We are fast approaching the end of summer and on October 1st, we will celebrate Miller Byrne’s third year anniversary. A huge thank you to our client and candidate network and to our trusted suppliers! Both our HR and Marketing practices have enjoyed partnering with a diverse range of existing and new businesses to identify top talent during 2023, and we are extremely proud to welcome Rachel Aries and Amanda Campbell as Associate Coaches to Miller Byrne.        

In our last market update, we described how the market for HR and Marketing functions hires had transitioned into a highly ‘candidate driven’ space; this was largely driven by a significant increase in client demand post pandemic, continued high levels of organisational attrition and a more stable economic landscape.

During Quarter 1 this year, this theme largely continued until late Spring when a UK wide decline in job vacancies gathered momentum. Data provided by the market analytics firm Vacancysoft, show a 24% decline in vacancies in London between Q1 and Q2 this year. The market has therefore transitioned into a more ‘client driven’ space and both high inflation and continued economic uncertainty are likely to continue influencing the market for the remainder of 2023.

Our recent conversations with HR and Marketing leadership teams have consistently seen Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability strategies high on the agenda.  Whether its AI’s ability to enhance and drive a more efficient candidate experience or aligning ESG and Sustainability strategies with both employees and external customers, there are some exciting and progressive opportunities for both HR and Marketing functions to drive these hugely important agendas into the future. ‍

Human Resources:

‍Executive search activity in our HR practice has largely focused on the professional and financial services sector and client assignments have included a Head of People and Culture for a high growth management consulting business and a Head of People for an expanding financial services advisory firm. Permanent assignments have also included a Senior ER lead within Investment banking, and we have appointed a number of Senior HR Interims to review and conduct HR audits across a range of HR systems and processes on behalf of our clients.

We are working with a higher volume of senior HR generalists and specialists who will consider both permanent and interim assignments. Despite the current market uncertainty and a reduction in vacancies going live, the market remains highly competitive for top talent.  

Marketing:  

Our Marketing Practice has been particularly active across the fintech, tech and real estate sectors where demand for content, digital and generalist marketing profiles has remained very strong. Client assignments have included the build out of a new marketing function for a leading fintech business, searching for a Communications Manager on behalf of a newly promoted championship football club and an interim Head of Marketing for a national real estate business. There has been a significant increase in demand for interim/freelance Marketing professionals from our client network and social media strategies remain high on client agendas. Securing top talent in the market space remains extremely competitive, particularly at Marketing Manager level.      

Miller Byrne Coaching:  

Demand for high quality coaching services has gathered significant momentum within our existing client network and we are delighted and proud to welcome Rachel Aries and Amanda Campbell as Associate Coaches to Miller Byrne. Executive Coaching can bring clarity to complexity, helping leaders deliver commercial success. It provides the time and space required to think reflectively, improve critical thinking skills, uncover insights and perspective, process change, and fine tune people and leadership skills, in addition to providing a valuable and confidential sounding board. We look forward to working with Rachel and Amanda over the coming months.  

Our Community Partners:

In what could be a defining moment for the future of outdoor education, The Outward Bound Trust are campaigning to support a range of parliamentary bills, intent on making residential outdoor learning part of the school curriculum across Great Britain. Martin Davidson, Chief Executive at the Trust commented “These Bills address the fundamental need for equity in outdoor learning, a value that we firmly believe in at Outward Bound. That no matter who you are or where you are from, outdoor education should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it.”  

Team members from Miller Byrne will be travelling to the Trust’s outdoor pursuits centre in Ullswater, Lake District in October this year as part of a supporter visit programme. This is an opportunity to look behind the scenes, meet OBT staff and directly engage with the young people participating in outdoor education.

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Barry & Jamie