As Autumn sets in, it’s the perfect time to embrace change, take stock of your career, and spot growth opportunities. Whether you’re in finance, marketing, or administration, aligning the right mindset with timely action can set you up for success before the year ends.
After a well-earned summer — and a surprisingly sunny one for many — September signals more than just a change in the weather. As diaries fill, inboxes start pinging again, and the pace picks up, it’s time to turn our attention to Q4.
When it comes to recruitment, bigger doesn’t always mean better.
At Twenty2 Recruitment and Consultancy, based in Derbyshire, we’ve seen first-hand the advantages of choosing a smaller, more agile partner. This is especially true for clients in the professional services sector, where cultural fit, communication, and specialist knowledge are critical.
Here’s why businesses are increasingly turning to boutique consultancies like ours, and what that means for the value you receive.
Unlike large agencies juggling hundreds of roles at once, we deliberately keep things focused and personal. Our clients work directly with experienced consultants who truly understand their industry, culture, and priorities.
You’re not just another job brief in a system. You’re a valued partner. We build long-term relationships that enable us to deliver talent that doesn’t just tick boxes but makes a lasting impact.
We’re proud to be rooted in Derbyshire and connected across the East Midlands professional services landscape. This regional insight allows us to spot opportunities and move quickly. Our reputation also helps attract top-tier local candidates who may not be visible through traditional channels.
We understand the market because we live and work in it, and that matters.
Our streamlined approach means we can act fast, but never at the expense of quality.
We take the time to get it right. That means rigorous screening, open communication, and a clear understanding of what success looks like for both client and candidate. The result is fewer mismatches, better hires, and more time saved.
As a female-led business, we care deeply about purpose and people. We believe recruitment should reflect your business values, and we operate with integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to see both businesses and individuals thrive.
This people-first approach isn’t a strapline. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
Whether you’re a scaling business with evolving needs or an established firm looking for specific expertise, we adapt to fit you, not the other way around.
From retained searches to urgent interim placements, we’re used to working flexibly and collaboratively to get the job done. No red tape. No rigid structures. Just responsive, tailored recruitment support.
In the world of accounting, finance, legal, HR, and executive support, technical skills are only part of the equation. You need people who can communicate, lead, and align with your team culture from day one.
That’s where smaller consultancies like Twenty2 shine. We invest more time in understanding your needs. We’re not driven by volume, but by value.
Ready to See the Value of Working Small?
If you’re thinking about hiring in the months ahead, or simply want to explore what a more personal approach to recruitment could look like, let’s talk.
📩 Contact hayley@22consultancy.co.uk
🌐 Visit www.22consultancy.co.uk
Big value doesn’t come from size. It comes from trust, expertise, and a team that’s genuinely in your corner.
It’s about more than a logo. It’s about values.
When the opportunity came up to sponsor the U11 Ashby Girls team this season, it felt like the perfect fit.
Starting April 1, 2025, the UK government will implement new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates, aiming to enhance earnings for millions of workers across various age groups.
These adjustments reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living and to support workers across the nation.
Employers must prepare for these changes to remain compliant and to support their workforce effectively, there are a number of ways that employers can do this effectively.
Economic Context:
The wage increases come amid broader economic shifts. The October 2024 UK Budget introduced significant tax changes, including a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions to 15% on salaries above £5,000, effective from April 2025. These measures aim to balance fair wages with sustainable economic growth.
While these wage hikes benefit employees, businesses may face higher operational costs. It’s crucial for employers to strategize effectively to manage these changes while continuing to support their teams and maintain profitability. If you are a business requiring additional support with the upcoming changes, get in touch with the team and arrange a call.
For comprehensive details on the new wage rates and employer responsibilities, visit the official UK government page.
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
The arrival of the autumn budget has generated a flurry of discussions, with implications for individuals and businesses alike.
This year marks the first budget of the new Labour government, with a number of pressing economic challenges to address, whilst laying the groundwork for future growth and investment.
Twenty 2 Recruitment and Consultancy is proud to be sponsoring the Stran HR Coffee Morning, a fundraising event benefiting Macmillan Cancer Support. This special event will take place on Friday, 27th September, at Branston Golf and Country Club.
The Stran HR Coffee Morning is an opportunity for local professionals and community members to come together, enjoy a warm cup of coffee, and support a vital cause. Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, and contribute to raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides essential services and support to those affected by cancer.
“We are thrilled to sponsor this important event,” said Laura Armfield at Twenty2 Recruitment and Consultancy. “Macmillan Cancer Support plays a crucial role in the lives of so many people, and we are committed to doing our part to help raise awareness and funds for their vital services.”
Join us for a morning of camaraderie, compassion, and community spirit as we support Macmillan Cancer Support in their mission to make a difference. Proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting those facing cancer and their families.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 27th September, 9am, Location:Branston Golf and Country Club
For more information, contact Laura Armfield, laura@22consultancy.co.uk
About Twenty 2 Recruitment and Consultancy:
Twenty 2 Recruitment and Consultancy specializes in connecting talented individuals with leading employers. Our commitment to excellence and community engagement drives our initiatives, including our support for charitable organizations.
Unpopular opinion: job interviews don’t have to be scary!
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing our tips on levelling up your hiring process by prioritising mental wellbeing.
As experienced recruiters, we’ve seen countless different approaches to the interview process but know one trick that really makes an employer stand out.
Understanding the needs of your candidate can be the difference between them accepting or declining your job offer.
Prioritising their mental wellbeing will not only make the process smoother, it will positively affect your brand reputation and staff retention.
Here are some simple tips to help ease those pre-interview jitters and ensure every candidate feels comfortable and confident during the hiring process.
Be sure to check in with the candidate before the interview and send across all the information they might need.
Remember to be specific about location, the time they need to arrive, who they will be meeting and where, and any important information that would be good to know.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking for many people but for those with mental health conditions, they can feel impossible.
Ask your candidates if they need additional support in the lead-up to the interview. Would they like a copy of the interview questions in advance or someone to meet them at reception when they arrive? This can support the candidate to perform better.
Immediately after the interview, let the candidate know when you will be in touch with the outcome.
Don’t ghost! Not getting back to a candidate quickly after the interview not only weighs on their mind, but can be frustrating and can affect their decision to accept the job.
Rejection can take a toll on the mental health of a candidate and this shouldn’t be overlooked.
Offer detailed feedback on their interview and the reasons behind their rejection. Also offer a follow-up call to chat informally about their interview, providing constructive advice on their performance and career aspirations.
There are many reasons why small to medium-sized businesses might struggle to recruit. A huge part of this is not having the time or resources to find candidates – it’s a catch-22!
Reaching out to a small recruitment agency and outsourcing your recruitment can allow you the breathing space to run your business day-to-day whilst growing.
At Twenty2, we work with a wide range of SMEs across different sectors. One common piece of feedback is how pressed for time business owners and decision-makers are. For some roles they simply can’t find a suitable candidate, for others they are inundated with applicants and have no one in the business with the time or skills to take on the task.
As experts in professional services recruitment, we can save you both time and money by taking on the full 360 process. By adopting a bespoke approach and being selective in the clients with whom we work, we get the know the business inside out to find a candidate who is both a skills fit and crucially a person fit too.
With the right staff in key positions, SMEs experience greater growth, faster. An agency can work on behalf of the business to promote the opportunity and show top talent why they should choose your business.
Our team offer a personable, proactive approach by tailoring the process to each business we work with. We are a small, close-knit team based in Castle Donington, Leicestershire and are experts in our field. We aim to work quickly to find the perfect candidate for you and work hard to always be one step ahead. Building a close, long-lasting relationship with our clients is a priority for us and ensures a positive experience for both you and the candidate.
If you’re searching for recruitment solutions that are flexible, streamlined and tailored to you, reach out to our team today.
Take a look at the resources and tips below on sourcing candidates for your small business and hiring your first employee.
