Last week, we talked about how tricky staffing can be for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) when they enter busy periods, balancing the need for more workers with the reality of different rates of demand throughout the year

But for many new start-ups (and there are a huge number locally, due to the net business creation rate in Peterborough currently outperforming the eastern region and UK average*) simply beginning to hire staff can be a painful process. Most people go into business for themselves because they are particularly good at something, and very often they teach themselves the further skills needed – such as bookkeeping and admin – with ease. However, expansion – when you need more skilled and able bodies on the ground to help meet rising demand – is possibly the most daunting thing a new business owner can face: as soon as you begin to think about bringing new people in board, you become responsible for them. That’s a big deal for any businessperson. Not only do you need to make sure you hire the right candidate, you need to make sure you’re completely up-to-date with employment law, health and safety, insurance, tax and NI – to name a just few. Get it wrong, and it’s not just yourself you’re letting down anymore.

This is when a recruitment agency can help. Not only will they work out exactly the sort of person or people you need to hire by asking you key questions about your business and its rate and means of expansion, they can help to steer you through the minefield that is human resources: sick pay, holiday pay, entitlements, maternity and paternity leave (not to mention if things go wrong after a bit and, for whatever reason, you need to let an employee go). Let an agency take the strain, even if it’s just until you get in the swing of things (and maybe even hire your own HR director!) and you’ll be able to get back to concentrating on what you do best: wowing clients, fulfilling orders, and building a strong, bright future for yourself – and your new team!

*Source: Opportunity Peterborough