It’s common knowledge that recruiting functions expand and shrink with the economy but one North-east IT firm is planning for the future and could be said to be ‘bucking the trend’ by engaging in a strong recruitment campaign throughout 2009. Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, Escape Business Technologies, an IT firm focused on the Energy industry, has recruited 8 IT experts since the beginning of the year with plans to increase workforce to 40 by the end of the Summer.  Since its launch of Encode Software, a division offering Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a business management solution for small and mid-sized organisations, the SME has recruited 3 technical consultants and is opening a Stirling office by the end of April to facilitate the growth of its successful Microsoft NAV 2009 projects.

Mike Bain, director, Escape Group, said: “During these challenging times it can be difficult for businesses to look at the long term and invest in recruitment, over the last few years it has been a very buoyant market place for job seekers to find employment, and employers have had to compete to find the best staff.  We see this as a great opportunity to grow and gain highly skilled and motivated individuals that will help us achieve our future growth.”

Recruiting strategies shouldn’t be static and should adapt and change with economic conditions.  Although the current climate is challenging, the businesses that prepare themselves for the upturn will be the ones that should continue to prosper.                                       
“It has always been essential for Escape to attract good people – experienced IT professionals as well as the right personalities that fit in with our culture.  We have many employees that have entered the IT sector from other industry areas and with the training we provide through Microsoft, Vmware, Citrix and Trend, enables us to grow a strong, dedicated workforce.”

Jenny Murray, Director of SpectrumHR and HR consultant at Escape Group, agrees that there should be a continuous search for talent. 

“Recruitment during a downturn can be a strategic move. Talented individuals can become available and this can help businesses become more competitive.  It is also essential to ensure existing staff are aware of the company’s plans and also have the reassurance that the business is stable.  Your message to staff about the direction in which your company is heading has to be clear – staff will be aware of the difficulties some businesses are facing and to combat internal rumours, business leaders should try and explain the reasons for pursing a given strategy.”

Mike added, “How organisations will come through the downturn and out the other side will depend on actions that leaders take now and the strategies they pursue.  Obviously cuttings costs is a rationale during a downturn, but as a business owner, I think it’s important not to risk losing good people and good opportunities too.”