Small Business Q&A: Derek Perill, FRS Recruitment

Kehlan talks with Derek Perill from FRS Recruitment about the changing needs of the SME employer and what they look for in prospective employees. He also looks at the increase in SMEs looking to retain their best staff and how the owner manager holds on to them.

- What are SMEs looking for in a candidate in the current market?

Well, I think attitudes have changed in recent years. Owner/managers are no longer looking for just the best-skilled person for the job. Prospective employees also need to buy into the ethos of the business. The employer needs to feel that the employee is going to come on that journey with them. But also employers are now looking at how they retain staff in the long run and that means up-skilling and constant education in the business as well. That works on a flip-side, too. Prospective employees need to know your goals for the business and why they should work for you. There needs to be a trust between owner and employee and not simply a one way ‘this is how I want you to do the job’ relationship.