Discovering Staffordshire University’s Unitemps service provided the perfect solution to recruitment issues at a digital transformation firm.
Biddulph-based Cut the Mustard were delighted to find that the often-problematic process of sourcing suitable candidates would be managed for them.
Unitemps meets with a business to understand its requirements, advertises the vacancy, shortlists applicants and sets up interviews.
Owned by the University and situated on campus, it has been developed to help local businesses recruit its students and graduates – often with a subsidy element as part of the package.
Cut the Mustard became aware of the expert recruitment service after taking a space on the University’s Innovation Enterprise Zone Incubator to boost its business.
Their recruitment needs became pressing as they increased their client base and needed to double their workforce.
“Signing up to Unitemps seemed like a much easier way of engaging with students to fill a new role,” said Managing Director Ajay Kapadia.
“Their team managed the advertising and reviewing of CVs, giving us a short list of candidates to interview.
“Thanks to their help we managed to fill the vacancies within a few days of the roles going live.
“Both posts were for web developers, one in 2022 and one in 2023. Lizzy at Unitemps made the process really easy by talking through our requirements and matching us with suitable candidates.”
Ajay was impressed by the way his company’s risk was minimised due to the “try before you buy” approach adopted by Unitemps.
Candidates are employed by Unitemps and if the company approves they move across to the payroll for a small charge.
Cut the Mustard received part-funding to support the advent of the first recruit, which it used towards buying equipment and to offset the small markup that Unitemps charge for their payroll service.
“Our new recruits have been excellent and they are very well suited to the roles we have,” added Ajay.
“We have actually also sponsored one of the candidates under the skilled worker visa scheme.
“We have already recommended Unitemps to two businesses. Unitemps aren’t like other recruitment agencies. In addition to taking on candidates themselves, there’s no hard sell or high fees to take on staff.
“In the past, we have used recruitment agencies and hired directly but Unitemps seems like the best of both worlds.”
Unitemps can draw on a talent pool of 20,000 skilled candidates when offering their student and graduate internships.
A student or graduate is placed in a business for three months, while graduate interns are immersed in organisations for at least a similar term.
More than 90 per cent of employers involved have decided to take on their interns as full-time employees.
So far a total of 130 companies across the digital, marketing, engineering and scientific sectors have been helped.
Unitemps can offer Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire with fewer than 250 employees up to £2,000 in part-funding* to help them when taking on a student or graduate and facilitate specialist job roles.
The funding is targeted towards roles which are innovative for the business; these can range from software developers, digital marketers and similar positions which can grow the organisation.
Unitemps also facilitates virtual internships, part-time roles, full-time roles, serviced placements, temporary and permanent posts – all at a highly competitive price.
Businesses interested in recruitment support or other business support at Staffordshire University Unitemps can contact their team, via [email protected] or find out more at Unitemps.
*Subject to eligibility and until funding runs out.
