
The pair discuss the various ways that employers can recruit new staff into existing teams. We spend a lot of our time at work, so making sure that any new addition fits in well is critical, as it can heavily influence how well a team performs.
Recognition also goes a long way with helping teams perform better. Being rewarded for good work acts as a great incentive for teams working together well and surely helps maintain and increase productivity in the future.
Season 3, Episode 5: Just how important are job descriptions?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this week's episode, Helen and Paula discuss what makes a good job description and the importance of getting it right the first time. What are the key elements of the job? What will the candidate spend most of their time doing? It's crucial for job descriptions to accurately reflect the role on offer.
For recruiters, it's important to understand what the most important skills and traits that clients want in a candidate. Where do they fit into the company structure and how could their role progress? It is vital that candidates know what's on offer to them the first time they read a job description - there can be no second-guessing when it comes to first impressions.
Season 3, Episode 4: Let's talk about CVs.
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie and Paula talk about the good, the bad and the ugly with regards to CVs. What makes a good CV, and what are the common mistakes that are stopping people from getting their dream job? It has been revealed that recruiters spend roughly seven seconds looking at a CV, so it's important to make those seconds count.
Also in this week's episode, the experts answer questions about how long a CV should be, should a personal profile be included, and what are the top things to include in your new CV?
Season 3, Episode 3: New Year Motivation
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie is joined by Becky to discuss the trend of staff moving jobs in the New Year. 'Massive Monday' is the first full working Monday of the New Year and sees a huge number of employees looking for new roles. Last year, over one million CV's were uploaded to Reed in a single day!
The New Year might not be good news for employers, but it certainly provides a busy schedule for recruiters. Lizzie and Becky discuss what recruiters are looking for in New Year candidates, as well as what employers should be doing to better hold onto their staff in the most vulnerable time of year for job retention. How can staff get motivated after the festive break?
Season 3, Episode 2: Looking ahead to 2020
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
This week, Gerrard and Helen discuss how the recruitment industry is shaping up ahead of 2020, and what new trends they're expecting to see in the New Year.
There are plenty of talking points for recruitment experts to debate, but the one on everybody's lips is Brexit. As the UK edges closer to making a decision on what Brexit will look like, how will it really affect the recruitment industry and employers? Businesses relying on seasonal workers are particularly vulnerable to changes in immigration law.
Also in this week's episode, how the Good Work Plan sets out the future plan for the UK labour market and big changes to how employees get their written employment contracts. 2020 is certainly shaping up to be an interesting year for recruiters.
Season 3, Episode 1: Are Christmas parties all they're cracker-ed up to be?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this first episode of Season 3, Lizzie is joined by Gerrard as the duo discuss the positives of Christmas parties as well as some of the negatives.
Almost everyone has a story about a disastrous Christmas party, and plenty of people have some regrets from the morning after. Should Christmas parties be alcohol-free? Could more responsibility be taken by employers to make sure everything runs smoothly?
It's not all bad for Christmas party-goers, however, as they are great social events to increase team cohesion and also celebrate the successes of the year. They're one of those unique events that get everyone together who might not see each other often.
Season 2, Episode 9: Will automation create or destroy jobs in the future world of work?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In the final episode of the second season, Lizzie is joined by Gerrard and Ashleigh to discuss the future of the world of work and how it will affect employees and employers.
How will the rise of AI and automation impact the recruitment industry? Will jobs that exist now cease to exist in the future? How far away is that future? Will jobs be created as well as lost to automation? The experts offer their advice to job seekers and the younger generation looking to prepare for the future world of work.
Season 2, Episode 8: The importance of developing your workforce
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie is joined by Helen and Rachel, who heads up the Ambitions Personnel training division.
The experts discuss the importance of CPD (Continued Professional Development) and the benefits it provides to individuals and the wider team.
Also in this week's episode, the team explore whether CPD is an area of under-investment, the impact of the Apprenticeship Levy and ask if companies are struggling to find relevant training for their business needs.
Season 2, Episode 7: Using PR and Marketing as a candidate attraction method.
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie is joined by Paula and Mike Shields, Head of PR at innovative marketing agency, Distract. The trio discusses using PR and marketing as a candidate attraction method and the importance of utilising your brand.
The team also highlight how positioning yourselves as an expert in your industry carries more weight with journalists and can make you stand out from your competitors.
Season 2, Episode 6: Are employee benefits more attractive than salary?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
This week, Lizzie is joined by Mandy and Becky in an episode about rewards and benefits packages. Where a salary was enough to attract candidates previously, employers are having to work harder to make themselves stand out in the marketplace to attract and retain candidates.
The experts discuss a variety of benefits that employers are now offering their employees, as well as consider finding a happy medium between choosing their own benefits and maintaining a flexible benefits package.
Season 2, Episode 5: Multi-generational Workforces - tackling generational stereotypes and looking at the benefits of an age diverse workforce
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In the fifth episode, Lizzie, Paula and Gerrard discuss multi-generational workforces and the positives that age diversity can bring to a business. The group talk about the impact that generations have on each other across the workforce on a day-to-day basis and challenges it brings.
Also on the agenda this week, how employers can best harmonise their age-diverse workforce, and tackling stigmas and stereotypes between generations to help boost productivity.
Season 2, Episode 4: Don't underestimate the importance of employee wellbeing.
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this week's episode of the Ambitions Podcast, Lizzie is joined by recruitment experts Mandy and Helen to talk about the importance of employee wellbeing. What does wellbeing really mean, and what role do line managers and employers play?
The group also discusses what employers should invest in to ensure their employees are working in a comfortable and stimulating environment, as well as how to ensure that staff feel valued in their role.
Season 2, Episode 3: The Good Work Plan - what legislative changes can we expect in April 2020?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In the third episode of the second season, Lizzie talks with guest Ollie Tasker, Partner in Employment Law at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors. The pair talk about the effects that zero hour contracts have on the employment sector as well as workers rights.
Also on the agenda this week, holiday allowance changes and what they mean for workers, as well as the effects of IR35.
Season 2, Episode 2: Interviews, what's right for your business?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this second episode of season 2, host Lizzie Tasker is joined by recruitment experts, Leanne and Paula to talk about interviews, what types there are available and which kind is suited to what business.
The group also discusses whether enough is being done in the interview process to attract candidates and whether the right kind of interview is being used. Could businesses actually be putting candidates off with their current approach?
Season 2, Episode 1: Staffing Market Update
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this first episode of the second season, Lizzie is joined by Gerrard and Ashleigh who discuss the state of the UK's staff market and what changes we've seen in recent history when it comes to migrant workers and skills. They look at among other subjects, the effect that events like Brexit are having on confidence in the UK labour market and what the future might hold for getting skilled labour to meet work demands.
Episode 9: Why is workplace culture so important?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In the final episode of the first season, Lizzie is joined by Leanne and Becky in a discussion about workplace culture. What is it, and how important it is towards increasing productivity and raising staff morale. Also on the agenda this week, what makes a good manager and how should businesses reward employees for good work?
Episode 8: Why is employer branding so important when attracting candidates?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie is joined by Becky and Leanne to discuss the importance of employer branding, the impact of branding on the recruitment process such as cost per hire.
Also in this weeks episode, the experts discuss job satisfaction, the impact company reviews have when candidates are choosing their next roles to apply for and the importance of setting expectations.
Episode 7: What are the best processes to promote responsible recruitment?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie, Helen and Ashleigh discuss responsible recruitment - what it is and how best to adhere to it. The experts also discuss modern slavery and how recruiters must be aware of the red flags to help combat it before it arises.
Also on the agenda this week, the trio discuss various forms of discrimination, including 'unconscious bias', whether that be through the name on the top of the CV or valuing one gender as being worth more than another.
Episode 6: How can employers encourage physical activity in the workplace?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie, Mandy and Ashleigh discuss how employers can encourage physical activity in the workplace as well as what the potential benefits are on productivity. The experts also talk about how employers don't have to shell out for expensive gym membership programs to incentivise employees to get active.
Episode 5: What are the best recruitment processes?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie, Leanne and Helen talk about recruitment processes in a candidate-driven market, what the best processes are and what to avoid. The experts also discuss the usefulness of online testing for a job role as well as different styles of interview and the power of the informal chat.
Episode 4: How has attracting the top talent changed over the last few years?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie, Leanne and Rebecca discuss talent attraction methods, how they've changed and attraction over assessment. The three experts also discuss how easy the job application process is today via social media, and finding an innovative hook for your job descriptions.
Episode 3: How can employers start the difficult conversations surrounding mental health?
The Ambitions Podcast is a weekly discussion about recruitment. Members of the Ambitions Personnel team explore a range of subjects from the latest changes in the recruitment industry to tips on how to retain and train staff.
In this episode, Lizzie, Mandy and Rebecca discuss the impact of mental health in the workplace and how employers can open up the sometimes difficult conversations surrounding the wellbeing of their employees. The trio also discuss why mental health is becoming more of a focus for all businesses and the importance of maintaining a good work/life balance.