In many occasions we think that the biggest problem to solve within a selection process is the identification of professionals in the market with a suitable...
As a seasoned partner to many international clients, we have assisted in recruiting and growing high-performing teams across the UK's varied landscape. Despite being part of Europe, the UK boasts a culture as diverse as its geography, from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil countryside of Wales. In this guide, we explore 10 essential considerations for companies venturing into the UK market, helping you craft a recruitment strategy tailored to the nuances of British culture and business practices.
Before delving into recruitment strategies, it is essential to grasp the tapestry of the UK. Comprising four distinct countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—the UK is a mosaic of cultures, each with its unique history and charm. With a collective population of approximately 67 million, ranging from the bustling metropolises to the serene countryside, the UK offers a plethora of opportunities for business expansion.
We were talking with our partners in UK from Talentor International, Collingwood Executive Search, and between our team and theirs, we came to the conclusion that these 10 points are key to the search for talent in the United Kingdom.
Top 10 considerations for recruitment success
Embarking on your recruitment journey in the UK? Here are our top 10 tips to help you achieve success:
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The UK is so much more than just London
While London shines as England's vibrant capital, there is much more to the UK. There are other fast-growing cities in the UK such as Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow and Edinburgh and not forgetting Belfast. They all have something to offer with different local cultures and talent pool strengths. They all have different remuneration levels for candidates too with London being very expensive and Belfast being the least expensive. -
Industry hotspots
Different regions in the UK are the home to certain industries. For example, you will find aerospace strong in the Midlands (Birmingham) and North-West of England (Blackburn or Preston), medical technologies in Wales, food and drink in Scotland and Agriculture in Northern Ireland. You really need to understand where your industry is located in the UK so you can benefit from the specialised talent pools to fuel your growth. -
Employment law
Each of the four countries has its own culture, history and has many of its powers devolved from the UK Government. This means the UK does not have one overall legal system and so, from an employment point of view, you need to invest time to understand this dependant on the country you would like to invest in. -
Travelling in the UK
The UK has a very good network of motorways to travel around by car but, like many countries, certain parts are very congested! Our public transport is better in Southern England and around London than anywhere else but, as a rule, it is generally good to travel North to South but less so West to East. Air travel is fine between the major cities in the North to the ones in the South, but it is quite a small island and so trains and cars tend to be the favoured mode of transport. -
Respect for diversity
The UK is a multicultural society, and diversity and inclusion are important values in the workplace. We promote respect for individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives and HR Leaders are currently very proactively building diverse teams. -
Professionalism
Punctuality, politeness and professionalism are the cornerstones of British workplaces. Many say we are too polite and not direct enough in our communications. We tend to be a nation that doesn’t like to upset people and queuing is one of our passions! -
Work and life balance
While committed to our work, Brits also cherish our personal time. Covid has introduced a very hybrid or remote orientated culture, and we tend to work between 8 am and 6 pm with little flexibility! Whilst companies based in cities socialise, those more remotely based don’t. More and more employers provide their employees with health benefits from paid for gym memberships and health insurance through to encouraging walking meetings, lunch time healthy activities and a focus on mental well-being. -
Embrace British humour
British humour is renowned for its subtlety and wit. The workplace is full of jokes, funny stories and “banter”. -
Prioritising candidate experience
A positive candidate experience is crucial for attracting top talent and maintaining a favourable employer reputation. We expect a recruitment process to move at pace and the communication through it to be open, transparent and regular. You should share project timelines, streamline the application process, provide timely feedback, and personalise interactions with candidates to showcase your organisation's culture and values to create a strong impression. We are a culture that can be a bit sceptical and need to be convinced! -
Adapting recruitment strategies
Candidates can be reached via Headhunting (we are happy to receive unsolicited calls from recruiters), social media (Linked in) and online adverts (there are a lot of different platforms depending on the type of role and industry you are in). The most common online job advertising platform is Indeed and covers the whole of the UK. Usual recruitment strategies will have blend of a few different approaches.
As you embark on your recruitment journey in the UK, remember to embrace the diversity, professionalism, and unique quirks that define British culture. By understanding and adapting to local customs and practices, you will be well-equipped to build a dynamic and successful team that thrives in the UK's business landscape.
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