225+
5 reviews
MikeMike
16:04 13 Mar 23
Highly recommended! Josh and Sarah have been fantastic at Astute. They've found and placed me in 2 jobs now between them, both really responsive and excellent at keeping you up to speed with things. Very knowledgable about the roles and happy to talk to companies with any queries you have.
C R.C R.
10:45 27 Jan 23
Great agency one of the best ones I've worked with! Liz has been a great help and support in helping me towards a new direction in my career life. She is very attentive and keeps me in the loop at all times! She makes the extra effort to work with my preferred requirements for work and even if it isn't completely attainable she meets me in the middle and does as much as she can to help! Also Liz is very funny might I add 😂 and I'm happy that I can now put a face to the name after all these years! Thank you again Liz for all your help and support! 😊
ChristineChristine
10:32 20 Dec 22
Josh and the Astute team was very swift to help me to find roles that matched my profile. They are really reliable and will help through every step of the recruitment process going out of their way to assist and follow up when needed. Could not find a better recruitment agency!
Helen PinegarHelen Pinegar
16:19 18 Dec 22
Fantastic recruitment agency.. Josh was extremely enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly knowledgeable about what was needed from both the employee and the employers point of view. Extremely supportive especially in regards to interview preparation and endeavoured to procure feedback promptly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Astute in the future to both candidates and recruiting businesses particularly for the right fit for the role!!!
Lisa LeighLisa Leigh
11:56 30 Nov 22
I have worked as a candidate for Astute and they have been excellent. Super friendly service and professional agents keen to fit the right person to the right job. It has been a pleasure dealing with them and I would happily work for them again in the future. Highly recommend this agency.
js_loader
Contact us
Derby
Suite 1, Ground Floor West,Cardinal Square,10 Nottingham Road,Derby. DE1 3QT
Nottingham
Stanford House,19 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AQ

Astute Recruitment Ltd show why mental health and physical health matterMacmillan Cancer Support recently published research showing that an estimated 7 million people across the country have turned to exercise including jogging or running during the pandemic crisis to boost their mental health.

 

One in seven people in the UK (14%) said exercise had helped them handle stress better since the first lockdown.

 

Exercise proved more popular than meditation or yoga (12%). Roughly 33% said physical activity including running, helped them feel calmer and more positive, while one in five said it helped them to feel mentally stronger.

 

Macmillan is hoping this will all mean a record interest for the 2021 London Marathon. 2020’s event was first postponed to October and then cut back to just an elite event, following a year that has left charities devastated following reduced fundraising.

 

You are never too young, or old to start either. Nor are you too fit or unfit. From a gentle jog initially, gradually building up to a slow, then faster run, this is one exercise with no limits on who can join in or at what level.

 

Everyone can do it.

Whatever the weather!

 

Taking a regular stroll to the local park, it’s surprising how many new faces you can spot, having a run or jog.

 

According to City AM, Sports Direct sold 218% more pairs of running trainers online during the lockdown than in the same period 12 months before, and Britons bought 243% more running clothing than normal!

 

One of the best, instant results from a run is the immediate lift of your mood. This isn’t an accident.

 

The science bit. 

 

When you exercise, endorphins, tiny chemicals, react giddily with chemical receptors in our bodies and go mad inside our bodies. That’s what causes you to feel lifted in body and soul. Those jigging, rushing chemicals. A whole new 21st-century twist to the phrase ‘gettin’ jiggy with it’ 🤣🤣

 

Whether you’re experiencing a simple case of the Monday blues while working from home, or more persistent symptoms of depression, that’s why exercise can really help to boost your mood and reframe your mental health to a new, much more positive place.

 

Getting regular exercise is important for good physical and mental health. Exercise can help stimulate parts of your brain that aren’t as responsive when you’re feeling depressed. It also promotes the release of feel-good brain chemicals. Exercise can also help to distract you from your worries and improve your confidence.

 

Commenting in the Guardian, Saurav Dutt, a 38-year-old author in London, ramped up his running in 2021 after taking it up for the first time during the initial lockdown.

 

“I used to try to avoid running as much as possible just because of the effort,” he said. “But the endorphin release after a big run is really significant, it really lifts your mood. And you’re also thinking about reinforcing your own general health, because underlying conditions are a big problem with Covid.”

 

In the absence of normal running groups, a number of virtual running challenges have been set up online during the pandemic. Its why we set up our #miles4meals initiative too so that people wfh can still get some valuable exercise AND help a worthwhile cause!

 

These virtual running groups are especially popular with people working from home. It’s not good for us to be sat down at a desk all day, the tension it puts on your lower back and your hips, it is really important to get out and move the body. Here at Astute, we are thrilled with the response so far from candidates, clients and businesses offering their time and miles to help us.

 

Its been interesting to highlight to businesses and employers that the benefits of virtual group exercise projects can really help the levels of employee engagement, staff wellbeing AND productivity levels in their teams. Some bracing physical activity is scientifically proven to aid and improve worker’s efficiency and increase the amount of work they can do in their job.

 

You can easily join into a virtual group by using the NHS/ Public Health England’s Couch to 5k app which was downloaded 858,000 times between March and June last year, a 92% increase compared with 2019. Check out more information on this useful link https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/

 

Like many across the country, our busy working days now revolve around a “commute a few steps downstairs or upstairs” and Zoom meetings. With long, long hours sat tapping away on laptops interspersed with calls.

 

Gone is the commute to the office. For many, our step counts and levels of movement have suffered.

 

Before Covid struck, most of us would travel, often walking to meetings, even taking a lunchtime stroll to grab some lunch. Now, that 20-minute stroll can easily become a daily ‘two-step toddle’ to the fridge and back.

 

This is why all of us at Astute wanted to do an organised event to raise awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of exercise AND support our local communities whilst helping a brilliant local charity, all at the same time.

Hence, our #miles4meals charity initiative was born! 😊

To make a donation, check out our fundraising page on Derby City Mission’s website HERE

Alternatively, if you or your team would like to join us to help Derby City Mission put together more food parcels for those in need, please email me – [email protected] and my team and I will warmly welcome you and send you more information.

 

 

Article by Mary Maguire

Managing Director
Astute | Accountancy & Finance | HR | Office Support

Suite One, Ground Floor West, Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road, Derby, DE1 3QT

T: 01332 346100

E:  [email protected]

W: www.astuterecruitment.com

LI:  https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/mary-maguire/18/73/553

LI: www.linkedin.com/company/astute-recruitment/

Happy Chinese New Year! 2021 is the Year of the Ox, but what does this Chinese sign mean? Here's our fun guide about the Chinese New Year. Fun Facts from Astute Recruitment Ltd

Happy Chinese New Year! 2021 is the Year of the Ox, but what does this Chinese sign mean? Here’s our fun guide about the Chinese New Year.

 

First, superstitions!

 

There are a host of superstitions that will apparently decide how the next year will play out for each of us. To avoid bad luck the rest of the year, here are some no-nos for Chinese New Year’s Day.

 

Washing clothes, using scissors, and sweeping floors are some of the easier bad omens to sidestep. But parents might find it harder to dodge crying kids 🤣🤣, and – on the more extreme end of the scale – women might find it difficult to avoid leaving the house all day! 😱 (Best not attend any interviews today then!)

 

According to Chinese superstition, doing any of these on Feb 12th – the day Chinese New Year falls in 2021 – will lead to bad luck for the entire coming year. But it isn’t all doom and gloom: 2021 is the Year of the Ox, an animal that  symbolises strength and determination.

 

Here is everything you need to know about the annual celebration, and why the Year of the Ox will be luckier for some than others.

 

When is Chinese New Year 2021?

The annual celebration begins on the new moon that comes between Jan 21 and Feb 20. The Chinese year will start on Feb 12th 2021 and end on Feb 11th 2022, when the Year of the Tiger begins.

 

The new year, also known in China as the Spring Festival, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar; meaning the date changes from year to year.

 

Festivities usually start the day before the New Year, and continue until the Lantern Festival, falling on the 15th day of the new year.

 

The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 blocks (or houses) just like the West’s equivalent 12 signs of the zodiac, but with the major difference that each ‘house’ has a time-length of one year instead of one month.

 

Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac – 2020 was the Year of the Rat.

 

Which Chinese zodiac sign are you? 

Your sign is derived from the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar. Have a look below and see which animal you are!

Rat: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972

Ox: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973

Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962

Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964

Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965

Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966

Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967

Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968

Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969

Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970

Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

The years above are a rough guide; bear in mind that if you were born in January or February it may be slightly different as the new year moves between January 21st and February 20th each year.

 

The years allocated to each animal are in a very specific order. According to an ancient Chinese folk story, the Jade Emperor had called 13 animals to a meeting and announced that the years on the calendar would be named according to the order they arrived in. This led to ‘The Great Race’.

 

So legend goes, the rat travelled on the back of the ox, leaping from it’s back to grab first place. The pig stopped for a snack and a nap and arrived last; a cat was also in the race but drowned during the competition, leading to there being only 12 animals in the zodiac.

 

Who should be on their guard this year?

According to Chinese astrology, the year of your birth sign is believed to be one of the most unlucky years of your life. It is thought that people in their zodiac year offend Tai Sui, the God of Age, and incur his curse.

 

Famous people who should be careful this year include Heidi Klum and Noel Fielding (both born in 1973), Lewis Hamilton (1985), Kylie Jenner (1997), and Marcus Rashford (1997). Barack Obama (1961) was also born in the Year of the Ox, plus George Clooney (1961) and Jeremy Corbyn (1949).

 

Lucky Signs for the Ox

Lucky numbers for people born in the Year of the Ox are one and four, and their lucky colours are white, green and yellow. Their lucky flowers are tulips and peach blossoms and their lucky directions are north and south.

 

The Personality of the Ox

People born in the Year of the Ox are thought to be diligent and hard-working, honest, strong, and dependable, with their ability to keep calm making them great leaders.

 

While Oxen are kind, they find it difficult to understand persuasion and always detest being the centre of attention, resulting in their talent being hidden. Their hard work and patience, however, helps them earn praise and successfully meet their goals.

 

Strengths: Patient, persistent and cautious

Weaknesses: Stubborn, less-talkative and obstructive

 

 

Why do the Chinese value the Ox?

Oxen are highly prized, celebrated animals in Chinese culture because of their roles in agriculture and positive characteristics, such as being honest and reliable. In terms of the ‘Yin and Yang’ theory, they are the yang and also represent the hours one to three in the morning and the Earthly Branch Chou.

 

2021 is specifically the Year of the Metal Ox. Chinese astrology experts say it’s a good year for giving birth as metal symbolises stability and longevity. Those born in the Year of the Metal Ox shall have plenty of great things in their lives.

 

What does your Chinese zodiac sign mean? 

In Chinese astrology, the 12 animal zodiac signs each have their own characteristics. For some fun, we’ve popped these below! Have a read and see if you agree!

 

Rat🐀: Intelligence, adaptability, quick-wit, charm, artistry, gregariousness.

Ox🐂: Loyalty, reliability, thoroughness, strength, reasonability, steadiness, determination.

Tiger🐯: Enthusiasm, courage, ambition, leadership, confidence, charisma.

Rabbit🐰: Trustworthiness, empathy, modesty, diplomacy, sincerity, sociability.

Dragon🐲: Luckiness, flexibility, eccentricity, imagination, artistry, spirituality, charisma.

Snake🐍: Philosophical, organised, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive.

Horse🐴: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent,  adventurous, strong.

Sheep🐑: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm.

Monkey🐒: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.

Rooster🐓: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.

Dog🐶: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart.

Pig🐷: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable.

 

Popular Chinese New Year Greetings 

If you want to get into the swing of the festivities but don’t have the foggiest how to decipher Mandarin characters, here’s our handy guide to the most essential phrases!

 

  1. 新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè) “Happy New Year!”

 

In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen kweye-luh/

 

In Cantonese:  /san nin fai lok/

 

  1. 新年好 / 新年好 (Xīn nián hǎo) “New Year goodness!”

 

In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen haoww/

 

In Cantonese: /sen-nin haow/

 

  1. 恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái) “Happiness and prosperity!”

 

In Mandarin: /gong-sshee faa-tseye/

 

In Cantonese: Kunghei fatchoy /gong-hey faa-chwhy/

 

  1. 步步高升 / 步步高陞 (Bùbù gāoshēng)  “A steady rise to high places!” / “on the up and up”

 

In Mandarin: /boo-boo gaoww-shnng /

 

In Cantonese: /boh-boh goh-sshin /

 

So, have a Happy Chinese New Year from all of us at Astute Recruitment Ltd!

Mary Maguire

Managing Director
Astute | Accountancy & Finance | HR | Office Support

Suite One, Ground Floor West, Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road, Derby, DE1 3QT

T: 01332 346100

E:  [email protected]

W: www.astuterecruitment.com

LI:  https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/mary-maguire/18/73/553

LI: www.linkedin.com/company/astute-recruitment/

#miles4meals update 137 miles in one week by our team at Astute Recruitment Ltd and our friends!
#miles4meals update 137 miles in one week!

We started our #miles4meals journey last Monday.

 

The figures are in and we’re delighted to announce that in just 7 days we have covered a total of 137 miles!

Our virtual journey from John O’Groats to Lands End has so far seen us travel from the beautiful peaks of Scotland, down past the historic Inverness Castle.

We’re now well past our first check-point in Inverness.

Wonder where will be next week?

 

 

 

Miles 4 Meals - Our walk from John'Groats to Lands End to raise money for Derby City Mission
Miles 4 Meals – Our walk from John’Groats to Lands End to raise money for Derby City Mission

 

All of us at Astute Recruitment Ltd are delighted to announce that today, 1st February 2021, we are launching our Miles 4 Meals charity campaign!

Our team will be ‘virtually’ walking the 911 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End, and if we can walk back again!

We find ourselves in unusual times. Many more people, families and children are struggling with financial problems. We also have a climate of increasing mental health and anxiety issues due to the latest Lockdown restrictions and hardships caused by COVID.

 

All of us at Astute, wanted to help, so we’re launching our #Miles4Meals campaign. From Monday 1st February until Good Friday on the 2nd April, our team will be using our lunchtimes or spare time to walk, run and cycle the 911 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End, and hopefully back again! If you can, please help us with our goal.

 

*The Government’s current advice is people can exercise for up to one hour a day and observe all COVID social distancing guidance. We can still all clock up a few steps in an hour though!

 

On virtual arrival to Lands End, Astute Recruitment will donate £500 to Derby City Mission & this amazing cause.

If we can get back to John O’Groats, a roundtrip of 1822 miles, Astute will double their donation to £1,000 for Derby City Mission, our chosen charity.  

 

Every mile covered will raise funds for Derby City Mission who will be using the money to make up much-needed food parcels for the vulnerable.

 

We’ll be highlighting a series of tips and advice around Mental Health, how important the link between good Mental Health and physical wellbeing is across our social media channels.

 

We’ll share photos and updates on our progress along the way. Follow our story too and add your own photos and posts if you are taking part!

 

If you and those in your team would like to join us or just sponsor us for our journey, please email Mary Maguire or Tom Norton, confirming your name, job title, and which company you are from and we will send you more information.

 

Join us on our charity walk and help raise funds at the same time too!

 

 

Why good interview feedback really matters. Interview tips from Astute Recruitment

Why good interview feedback really matters

 

Our team been working exclusively with a long-standing client to recruit an Assistant Management Accountant. Ideally someone with bright enquiring mind, keen to learn with an accounting and finance degree.  Some experience in a finance role would be ideal. After shortlisting down from 18 candidates to the best five, the CVs went across and our client interviewed all five this week.

 

The good news is that three have been selected to undertake some online testing and have a second interview in a few days.

 

The bad news is that two candidates are not being progressed.

 

The client and Astute were able to discuss detailed, constructive feedback for each candidate including some tips for the future.

 

We fed back to one of the candidates not being progressed and wanted to share what the feedback was including some constructive tips for them in answering unplanned questions and focussing their answers.

 

“…while its bad news I’ve not got a second interview – it’s great to get positive rounded feedback after the first interview. I can use this experience and feedback to help me prepare and perform better in future interviews, and hopefully get a second interview next time! Thanks for letting me know and taking the time to ring me.”

 

He has been impressed with the process at Astute Recruitment Ltd, and thanked us for taking the time to call him and pass on the feedback.

 

If someone has taken the time to attend an interview – they deserve at the very least to get some constructive post- interview feedback. That feedback may just help them secure a second interview and a job offer next time.

 

It’s not just learning how to prepare for an interview that counts.

It’s also learning how to perform in an interview. That takes time, practice, and crucially, feedback!”

 

This is why our team at Astute Recruitment encourages a collaborative relationship with our clients throughout the recruitment process. Good interview feedback from the finance manager/ line manager/ HR professional recruiting, really helps our team inform our candidates on how they can improve their performance on an interview.

 

From how to answer a question to coping with nerves, unless a person has interview practice and good feedback from the recruitment consultant and/ or client, it is very hard for them to learn how they can come across better in the actual interview itself.

 

For another useful post on more interview tips and advice, you can see another of our blogs on our website, using the following link:    https://www.astuterecruitment.com/6-interview-questions-and-answers-to-help-you-nail-the-perfect-job-in-the-pandemic/

 

If you would like any more advice or help around interviews, arranging interviews remotely – let us know.

 

An article by Mary Maguire

MD Astute Recruitment Ltd

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/mary-maguire/18/73/553

 

6 'astute' Interview questions and answers to help you get a job in a pandemic
6 ‘astute’ Interview questions and answers to help you get a job in a pandemic

 

With interview requests and new jobs taken by our team at Astute Recruitment, it’s great to share some pointers for candidates about to enter the job market to give them an edge on interview.

 

Imagine, you’ve been selected for a job interview! Well done! It’s always great news, but especially so in such challenging times.  But preparing for a job interview might be trickier than usual, too.

 

It would be a little weird if you and your interviewer didn’t acknowledge the global pandemic going on.

 

You’ll probably be doing your interview remotely, online, at least the first interview, and it’s also likely that you’ll be starting work remotely.

 

The people and business you’re interviewing with won’t be operating as normal, plus you’ll have to navigate different ways to work together.

 

Apart from the obvious,  (ensuring you’re wearing smart clothes, and your Zoom background looks tidy & professional), preparing for an interview means being ready to answer some different questions. So, what can you expect to be asked?

 

1. How are you feeling?

It’s normal to start off an interview with an icebreaker, but in the pandemic, small talk can take on a deeper meaning.

 

For an interviewer, it’s a way to gauge the tone of the interview. Some candidates’ replies might reveal they are struggling, whereas others will take the question much more lightly. In either case, there is no shame in acknowledging how the Covid-19 crisis is affecting you. The worst thing would be if a candidate came across as too disconnected from the situation, which could be a hint as to empathy skills or lack of.

 

The pandemic is impacting people emotionally, and for an employer to ask this question, shows they care. If you are asked this question, you should show you understand the situation and are adapting to it. You shouldn’t just use the same answers that you had prepared pre-pandemic, as if you were still in a typical office setting.

 

2. How are you handling your work-life balance?

If you can keep a healthy work-life balance, it shows a potential employer that you’re able to manage your time independently, and be organised.

 

Working from home is set to continue for a lot of us for the foreseeable, meaning employers are looking for these qualities,

 

Companies and hiring managers need to know that even if you don’t have a team around you sitting in an office, you ARE going to be able to work by yourself, can be trusted to wfh independently and autonomously.

 

This doesn’t have to mean that you’re calendar-blocking each hour of your day. But this question is a prime opportunity to highlight how you can, and have been able to work productively.

 

In an online interview, it’s an opportunity to also build a bond as you can reflect back a question to your interviewer, e.g.”I’ve found it’s key for me to factor in a 20 minute slot to excerise /walk the dog/ play with kids. I find this improves my feelings of wellbeing and makes me more focused and productive working for the rest of the day. What works for you?”.

 

3. Have you learnt any new skills since March last year?

 

This isn’t a trick question. Recruiters

wouldn’t be put off if a candidate said they had struggled with motivation or finding time to learn at the beginning of lockdown.

Instead, they’d welcome and expect some  honesty about what they’ve learnt about themselves during the pandemic.

 

You don’t have to pretend you’ve been on some kind of productivity marathon if you haven’t. Of course employers will want to know if you’ve added any professional skills to your CV, but talking about hobbies you’ve picked up or personal lessons you’ve learnt helps to give interviewers a glimpse of your personality and a real glimpse of you.

 

For instance, what you learnt about yourself could be how you discovered a new skill or the ability to step back from something. It doesn’t need to be professional, it can be something more personal.

 

But, how do you answer if you can’t think of anything you’ve learnt in the past few months?

 

Something as simple as trying out a new recipe counts. Most of us have discovered some new culinary skills 🤣.

 

4. What’s your ‘work-from-home set-up like?’

Potential employers have every right to ask about a candidate’s home working environment. Especially making sure that potential employees have a computer with internet access, that they have access to a telephone or a landline, and asking about the reliability of their wifi signal

 

Employers need to know that you have the equipment you need to do the job you are being interviewed for. However, they are aware that few of us have the perfect WFH set-up. Don’t be afraid to mention any challenges you’ve faced working from home, and how you’ve found solutions to work around them.

 

This is a good question for employers to ask candidates to see how creative they can be, and how they’re dealing with and have adapted to the current situation.

 

5. “We’re all on Microsoft Teams/ Slack/ Google Hangouts. Have you used it before?”

 

Of course, if your interview is on a platform you haven’t used before, you’ll want to test it out beforehand to make sure you know how to use it.

 

It’s also worth getting to know the main digital communication tools that are popular with businesses. Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, Slack and Zoom are all free to download and experiment with.

 

Some great advice to all candidates, is to be organised and prepared with the tech that they could be using if they are offered a job.

 

Lots of companies used digital communication tools before the pandemic. They’re just using them even more now. If candidates are unfamiliar with them they should definitely look them up & try them out before interviewing for a new job.

 

For employees who have started looking for a job after several years, this is a really useful tip.

 

6. Do you have any questions for us?

Pre-pandemic and lockdown, candidates would go into the office, meet a couple of members of the team. They’d get all of the contextual information before being offered the job and deciding whether to accept it.

 

Now, with largely online interviews, applicants don’t have all of the sensory, physical experiences through Candidates who have managed to get an interview aren’t getting the complete view of companies they’re applying for.

 

To counteract this, ask a lot of questions during your interview to get a clear idea of how the company works, the office culture and how you’ll work with different teams and individuals.

 

For starters, ask questions about training, daily tasks and communication methods. It’s equally important to ask about potential colleagues and hierarchy. This may mean clarifying who you would report to or who you can ask for help when you need it. Alternatively, it might mean taking a more informal approach to interviewing altogether.

 

A great suggestion for candidates is to ask, “If possible, could I have a virtual lunch with the team that I could be working with, just so I can get to know them—maybe not so much in a professional sense, but in a more casual, informal way?“

 

You could ask to have one-on-one meetings with potential future team members as part of the interview process. This shows you take the future culture of your potential colleagues seriously.

 

Companies should be understanding about these requests.

 

It’s really key that candidates meet more people, especially now. Particularly so if companies add a few more steps to the recruitment process. This can give applicants the confidence to be happy if they go on to secure a job offer.

 

Remember, it’s not just the candidate who has to adapt to the recruiter, but the recruiter who has to understand it’s a different situation for applicants too!

 

If you have questions around this topic or would like more information about this or something else, feel free to contact our MD, Mary Maguire, by email on [email protected]

 

An article by Mary Maguire, Managing Director
Astute Recruitment Ltd

Suite One, Ground Floor West, Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road, Derby, DE1 3QT

T: 01332 346100

LI:  https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/mary-maguire/18/73/553 

LI: www.linkedin.com/company/astute-recruitment/

Now the nights are drawing in how to keep your fitness on track? Local, Derby owner of Santinos Gym, Kim Santino shares some expert tips
Now the nights are drawing in how to keep your fitness on track? Local, Derby owner of Santinos Gym, Kim Santino shares some expert tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now the nights are drawing in, how to keep your fitness on track? Now more than ever it is key for everyone to try and maintain their fitness levels. Our MD, Mary Maguire, discussed this very point with local, Derby Gym owner and multi-award-winning Body Builder, Kim Santino. Hence this collaborative and useful article was put together.

 

Over to Kim telling us more about his gym and the amazing contribution his Boxing Academy makes to support young people in our communities around Derbyshire.

 

“I’m Kim Santino, I’m 61 years young and a competitive bodybuilder.

I am very proud of my Gym, Santino’s Gym and Studio in Derby, which we opened just 4 years ago. Yes, its hard work and very long hours but it is so rewarding!

Each piece of equipment was hand-picked to hit every body part from all angles and installed lots of cardio machines in the Studio for that all-important heart-pumping exercise. Adding our Boxing clubs was the icing on the cake. Our Boxing Circuits are a killer, well not literally 😊, but it’s the Boxing Academy we are particularly proud of. It supports young people in the community, giving them the mindset and confidence to stand up to bullies and the discipline and focus to avoid bullying behaviour.

Many years ago, I ran Karate Schools and achieved 3rd Dan Black Belt status but the desire to put on a little weight to enhance my performance led me to join a Gym.

I found my strength improved week on week and along with that, my confidence too.  Continuing with both, however, would have been counterproductive so had to focus on just one and decided to see where bodybuilding would lead me.

Of my many Bodybuilding titles, gained over 3x decades, I am most proud of the ones I achieved in 2019 as I became Mr Universe, Masters Champion, Mr World Masters Champion and Mr Britain Masters Champion.

At the Gym, I’m on hand to give advice, to lend a hand with training and love, more than anything else, to see someone really making a difference to their life!

We have so many amazing transformation stories and are so proud of what our members have achieved over the years at Santino’s.

‘Santino’s Gym, a Friendly Gym with a Hard-working Ethic’.

 

“How to keep your fitness on track now the nights are drawing in” – Kim’s top tips

1.       Training:

The Winter months are upon us and I have always tried to impress upon people that it is so important to train hard at this time of year.

After all, Summer bodies are actually made in Winter!  What better way to make sure you get out of the house, keep fit and healthy, socialise, and make the most of those short dark days? So many gains can be made; so many improvements, all ready to hit that beach or attend that special occasion in the New Year looking and, above all, feeling your very best.

2.       Food:

Its very tempting to fill yourself up with carbs during the cold months. We certainly seem to crave them in cold weather! We all love a hearty meal, whether it be cottage pie, a hot steaming stew or lasagne, but be sure to burn off the carbs you had earlier on in the day and to reduce carb intake later on when you are about to snuggle up at home.

Remember to eat a balanced, healthy diet to make sure you are taking in a good source of vitamins and minerals but take supplements too to boost your immune system.

Kim’s key takeaway!

Consistency is key and remember, that it is not just the hour in the Gym but what you do during the other 23 hours that counts too.

If you would like to find out more about a great, local, and truly friendly gym, you can visit Kim’s website for Santinos Gym clicking HERE.

 

Mary and Kim will be putting together other tips and information around keeping fit and healthy in the coming months, including how Mental Health is inextricably linked to our physical wellbeing.

As part of a series of collaborations, our MD, Mary Maguire is working with specialists across Finance, Accountancy, HR, and Recruitment. Thank you to Mr John Hepworth for his insightful piece on what a CFO needs to know in 2020…..

 

The challenges of the last 9 months have meant a very bumpy ride for many businesses and it is likely that the road will not be much smoother in the coming months. Having had to react to the rapid lockdown of the economy through the furloughing of staff, transitioning to home working, making applications for government support grants and loans, ensuring workplaces are safe for employees and customers – the list could go on!

As a CFO, you must now ensure that your business is ready for a future which is likely to be somewhat different to what has gone before.

Oh, and then there’s Brexit!

The recent focus for the CFO is likely to have been managing cash and mitigating the short-term risks brought about by the precipitous economic slowdown. Having steered your business through that period it is now incumbent on us as CFOs to ensure that our businesses take all the opportunities afforded, whilst avoiding costly pitfalls.

To do this I see that there are several things that we need to have in mind: –

 

  1. A Proper Business Strategy

Depending on our markets, we may need to continue with a defensive strategy i.e. strengthening our balance sheets, building cash reserves, rebuilding, or changing revenue streams, cutting costs and potentially downsizing.

Alternatively, if our market remains buoyant, we may want a more aggressive strategy of investment and growth driven by innovation, enhanced revenue streams, or acquisition(s).

Whatever our strategy, we as CFOs, must know how it is going to be financed and be ready to influence and secure commitment from the Board and senior management to approve bold, strategic moves.

 

  1. Agility To Adapt!

We need to keep our finger on the pulse of the business, our markets, and our customers, and understand the speed at which things change. We should also chart closely the course of the pandemic and of course be ready for potential changes to our business and operations when we exit the Brexit Transition Period on 1st January 2021. All these changes will have potential impact on our busines and will help inform our strategy.

 

  1. What changes to keep.

To continue to support the business over the lockdown and beyond, many CFOs have had to make massive changes to the ways that their finance functions operate, be it increased working flexibility for our staff, greater utilisation of technology for communication, and automation of processes.

 

Some of these changes will be robust, but other may be temporary solutions that require more development. Many of these changes will be beneficial in the longer term and we need to ensure that they are embedded into our processes.

 

For the technological changes, it is likely that capturing the opportunities offered by AI through invoice scanning or building of bots to carry out mundane repetitive tasks may be the differentiator between business failure and success.

 

Now is the time to act.

 

As well as process improvements, we have undoubtedly stripped cost out over the last few months. The canny CFO must work closely with departmental heads and budget holders to manage things to ensure that these costs do not drift back unnecessarily.

 

  1. Embrace The Power Of Forecasting

We all know how important forecasting and budgeting is for our business, but things have just got way more critical. We need to utilise scenario planning more, using best, expected, and worse case scenarios.

 

Budgets of old will become a thing of the past. We should now aim to deliver and utilise dynamic forecasts that are updated and reviewed with management quarterly if not more frequently, ensuring that our strategic direction remains appropriate. KPIs should be set and monitored to enable quick identification of problems or a requirement to change course.

 

Emerging data tools including Power BI and Power Query and having the interim or permanent expertise in your team to deliver the very best in analysis and forecasting is key. As is the plan for knowledge retention for these skills to be developed and retained in your Accounting function.

 

Speed and flexibility must be permanently built into the forecasting and planning process to facilitate faster decision making. Remember too that accurate and timely reporting and data is even more crucial during times of turbulence.

 

 

 

  1. Taking Our Teams With Us And Having The Right Talent!

We may have had to let team members go over the last few months, but it is vital that we invest in the finance team and ensure that all staff has a Covid secure environment in which to work.

It is also critical to ensure your team has the right skills to ensure the delivery of business objectives. This may involve training, but exceptional leadership is imperative especially when managing team members who are working remotely.

Alternatively, for businesses doing well, the success of a CFO will be measured on the continued performance of their operational, production, and finance teams. Ensuring you have the right talent and the best possible people for your business is critical.

As always, whether facing economic headwinds or not, talented accountants, sales, marketing, and other experts are in demand. You need to ensure that your business is front and centre in terms of employer branding in the sector you operate within.

Ensuring key relationships with trusted recruitment partners are maintained but also allowing exceptional local sourcing specialists such as Astute Recruitment Ltd, to alert you the best possible talent available.

 

 

  1. Marketing, Branding, Position, and Perception

As CFO – the art of effective budgeting to inform critical decision making has never been so important. One of the truest ways to enhance a business is to ensure that social media channels are up to date, with relevant, high-quality original content. With usual sales presentations and pitches increasingly shifting online, there must always be a place on the balance sheet for marketing expertise to bring your brand and business to potential customers, clients and potential future hires.

 

& Finally, next time we will be ready!

I imagine that many businesses risk registers did not include a pandemic as a critical risk. We must rectify this and take all our learnings to ensure that we have robust processes in place for any repeat. We should also keep our contingency plans up to date in case of another serious downturn; this maybe being ready to downsize, liquidate assets, or secure additional funding.

 

As well as steering the business through the choppy waters of Covid-19 and Brexit we must not forget the CFO’s responsibility for sustainability and environmental protection. We must move on from the box-ticking exercise of CSR and ensure that in the new world sustainability becomes an inherent part of our business operations and strategy.

 

Not much to do then!

 

An article by John Hepworth. You can view John’s profile on LinkedIn by clicking below: –

LinkedIn

What does a CFO need to know in 2020? Astute Recruitment provides the inside track
What does a CFO need to know in 2020? Astute Recruitment provides the inside track
7 astute steps to successful cash flow management collaboration by an expert!
7 astute steps to successful cash flow management collaboration by an expert!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash is King! Having an accurate measure of your company’s cash is always critical, now more than ever. Here at Astute, as part of a new series of articles, we are sharing 7 simple steps to guide you, in collaboration with a fully qualified accountant and expert in providing cash flow advice and more to SME businesses and larger organisations.

David Thorley is an experienced, fully qualified Finance Director with a proven career in managing the financial tillers of several businesses. Together, we wanted to share his 7 steps to achieve successful cash flow management.

Over to David….

 

“We need a 13-week cash flow!

An all too familiar phrase that I have heard over the years from banks and finance providers and in these uncertain times an especially challenging request even for experienced number crunchers!

You can, however, meet this challenge using the following simple tips: –

 

1.    Communication with your finance provider is crucial – whatever the reason, DO NOT make promises you know you cannot keep and DEFINITELY DO NOT say it can’t be done!

 

2.    Very few businesses can accurately predict cash flows, but everyone can make an informed forecast.

 

3.    The past may not be an accurate predictor of the future, but it can be an indicator! Summarise the cash flows over the previous 6 – 12 months over key headings and use for forecasting future            trends.

 

4.    All forecasting relies heavily on assumptions that identify the key sensitivities (e.g. you could be predicting quarterly rent payments being agreed to be deferred or moved to monthly).

 

5.    Look for seasonal fluctuations in income or expenses – right now this could be forecasting recovery of previous levels of sales over a 3 to 6-month period.

 

6.    It’s not unusual for the balancing number (to keep within the facility), to be payments to creditors and, in times of extreme cash pressure, this is inevitable; but again, communication is vital              to avoid going on stop with crucial suppliers.

 

7.    You may need to prepare more than one forecast – based on different assumptions. Again communicate the basis of the chosen forecast when it is shared.

 

The most important point is to always try to anticipate potential issues. Banks particularly appreciate early warnings especially if it is a potential breach of facility as it indicates a degree of control.”

 

 

Great tips so thank you David!

 

If you need a cash flow expert in your team, call Astute and we would be delighted to assist you.

 

We will be issuing more articles and tips on a wide range of accountancy, finance, HR and recruitment issues in collaboration with experts in these fields.

 

If you have found this article informative and helpful, please let Mary Maguire at Astute Recruitment know as feedback is always welcome. Feel free to share this article with others who you feel could find this useful.

 

#cashflow #CashIsKing #accountancy #finance #financedirector #cfo #financetips #BeAstute

Internet search firm Three Best Rated Rates Astute Recruitment as one of the 3 best recruitment companies in Derby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of us at Astute Recruitment Ltd are delighted to have been formally included as one of Derby’s top three recruitment agencies on the prestigious search website Three Best Rated!

With over 15 business awards and successful recruitment across the Derbyshire region, its great to be in our 10th year and receive this recognition.

Astute Recruitment was set up by our two founders – Sarah Stevenson and Mary Maguire, back in 2009.

Sarah had this to say, “Mary and I are thrilled to be ranked in the top three recruitment firms in Derby by Three Best Rated. To have our business featured as one of the top 3 firms cements our status as the ‘go-to’ recruitment agency specialising in jobs across finance and back office. This is brilliant news!”

Mary went onto say, “We have grown a lot – our team is expanding and we have an exciting new office move planned to further allow our team of experienced recruiters to grow. As Sarah said, to be included by leading search website Three Best Rated is amazing news and both of us and our team are delighted!”

You can view our listing on the link below: –

Three Best Rated – Astute Recrhttps://threebestrated.co.uk/recruitment-agencies-in-derbyuitment Ltd