hps-admin, Author at Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd

Best Buildings in London

Posted on February 27, 2017 by hps-admin

Cities are defined by their iconic skylines and London is no exception. London is renowned for some of the world’s most striking modern architecture. From old to new, traditional to contemporary, art deco to gothic and many styles in between, there are hundreds of great buildings in the city.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite architecture in the capital, that are more than worth admiring.

The British Museum

One of the world’s greatest and oldest museums, The British Museum, designed by Normal Foster, is sure to make jaws drop.

The Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, more commonly known as The Gherkin, is one of London’s most famous skyscrapers and has rapidly become synonymous with twenty-first-century London.

The Lloyd’s Building

Now more than 25 years old, the Lloyd’s Building can be described as “office architecture from out of space”. Steel pipes, ducts and towers protrude the structure making it stand out around the city.

St Paul’s Cathedral

A beautiful presence within London’s skyline that has been around since 1710, showcasing world class classical architecture.

The Shard

The Shard is one of London’s most famous skyscrapers. Renzo Piano, its designer, is said to have been inspired by London’s railway lines.

What is your favourite building in London? We would love to know! Drop us a tweet @highfieldrec and share your thoughts on the architecture across London’s famous skyline.

What will the new retail market mean for the water sector?

Posted on February 14, 2017 by hps-admin

From April 2017, non-household water customers within England and Wales will have the power to choose who supplies their water. This means around 1.2 million businesses, public sector organisations and charities will have more power over their water. This change will provide huge economic and environmental benefits, as well as customers being able to shop around for the best value for money.

The introduction of the new water retail market will also open new entrants within the water sector. New players and existing water companies can apply to Ofwat for a licence to provide retail water services. Certain larger organisations will also be able to effectively become their own ‘retailer’ and self supply their own sites and companies in the same group with retail services. However, they would not be able to provide retail services to other non-household customers.

New players can already be seen entering the market. From 1^st April 2016 Portsmouth water introduced Castle Water. Castle Water provide non-household retail services on its behalf, with the intention that Castle Water will compete in the market from April 2017. Severn Trent and United Utilities are also set to combine their non-household retail activities, which will “make them more effective in the competitive market”.

It is predicted that by 2020 we can see the sector to not only have increased competition within the retail market for businesses and potentially residential customers, but also have markets in water resources, sludge treatment and disposal.

It is an exciting time for the water industry and these new models could lead to transformation within the industry.

If you are looking for jobs within the water industry, then get in touch with our expert consultants today on 01489 774 010.

Get your career in rail on track

Posted on February 13, 2017November 29, 2022 by hps-admin

The number of major railway projects underway and in the pipeline, combined with the Government’s National Infrastructure Delivery Plan that commits a further £100billion worth of investment by 2021, is making 2017 an extremely exciting time to kick start a career in rail.

The railways of Britain are undergoing a huge transformation with London’s new railway, Crossrail, reaching its final stages, and HS2 expected to start on site this year. Alongside this, Chancellor George Osborne has recently indicated he will continue investing in rail by announcing plans to bring forward spending on other rail projects.

The rail sector and its supply chain contributes more than £10billion a year to the UK economy and employs around 216,000 people – a figure that’s set to increase drastically over the coming years. The high-speed rail project alone is expected to employ around 27,000 people by the end of this decade.

So, if you’re thinking of entering this exciting industry, here are some options you should consider:

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can the ideal way to get your foot in the door and provide a steppingstone to a very successful career. The benefits of being an apprentice include; learning and gaining relevant skills whilst earning a real wage, hands on experience and a nationally recognised qualification that employers look for.

Experience

Entering the rail engineering industry can rely on several factors, and experience, as always, can be key. New entrants to the area are expected to have experience and qualifications in a relevant field such as a mechanical fitter, electrician or craftsperson. Protentional employers will look for transferable skills that could help with your transition in to the rail industry.

With the rail industry continuing to push the boundaries and innovate, whilst offering an incredibly rewarding career, it makes prospects within the industry more exciting than they have been for generations.

If you are thinking about a career in rail or would like to hear about the opportunities we have available, then get in touch with our expert consultants on 01489 774 010.

5 European Holiday destinations if you love architecture

Posted on February 7, 2017 by hps-admin

Summer is in full swing, and if you are yet to have had a holiday then it’s time to get one booked. Scientific studies believe that taking a proper holiday with no work distractions can actually increase work productivity.

“Change your environment, change your mind-set”, so with that in mind here are 5 top European destinations for architects and architecture lovers.

Barcelona

It’s no surprise that Barcelona is first on the list. This city has a well-balanced mix of historic architecture that can be found within the old city; and a lot of modern architecture that was developed after the city’s expansions. And for all you architecture fanatics the Gaudi buildings are not to be missed!

Prague

Known as the “golden city of spires”, Prague’s architecture is truly spellbinding.

Fans of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and art nouveau will not be disappointed – Prague hosts a marvel of styles all side by side. The city really is a pleasure for historians, tourists and architecture enthusiasts.

The city is truly a pleasure for historians, tourists, and especially architecture enthusiasts.

Amsterdam

You really could spend a whole weekend wandering around the streets of Amsterdam in awe of the architecture. From windmills, canals and drawbridges to the Amsterdam School and cutting edge modern design, you will be kept busy exploring Amsterdam’s most memorable structures.

Athens

Athens is scattered with iconic monuments and significant architecture ranging from past to present. The mix of ancient history and modern edginess is enough to make anyone fall in love. Be sure to check out the busy nightlife, open air theatres and the buzzing flea markets.

Vienna

Austria’s cities are famous for their stunning architecture, and Vienna is no different. Walking through the city you will see a range of different styles from classicist to modern, however, centre stage is taken by the city’s stunning Art Nouveau.

Have we missed anywhere off the list? Tweet us @highfieldrec and let us know any cities you’ve fallen in love with!

Architecture Trends for 2017

Posted on January 4, 2017 by hps-admin

Architecture and design is constantly evolving. New technologies and materials are becoming available and new designs and layouts are becoming more popular; it is clear to see that the way we think about architecture is changing.

Let’s take a look at the biggest architecture trends that are likely to be seen throughout 2017.

Colours

Colours are naturally captivating and each year we see architects and designers using more than one colour to make bold statements in décor. In 2017, we predict the more neutral pale tones will be replaced with darker shades such as blacks, deep purples and hues of green.

Sustainability

Sustainability and the need for eco-conscious buildings was something we saw in 2016, and this is only going to become more important over the coming year. Non-environmentally friendly materials are becoming less desirable and people are wanting to know where the materials are sourced from and it is sustainable.

Retro Styles

Cork and terracotta, two preciously loved mediums will be making a huge comeback. They may seem like they belong in the past, but both will be appearing throughout 2017. Terracotta tiles in kitchens and conservatories, with a few modern reforms of course, is all the trend. Cork will bring a warm and earthy looking finish and will be seen on stools, tables bases and for the more daring, perhaps even layer on whole walls.

Strategic Design

2017 is likely to see an increase in clever designs that help achieve a desired end-result. This has been a key ingredient when designing shopping centres and utilizing how people will move around buildings.

Other architecture trends heading your way in 2017 include LED lighting, playful colour combinations, Asian-inspired urban spaces and multi-functional furniture.

Are there any other architecture trends we should be looking out for? Tweet us @highfieldrec your thoughts.

New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers

Posted on January 3, 2017 by hps-admin

If you’re on the lookout for your next job or thinking about a possible change in your career, then the new year is the perfect time to get your job search on track.

Stop wishing for that new job and simply make it your goal in 2017 to secure your dream role by following these new year resolutions for job seekers.

I will give my CV a makeover

When looking for a new job your CV is your best friend. So, if yours is out of date, poorly written or presented then you could be putting yourself at a serious disadvantage in the job market. Put aside some time to completely revamp and update your CV. This is your first chance to sell yourself, so make sure you cover all your skills and experience that make you the best person for the role.

I will look for opportunities to increase my skills

Are you looking to take the next step in your career but not sure if you have the skills or experience to make that leap? Make 2017 the year you develop new skills or improve on existing ones. Employers want people who can deliver the best results possible, so the more skills you have the more likely you are to stand out in the job market.

Professional Social Networking

More and more employers and recruiters are taking to social media to post jobs or to find potential candidates. Ensure you are on professional social media sites, such as LinkedIn, and make sure your profile is up to date. Think of LinkedIn as your online CV so make sure you are showcasing the best version of you possible.

Plan

Plan ahead – create a plan of the companies or types of roles you are really interested in. Look at the job descriptions of the roles you are aiming for and tailor your CV to suit. Connect with the companies you are interested in and keep your eyes peeled for company updates, industry news and even job postings.

Stay Positive

Searching for a new job can be overwhelming and stressful at times. Don’t be too hard on yourself; finding your dream job can take time. If you are feeling negative, take a moment to look what you achieved today and be proud of everything you are doing to help secure your next role.

How To Ace A Job Interview On The Phone

Posted on December 14, 2016 by hps-admin

With the job market more competitive than ever, recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly opting on doing their initial job interviews over the telephone.

The thought of a telephone interview may at first fill you with joy; you don’t have to get dressed up, you don’t have to leave the house and yes, you could even stay in bed! However, let’s not get carried away, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat the phone interview as seriously, if not more seriously, than any other interview.

Just because you’re not face to face with a potential employer it does not mean you can forget everything you have learnt about interviews. A telephone interview is not the time to slack. In fact, you must work even harder to make yourself stand out to a potential employer.

So, here are our top tips to help you impress over the phone…

Pick your location wisely

If you are lying in bed or slouching on the sofa it will show in your voice. Pick somewhere in your house that will help you get in to a professional state of mind. You could always try standing whilst on the phone as this can help knock your energy levels up a notch.

Don’t get distracted

During any interview, you want to give it your full attention. Make sure you limit any possible distractions, turn off your TV and your computer screen and put away any books or magazines around you.

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Take advantage of the fact that the interviewer cannot see you. Research the company and go over the job description, jot down some notes or important questions you might want to ask but don’t write down too much – you want to sound natural so don’t totally rely on pre-prepared answers.

Check your signal

If you are taking the call on your mobile phone, you want to make sure you pick a location where you have good reception. Interviewers will be busy and they may not have time to call you back if your phone cuts out.

Be professional

When it comes to telephone interviews, your voice and language play a vital role in standing out. Avoid slang words and talking too fast. Smile when you talk as this naturally ensures you sound enthusiastic.

Show your interest

Before you say goodbye, ensure you’ve expressed your interest in the role. Confirm with them what the remaining recruitment process is and how long before you can expect to hear back. Make a note in your diary to follow up if you haven’t heard.

Once you’ve nailed your telephone interview, head over to our career section and check out our face to face interview tips

How can LinkedIn help you secure your next job?

Posted on November 29, 2016 by hps-admin

LinkedIn is famously known as the social network for professionals, it allows both active job seekers and passive candidates to promote their skills and experience to recruiters and companies, as well as being able to network with fellow professionals.
Although LinkedIn now has 433 million members, many of us are not as clued up on all LinkedIn’s different features as we could be. However, if you want to get to benefit out of LinkedIn’s features it is worth getting to grips with.

Here are 7 ways in which LinkedIn can help you find your dream job:

1) Job search page

Not everyone knows this but LinkedIn does actually have a dedicated job search function. Either use the search bar to search for jobs within your skillset or click on the Jobs tab at the top of the homepage to be taken to a keyword search box.

2) Keep your profile up to date

If you want your profile to be noticed by recruiters and companies, you need to treat your LinkedIn profile like your online CV. Showcase your experience and skills so that when someone visits your profile they know exactly what you do and what you’re good at!

3) Get connected

LinkedIn is amazing for networking at ease. Connect with people you know, work with, or are interested in – keep an eye out for their updates and interact with posts you find of interest and have value to add. Another major advantage of being connected to someone is that you can message them for free instead of having to pay for an upgrade to ‘InMail’ someone.

4) Share updates

Showcase yourself as an expert in your field by posting updates, opinions and interesting articles. You never know who might see these and be seriously impressed.

5) Recommendations

Why should people just take your word for how great you are? Use the recommendations feature on LinkedIn to get colleagues to endorse you. People listen to the opinions are others, and a great recommendation could do your job search wonders!

6) Company pages

Most companies have a LinkedIn page which you can follow and keep up to date with the latest company news. Follow the companies you are interested in working for and keep your eye out for when they post jobs.

7) Recruiters

As well as following company pages, follow recruitment companies like ourselves. With jobs being posted regularly you won’t miss out on the latest opportunities.

If you have any other tips on how LinkedIn can help with your job search we would love to hear from you, drop as a tweet @highfieldrec.

Brexit – the Impact on the Architecture Industry

Posted on November 29, 2016 by hps-admin

Since the recent vote to leave the European Union, uncertainty has been felt throughout the UK, especially within the Architectural industry. Architects are fretting about future workloads, project delays and potential staff cuts since the decision was announced.
Although the Brexit news definitely poses a level of unknown throughout the industry, it seems that it is not all doom and gloom. In a move which will help reassure architects, a joint statement from the Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Home Office stated: “When we do leave the EU, we fully expect that the legal status of the EU nations living in the UK, and that of UK nationals living in EU member states, will be properly protected.”
The government added that it “recognises and values the important contribution made by EU and other non-UK citizens who work, study and live in the UK.”
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have pledged that they will work with the industry and government to make sure architects have a strong voice over the coming weeks and months.
Since the vote, as a recruitment agency, we have not yet noticed a stump in roles, if you are looking for a change of career then Kelly Vidler, our expert consultant, states that “now is a good a time as ever to be looking for a new role, I have not seen any hiring freezes or had a decrease in roles”. If you would like a confidential chat with Kelly to discuss your options, please get in touch via 01489 774 010 or send your CV to [email protected].

How to find your dream job

Posted on November 18, 2016 by hps-admin

Stuck in a rut, wanting to progress and get your career back on track? Read on for our top tips to ensure you are on your way to securing your dream role!

1) Passion

The simplest part of securing your dream job is to make sure you are doing something you enjoy and are passionate about. What is it you enjoy the most about your current job, what makes you tick? By working this out you’ll be able to find a job that you actually enjoy.

2) Speak to a recruiter

Once you’ve figured out what it is you love doing, it can be an overwhelming task to work out how to get your CV out there. Enlisting the help of a recruiter will allow you to communicate your wants and needs and let them go to work finding you your next role.

3) What is your main motivator?

It can be easy to focus solely on money, but it is important to work out what else you want out of your next role. Is work/life balance important to you? Being near home? Flexible hours? Whatever it may be, look for a job that fulfils your needs – the more motivated you are the happier you will be.

4) Use social media

When looking for a new career it is beneficial to get on social media; use LinkedIn and Facebook to connect to recruitment agencies and companies you are interested in, and look out for jobs that they are posting. Just remember to showcase your social media accounts in the right light, focusing on your knowledge, experience and personality.

5) Just go for it!

You’re not going to get your dream job by doing nothing. You have nothing to lose so go for it! Set yourself goals of what you want to achieve and in no time you will have bagged that dream job.

Start your job search today and view all our live vacancies.