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Could more Shropshire Jobs be on the way?

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Could more Shropshire Jobs be on the way at the i54 site whilst mystery firm eyes development over Shropshire border?

Scores of new Shropshire Jobs could be on the way after a mystery hi-tech manufacturing company put in an offer for a new factory on the i54 development site, on the Shropshire border.

Talks are “at an advanced stage”, said Noel Muscutt of property agents Bulleys.

“We are hoping to make an announcement fairly shortly,” he said.

If a deal for the site was agreed it would be “very good news for the area indeed”, Mr Muscutt added.

Details are currently being kept confidential while talks continue, but it would involve an advanced manufacturing company from outside the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire area creating Shropshire jobs.

Mr Muscutt said there had been very strong interest in the 15.5-acre site, close to the growing Jaguar Land Rover engine factory, since it went on the market late last year.

The site is one of the last patches of development land left on the 239-acre South Staffordshire i54 site, which is also home of aerospace factory Moog, testing firm Eurofins and stamp printer ISP.

The site is jointly owned by Wolverhampton Council, South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire County Council. Last year they called in Halesowen-based industrial estate operator A & J Mucklow to develop and find tenants or buyers for the remaining plots.

It is proposing three advanced manufacturing factories for the 15 acres, of 40,800 sq ft, 74,800 sq ft and 160,000 sq ft. Bulleys and Cushman & Wakefield are the joint letting agents.

Mr Muscutt, from Bulleys, said the proposals were “very much indicative of how the site could look”, rather than concrete plans.

The actual factories will be built to the specifications of the manufacturing companies that move on to the site.

When Mucklow was brought in by the councils last year the company chairman, Rupert Mucklow, said: “We won’t be involved in speculative development. We will hope to attract companies looking for high quality industrial space, something bespoke, and working with them to develop buildings that fit their needs.”

The i54 site is already seeing major development work as JLR expands its engine plant, turning it into a £1 billion factory. It already makes four cylinder Ingenium diesel engines and production of petrol engines is due to start later this year.

A further project is almost doubling the size of the factory, which will extend from the M54 to the north to the Wobaston Road to the south. Building work is expected to be completed by next summer.

  • Shropshirestar

 

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Incredible 360 Degree Video Shows Mars Terrain

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Explore Mars in 360-degrees with this panoramic shot from Curiosity

The Curiosity Rover is celebrating its four-year anniversary on Mars and Nasa has released a 360 panorama shot of the Martian terrain to coincide with the event.

The panorama shows eroded mesas and buttes on Mars, which has led to comparison with similar terrain in the US southwest. The shot is a combination of more than 130 images taken over the course of one day.

The rover captured the image using its Mastcam on August 5, four years since it began its mission on the planet. The vista was taken in the formation known as Murray Buttes on Mount Sharp, a layered mountain with a peak that rises 18,000 feet over the floor of the valley inside the Gale Crater.

The image shows that the buttes and mesas are capped with rock that is relatively resistant to wind erosion, Nasa says. This will help to preserve the remnants of a layer that formerly more fully covered the underlying layer of the terrain that the rover is now driving on.

Over its four years on Mars, Curiosity has returned more than 128,000 images and driven 8.43 miles.

Curiosity is examining the slopes of Mount Sharp in order to learn more about whether or not Mars hosted life, and how and when environmental conditions in the area evolved from hosting freshwater into dry and unliveable conditions.

The site, Murray Buttes, was informally named three years ago in honour of the Caltech planetary scientist Bruce Murray, a former director of Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California that manages Curiosity’s mission for Nasa.

In July, Curiosity discovered active sand dunes, the first time they have been found outside of Earth. In an area called the Bagnold Dunes, rippled sand dunes were observed by the rover that researchers believed were being formed by the way Martian wind drags sand particles.

Nasa has also released a game to coincide with Curiosity’s four-year anniversary. Players can drive a rover through the rough Martian terrain and challenge themselves to navigate and balance the rover in order to earn points.

The game also demonstrates how the next Nasa Mars rover, which will be launched in 2020, will use a radar to search for underground water.

– Amelia Heathman, Wired

New Android Operating System takes off!

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Google is releasing the new version of Android – to some people.

The company has allowed people to play with Android 7.0 ahead of its release, and it was first unveiled in June

Android Nougat is being sent out to people’s phones around the world.

It will initially arrive on Google’s own Nexus devices first, and soon arrive on the upcoming LG V20. Other phones will have to wait until their carriers and manufacturers decide to make it available – potentially leaving them open to big security problems.

The new version of Android brings new features including better battery life, more emojis and virtual reality compatibility that sits alongside a whole host of VR tools.

Google said that there are more than 250 major new features in the newest version of Android, which is officially version 7.0.

But the primary new tools include expanded emoji, quick settings controls that can be easily accessed to change settings and the ability to run two apps side-by-side. It also has new battery tools, which allow the phone to drop into a special lower power usage mode that will let it last for longer.

It also brings new security features, meant to make Android better at keeping data private. Many of those features are locked to new devices, but they allow phones to automatically store information in the background and make sure that files are encrypted so they can’t easily be read by people.

Some people have already been able to use those features, since Google this year allowed developers to try out the software before it was actually released. That should have allowed them to ensure that apps are all up to date for the new operating system, making it run more smoothly from the off.

For everyone else, the software will roll out gradually. All of the recent Nexus devices will be updated over-the-air, and others will come with time.

 

– Andrew Griffin, Independent

How a Recruitment Agency can help you find the right job

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Looking for a job is a full-time job in itself and can be extremely time consuming and daunting. That’s where a recruitment agency can help.

Not only helping you to manage the ‘workload’ of a job hunt, the benefits of a recruitment agency stretch right through to helping you succeed in an interview. And for job seekers, a recruitment agency is absolutely free to use!

So just how exactly can a recruitment agency prove beneficial when seeking a job? Here are 5 key points:

1. A more tailored job search

The advantages of using a recruitment agency are clear when you look at how they can help tailor your job search. Skilled recruiters will know their clients well – and the roles they have available. As a result, they will be able to target the vacancies they put you forward for.

With a recruitment agency helping you with your job hunt you will be put forward for roles that are right for you, as oppose to applying blindly to companies with only the job description to go on and perhaps the companies website to build up an idea of what they’re about.

2. Support and guidance

A recruitment agency is built on the skills of its recruiters – they know the job market, they’re experts in interviewing and skills assessments, they know their client’s requirements and they know how to help you shine in the eyes of the employers.

A great recruitment agency will be able to help you strengthen your interview skills, tidy up your CV and focus your career goals. Nurture the relationship with your recruitment agency and they could prove instrumental in your career progression.

3. Making the job hunt more manageable

Your job hunt can easily get out of control. You may send your CV off to lots of different companies and get responses coming through here and there. But how do you know if you need to follow up on an application? Do you have a structured way of knowing where you should be and for what interview? Have you had the opportunity to do enough research into the job and organisation you’re applying for?

A recruitment agency will have an organised system to help manage job seekers and clients – and it can take a huge weight from your shoulders. They will be the ones to send your CV to targeted clients, they will organise the interviews and they will give you updates and feedback. They’ll also be able to tell you the details you need to know about the employer, helping you to focus your efforts.

4. An ongoing relationship

A recruitment agency doesn’t need to be a one-off support system. If you make a good impression with recruiters, they will be happy to help you later down the line when you’re ready to make another career move.

In another example, if you work in HR and are placed as a candidate by a recruitment agency you can easily build an ongoing relationship that benefits your work. You can make the transition from candidate to client, using the agency’s skills to help you place candidates in your organisation.

5. Feedback

Finally, a recruitment agency will help you go onwards and upwards by providing constructive criticism and feedback. If you didn’t quite get that job after an interview, recruiters will be able to help you understand why and then help you strengthen your interview skills or otherwise in time for your next attempt.

Here at Graffiti Recruitment, we take the time to get to know you, your business, thoughts, dreams and aspirations. We consider ourselves IT Matchmakers, Artists and Scientists all rolled into one. This combination allows us to be a professional soundboard and advise you on the best options for you!  Our Graffiti team are all self-confessed IT geeks and are proud of it, so when we talk to you we have a genuine interest in your career and business requirements.

If you are interested in a career within the IT Industry, get in touch to see how we can help you on 0330 2233 047 or submit your CV on our website by following this link.

Considering an IT Career?

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Whether you are looking for your first job or are in need a career change, many people are opting to start an IT Career.

There are so many different IT Career routes you can explore, from software design right through to game testing. It helps that IT jobs are also currently high in demand, especially IT contractors and freelancers.

Careers in IT deal with the design, creation, management and maintenance of the varied components of the system, including software, hardware, networks, systems integration and multimedia. Broadly, information technology can be divided into four central pathways: network systems, information support and services, programming and software development, and Web and digital communication. Down each career avenue exist a huge amount of occupational opportunities, ranging from database administrator to computer systems engineer, digital media specialist to systems analyst.

Here is a list of starting pointers if you are new to the IT Industry and wondering how you can get onto the IT Career ladder.

  1. List the IT work you would be interested in.It is important to find a career you are passionate about. There are a large number of IT jobs available, so you should narrow down your choice in order to give yourself a specific focus.
  2. Network and apprenticeships.Get to know IT professionals in your area and learn how they have managed to establish themselves in the industry. You can also set up apprenticeships in order to gain valuable advice and guidance during your career move.
  3. Gain IT qualifications.Have a look in your local area for any educational opportunities that could give you an opportunity to achieve essential skills for your future career. Any professional certifications will highlight your knowledge and capabilities to future employers.
  4. Experience and internships.Of course, if you don’t want to go into education, you can gain your experience and skills from entry level positions or internships. A portfolio or CV demonstrating previous employment in the industry will also show your competence in the field, similar to IT qualifications.
  5. Constructing your CV.Your CV is often your first chance to show organisations your capability. Therefore, you should clearly pinpoint your relevant experience, skills and experience, and also highlight your enthusiasm for your chosen profession.

 

Sources:

– ComputerScienceOnline

– Parasol

How a Recruitment Agency can save you time and money!

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The recruitment of new employees can be a costly and time-consuming process for businesses, especially SMEs. Find out how a Recruitment Agency can save your business time and money when it comes to recruiting. 

Employers fully recognise the value of top talent – those individuals that can drive their business forwards and boost the bottom line. Directors and hiring managers face a tricky task when it comes to ensuring a flow of continual talent into the business and making sure they hire individuals who are suited to the job and the culture of the organisation. In a buoyant jobs market, where employers are competing with one another for the most skilled and experienced staff, this becomes even more difficult. In many cases, employers need specialist support with their hiring strategies. Using a recruitment agency to identify and attract talent, and negotiate terms, can relieve a huge amount of pressure. This approach can help organisations find the people they need to move forwards, bring them to interview, and secure their services within budget.

What are the benefits of using recruitment agency to help hire professionals?

Here are a few practical benefits:

  1. Ability to identify talent

Recruitment agencies work with both employers who are searching for talent, and professionals who are on the hunt for career opportunities. As such, they are ideally placed to be ‘in the know’ and operate as an intermediary between the two parties. The knowledge recruitment consultants possess about how to avoid hiring a bad candidate can be extremely valuable; they know who is looking for work, how capable they are, and what sort of a salary expectations people have.

Once an employer has created a vacancy and established the job criteria, recruitment agencies can set about finding suitable people for the position. The ‘ideal candidate’ is often the one who is not actively looking for a new job but would be open to one if the right opportunity presented itself. A recruitment consultant has strong networks and a clear idea of where to find these individuals.

Another benefit of using a recruitment agency is their extensive knowledge about individual segments of the job market and the talent that is available in particular localities. They also learn about employers’ requirements and goals. This means they can source talented individuals who are capable of doing the job.

  1. Advertise roles

Sometimes when employers advertise vacancies, they do not receive applications of the required calibre. They are looking for an experienced candidate with niche skills, but the CVs they receive simply don’t hit the mark. Often, this is down to poor marketing; or the cost to advertise individual jobs online. High-calibre people can sometime miss the job advert an aren’t aware of the opportunity available.

Recruitment agencies advertise vacancies both online and offline. They actively seek out and head hunt professionals who fit the job description. Recruitment consultants may establish direct contact with talented individuals they know, having networked with them in the past and invite them to apply for the role. Some professionals might not be actively looking for a career change, but your vacancy could just tempt them. ‘Everyone has a price right’, but that price may not always be money! As the millennial generation continues to demand modifications to the standard 9-5 as we know it. Work/life balance and company culture sometimes become even more important than salaries.

  1. Negotiate salaries

As an employer, the last thing you want is to get to the end of the recruitment process, having identified your preferred candidate and made a job offer, only to find that you are poles apart on salary and benefits. Before entering salary negotiations, recruiters can help you benchmark remuneration against other businesses in your industry and can provide valuable resources. Recruitment agencies are also actively placing skilled candidates and negotiating salaries involved in the hiring process. They can negotiate on behalf of both parties and agree a mutually acceptable remuneration package. If both parties are aware of the other’s hopes and expectations from the outset, it ensures there is a realistic prospect of sealing the deal.

  1. Interview candidates

The recruitment agency can conduct interviews on an employer’s behalf, which can save time and money. On average each individual hire could take up to 50 hours of your time. Within an average SME there are usually 3 people involved in the recruitment of a single person. Is this the best way to spend your time or can you use this time more effectively to drive your business forward? A recruitment consultant can give you that time back by providing a shortlist of suitable candidates and begin the process of narrowing down the applicants. The recruitment agency can also conduct background checks on candidates invited to interview, meaning the employer’s HR department doesn’t have to.

  1. Deliver interim professionals

Using a recruitment agency gives businesses the benefit of increasing or decreasing their employee levels as needed. They can identify professionals for full-time permanent roles, but also individuals suitable for interim jobs. It may be that emergency cover is needed for an absent employee who has gone off ill or left at short notice. Or an employer may be concerned about a lack of capacity for a new project or initiative that is getting underway. Recruiters have candidates on who are willing to hit the ground running, meaning there is no time wasted getting these professionals up to speed.

  1. Offer industry insight

Another benefit of a recruitment agency is they spend all day, every day, working to provide staffing solutions for organisations across a range of industry sectors. As such, they have significant expertise and jobs market insight, internationally, nationally, and locally, which employers can tap into as they plan their recruitment strategy. Recruitment consultants understand employer’s needs, candidate expectations, and the impacts of supply and demand. This means they are ideally situated to help employers make educated decisions, which have a positive impact on the bottom line.

In summary

Employers don’t need to go it alone when it comes to hiring. Finding the right recruitment agency that has access to people in your industry vertical can be very beneficial, time saving and cost effective.

We can help you find highly talented candidates within the Tech Sector for jobs such as Software Development, Web Development, IT Engineering, IT Support, Graphic Design, Marketing, Business Development and much more! Please get in touch to find out how we can help you.

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