What a momentous year 2024 has been, both in business and personally.
This year marked 23 successful years of HR Recruitment – a milestone we’re incredibly proud of! Adding to the celebrations, we launched an exciting new project: the HR Awards in Wales, in collaboration with some of the industry’s most respected experts and we are very excited about how this will look kicking off in March 2025.
Looking at the bigger picture, the jobs market slowed slightly in the first half of the year amidst economic and political uncertainty. AI has also continued to make waves, with businesses increasingly exploring its potential to streamline processes and reduce costs. Comfort in the fact however that no amount of AI can replace the personal touch of recruitment factoring in the critical traits of personality and cultural fit.
The new Labour Government wasted no time introducing significant employment legislation. We unpacked much of this in our Employment Update with Hugh James, but the full impact on the market remains to be seen. Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels for future events where we will unpack the latest HR topics.
As we close out this year, our Managing Director Mera reflects on the lessons of 2024 and shares what we’ll be taking forward into 2025:
‘In 2024, I learned a huge amount not only about my business but about myself and no degree of success is possible unless you have a loyal, honest and supportive team around you! This might be made up of your colleagues, your family or your friends but without any of them, the journey and achievements would be negligible.
Healthy professional and personal relationships are empowering. They make us wiser and stronger, more functional and resilient and allow us to deliver the very best versions of ourselves in spite of what might be happening around us.
I’m eternally grateful for the support I received unveiling Smitten in February this year when I was encouraged to embrace my goals and dreams and to continue to believe in myself. It has been a demanding, labour of love but we smashed it and have great plans for the year ahead.
I must also mention the lessons I learned from my very own son who was launched into his first whirlwind appearance in the 6 Nations rugby this year! It took us all by surprise and the overwhelming support was palpable. I will forever have goosebumps reliving the entire experience whilst personally digging deep to find calm amongst the chaos. He was a perfect example of that.
So, as we move into 2025 and reflect, let’s be grateful for the amazing people we are lucky enough to have around us. Those who keep us in check, lift us when we’re drowning and champion us in our triumphs! I for one would be lost without them. THANK YOU.’
An extended thank you therefore to everyone we’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. To our clients and candidates alike, your continued support means the world to us.
From all of us here, we wish our connections and the HR community a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
We can’t wait to catch up in 2025!