Ashley Associates Recruitment Blog

How to deal with counter offers

Put yourself in your boss's shoes! Resigning from your present position will have made your employer well aware that you were unhappy in your current role. Consequently, even if you accept a counter offer to stay put, your loyalty may always be in question in the future.

If you are tempted by a counter offer, have a long hard think about what it was that made you start looking for a new position. Moving roles isn’t usually just about greater financial reward – it’s often about new challenges and increased responsibility.

Think about your employer's motivation – are they really thinking about what's best for you – or what is best for the company? If they really valued you as an employee, wouldn't they have offered you the package or promotion you wanted at appraisal time?

Consider the results of a study published in the Wall St Journal. In this study, conducted over a three year period, over 50% of the individuals receiving counter offers accepted them. Within 18 months, 93% of those had left – and the remaining 7% were actively seeking new employment.

Counter offers can often be used by employers as stalling devices to give ample time for a suitable replacement to be found – your replacement!

Don't get trapped into a long drawn out discussion. Leaving the door open for discussion and negotiation induces the company to invest time and resources into enticing you to stay. This can make you feel guilty, which makes it more difficult to stick to your decision to leave.

Consider the future. The company may well pay you to stay in the short term, but you may pay a long-term price. Employers resent being held hostage by employees when the market is in their favour. A rise or promotion today may foreclose the possibility of future benefits.

If you do decide to accept a counter offer then you also have to accept that things will never be the same – colleagues may view you differently and despite what your employer is saying to you, you may not be seen as a true.

Remember that employers don’t like to be fired, some employers find it difficult when they feel that they have lost control, so ask yourself why your decision is not being accepted. People make career moves for their own reasons and not respecting your choice is the same as saying you have no right to choose to leave.

 Posted on the 19/09/2011

Reference writing - A Grey Area by Ashley Associates

At some point in your career you are going to be either writing a reference or being written about in a reference!! But do people really understand what they can and can’t reveal in a employment reference?

Many companies have a particular policy on the very treacherous reference subject – often opting for a “dates only” response.

It is always best practice to approach requests for references in a positive manner - everyone has good qualities which can be hi- lighted, sadly all too often the reference giver will focus on the negative elements of the persons performance or personality – which is perpetuated by the fact that for whatever reason they have left their employment.

The age old saying “If you have nothing good to say about a person it is better to say nothing at all” is in many cases a helpful alternative to writing something that later will haunt you and the candidate. The same caution applies to verbal references anything negative that can be disproved factually can be seen as a slanderous act.

If you require a reference from your employer it may help to draft one yourself or at the very least point out several of your proudest achievements or provide a comprehensive list of your figures against target for your manager or HR department; they may be short of time and in some cases busy trying to recruit your replacement.

All reference material should be dated and ideally addressed to a specific person, be short, to the point and presented in a professional format on headed paper.  It is vital that the person writing the reference has the authority to do so on behalf of the company.

Employment dates should be confirmed, coupled with job title, salary and benefits if appropriate. Conformation that the person’s performance, attitude and relationship with colleagues was satisfactory or indeed exceeded acceptable standards will allow the reader to gain an insight to their personality and general demeanour. If your company has a policy to reemploy then it is advisable to state whether you would reemploy and if not give reasons as to why you wouldn’t reemploy. The receiver of a reference is reassured by references that offer further information can be supplied if required.

To a degree the reference given does reflect the writers personal feelings, but it is always advisable to balance this out with factual information where possible.

For those in a position to be writing employee references it is paramount that the Data Protection Act 1988 be consulted and considered in particular the part that relates to Subject Access Rights be understood.

Reference writers should remember that their words whether verbal or written can shape or break a person’s career progression and once sent can be difficult to change.

 Posted on the 23/08/2011

Sunshine, Sand and Tax Free Earnings? Yes Please !!

Ashley Associates are currently working with a number of Recruitment Agencies in Dubai who are keen to locate and attract professional, high achieving Recruitment Consultants who really do want to “live the dream”! If you have outstanding recruitment/sales drive, excellent client facing and business development skills and a clear desire to smash sales targets you will receive unparalleled reward and recognition within this fast growing and very entrepreneurial organisation.

Dubai’s growth over the last few decades has been astonishing. It is difficult to imagine the transformation that has taken place, from an undeveloped, though flourishing backwater, to today's young, modern metropolis of high-rise buildings and luxurious beach resorts.

Dubai is fast growing in virtually all sectors including of course Recruitment. The projected population growth of 2 million over the next 3 years requires a massive skilled workforce.
With only 10% of the population made up of nationals and interestingly 20% of the world’s cranes are currently involved in building this boom city, the economy is excellent and all areas of the market are seeking skilled job hunters in their hundreds from all over the world.

Dubai’s boasts a spectacular and sprawling cityscape which is growing daily with several of the “World’s Largest” almost ready: The World's Largest Airport; The World’s Tallest Building; The World’s Largest Theme Park and The World’s Largest Indoor Ski Dome.

Dubai is fast becoming the number 1 choice for western job seekers looking to work in the Middle East, and has a more liberal living policy and highly attractive social scene. An exceptional nightlife with many new bars and nightclubs makes Dubai an extremely easy place to make friends and develop a life outside work. The quality of life in Dubai is excellent and the range of accommodation superb. Many apartments and villas offer a wide range of facilities including air-conditioning, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, Jacuzzis, squash and tennis courts and most apartment complexes have 24-hour security.

Running a car is very affordable. Not only is Dubai one of the cheapest places in the world to buy a new car, but also petrol is very inexpensive for obvious reasons. Many people opt for cars they couldn’t usually afford to run in other countries like 4x4’s and sports cars. Public transport is fantastic; there are numerous taxi companies who operate impressive fleets of brand new taxis at very affordable prices. In addition to this there is a very good bus network and a rail network planned for the next couple of years.

Employers are responsible for providing work visas in Dubai. Savings can be made on everyday living costs, combine this with the jewel in the crown “tax free earnings” and you can enjoy a very lucrative recruitment career in the sun but a word to the wise you can also spend money easily in Dubai, so investigate thoroughly before you accept any salary offer.

Employers often with the assistance of recruitment agencies arrange all essential paperwork during the recruitment/relocation process; fees for work permit, residence visa and sometimes-provisional accommodation can be negotiated into your employment offer. There are various visa options for sponsoring spouses and children to live in Dubai as well. Schooling is something you pay for whether it be state or private and can be very expensive but of a high quality.

There are specific requirements and conditions to be able to work in the UAE:

You should not be less than 18 years old and not more than 60 years (unless special circumstances)
The employment contract, labour card/residency visa is valid for one year and has to be renewed thereafter
A medical health check is required as part of the employment process in the UAE

For further information please contact Ashley Associates UK Ltd.

Posted on the 02/06/2011

My “Black Belt” by Helen Halliday

Ever wondered what Helen gets up to after dusk?  By day, mild mannered Recruitment Consultant…by night, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! For almost 5 years Helen has been dedicated to training for her Black Belt in Tae Kwondo. Tae Kwondo is a Korean Martial Art, which is more than just fighting! Classes involve learning patterns, self-defence, Korean History, general life philosophy and self-discipline. To truly master the art you need to balance mind, body and spirit but the reward is achieving a feeling of true “Karma” she has never experienced with any other sport… and believe me you will get fit!! You should feel her biceps! It’s also great for women in particular, to learn self-defence…. it’s about technique, not brute force

After almost a two-hour gruelling exam a couple of weeks ago, she couldn’t believe it when she was finally presented with her black belt.  She had beaten punch bags to a pulp, sparred with her friends, smashed wooden blocks to bits, squat thrusted, press upped, punched, kicked and jumped herself to a sweat for up to 4 hours a week to achieve this goal. The trophies on her fridge are always a good conversation starter! Everyone needs goals and believe me, the prize is best if you pick a goal which is harder than you can ever think is possible to achieve…then go and do it!

Helen has been really lucky to have been trained by several World Champions and Master Harrison at her local NITA Club who is nothing less than a 7th Dan Master! It takes years of training, dedication and will power to achieve a black belt, but the reward is immensely more than the effort you put in. A wish changes nothing but a decision changes everything. Feeling motivated? Now switch off the TV and go and put your trainers on! Angelina Jolie stunt double at the ready!

Posted on the 23/05/2011

Are Recruiters great Problem-solvers??

In theory yes, we should be. In a practical sense our job description is a mass of solving other people’s problems and genuinely I believe that we do that very well. However, what I have come to notice that problem-solving skills fall into the same big dark hole that advice-giving skills do… We can all be very good at solving other people’s problems and giving the greatest advice in these situations but when it comes to our own, some Recruiters seem to fall completely short of managing!

For instance, at Ashley Associates, we match people. We have clients, we have candidates, we take the reigns, steer the horse and lead the horse to the water. In far too many cases, it seems to be that very last part – the actual drinking of the water – which we simply cannot do on anyone’s behalf, that seems to break the carefully manoeuvred chain of events. In the case of the Recruiter going for a job interview with another Recruiter – (incidentally the Recruiter who sends others to interviews all day long) – problematic situations can be far from solved effectively. They have trouble locating the building, they are caught at the last minute trying to get away from the office, they cannot seem to remember who they are meant to be meeting… the list really does go on and on.

Good problem-solving skills suggest that we are equipped to deal with a situation of this kind. We can find a solution to almost any problem. So why is it then that many Recruiter’s idea of dealing with a problem is by just not ‘dealing with them’? Simply not turning up for an interview, devoid of all explanation or communication? It totally baffles me. At Ashley Associates, we feel that Recruiter’s really do need to think about using these fantastically creative, solution-focussed, results-driven skills that make us all so great at our jobs when it comes to our own job-hunting!!

Posted on the 25/01/2011

Ashley Associates new “Mobile Friendly” Candidate Hotline - 0333 3210074

Ashley Associates Recruitment to Recruitment Specialists are proud to announce their new “Mobile Friendly” candidate/vacancy line!

So how does it work I can just hear you all shouting!!

Here is the science bit !!

Our new 0333 number works in exactly the same way as other non-geographic numbers (e.g. 0845 numbers), the surprising thing is that they are cheaper to call, even from mobile phones.

If you are a mobile phone user (and lets face it who isn’t!) then our 0333 number is FREE to call from the bundled /inclusive minutes attached to your tariff. Thereafter any calls from the mobile phone are charged at the networks standard rate, which would be the same for calls to landlines or other mobiles.

0333 phone numbers meet the strong and growing public demand to have a recognisable phone number, which both identifies the type of organisation being called and offers a clearly priced call.

When you dial our 0333 3210074 number the call is automatically (and instantly) routed to our existing landline number or mobile number. We can change this target number at anytime online so should we be snowed or flooded out of our office (yes it has happened) we simply reroute the calls to our home landline.

So really from here on it can be FREE to call your Ashley Associates Recruitment Consultant to hear about new and exciting Recruitment Vacancies across the UK and indeed the world, or for a chat about your current role and career progress, or indeed for advice and support in your current situation.

You have nothing to loose and everything to gain… We are happy to take your call on 0333 3210074 anytime! In fact we positively look forward to it.

 

 

Is it still January????!

 

True to it’s notorious reputation, January just keeps going on and on and on....

 

So, the team at Ashley Associates got together to brainstorm their top tips for survival, and in the nature of goodwill to all our fellow recruiters out there has decided to let you in. If we can’t help you with any recruiting needs in January, we would like to think that we can offer you something else. Something simple, something positive, and best of all something free that really works... so go ahead, read on, pass to your friends, and remember that Ashley Associates told you so....

 

 

Employers want the best from their employees at all times, and particularly in January, when the recruitment world can hit a frenzy with lots of ‘new year’ activity. We at Ashley Associates recognise that to get the best out of people, those people need to be feeling their best. Hopefully our tips will lend a helpful hand in maintaining that well-being during January.

 

Posted on the 25/01/2011

 

Ashley Associates Website news!

Undoubtedly the best way to go about finding a new job in the UK Recruitment Industry is through the use of a reputable recruitment-to-recruitment agency. Attempting to find employment of your own accord can be time consuming and tedious and more often than not does not yield the desired results, if it yields any at all. We are affiliated with main of the top Recruitment Agencies throughout the UK and have many hundreds of vacancies at any one time! However we are also committed to finding the right roles for those who do not fit in with the opportunities we have at any one time.

Ashley Associates are a wide reaching Recruitment-to-Recruitment Agency - we work across the UK and most recently in some far-flung places such as Brazil, Dubai and Hong Kong. We cover all sectors of recruitment and all positions - we do believe that working this way keeps our team "current, fresh and knowledgeable".

We are committed to providing an enviable Recruitment service to both our clients and candidates and we promote service through many channels of communication as is possible. In fact we have just launched our new website of which we are proud!!

Our vacancies are uploaded daily (www.ashleyassociates.org) where client and candidate can view what is available; candidates can upload their CV directly to us and one of our experienced Recruitment Consultants will make quick contact to ascertain how they can help!

We have worked tirelessly to make the new website user friendly and as possible - it truly is a "one click keyword vacancy machine" We hope that you enjoy the experience!

Posted on the 07/10/2010

 

Persistent or Pushy?....         

Considering that we all work in Sales – I think this a fair place to debate where the line between persistence and pushiness is defined?...

Working in Recruitment-to-Recruitment requires so much more than a good sales approach – it requires what I like to call ‘intelligent’ sales. As far as I can see we have absolutely no excuse for poor sales performance for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are in the very unique position of speaking to some of the best British Recruiters – from both a candidate and client point of view – every single day. At the very least we must learn something from that? As Recruiters of Recruiters, we must know what differentiates a good from poor sales person. Its all about what we hear – what we listen to, and what we take from that. A good sales person is charismatic, pays us attention, shows us empathy and generally makes us feel good about ourselves and what we are buying into – in our case usually candidates. A good sales person offers you trust, commitment and most importantly of all – a hassle-free transaction. So, secondly we must also be able to offer that to those buying into us – right?

As Recruiters for Recruiters, it is essential to be able to put ourselves in our client’s shoes. Yes, they are our client, but they too have clients. Regardless of how important it might be for then to find a new and great employee, they still have a duty of care and commitment to their own clients, which ultimately, as we know, is always the highest priority.

What I am suggesting is that perhaps the line between persistence and pushiness should really not be a question in Recruitment to Recruitment. I am quite sure that we can achieve the best from our client partnerships by offering them that ‘intelligent’ sales approach. We empathise, recruitment is a busy environment, there usually aren’t enough hours in the day, our clients make demands on us which sometimes causes the most organised of Recruiters to toss any semblance of time management aside… in my opinion an accepting and empathic Recruiter has the best sales techniques of all.

Posted on the 07/10/2010

Social Networking – the Pros & Cons for Candidates…
As I googled the name of one of my candidates this morning, I began to wonder how much candidates actually realise can often be learnt about them via the power of the World Wide Web.

It is very common practice for Recruiters and Employers to ‘investigate’ a potential candidate through various websites – in fact the CIPD suggests that up to 80% of employers will research a candidate online before inviting them for interview. From this point of view, candidates need to be very aware of how they are presenting themselves – or how much information about themselves they are willing to share on the net.

Profiles on sites such as Facebook and MySpace, can easily be accessed if privacy settings have not been applied. The sites do give us the opportunity to reveal or hide any information that we like and ultimately choose what we share and with whom. Candidates need to be aware when seeking employment that they can control how much of themselves is revealed to a potential employer and if used correctly can be to their advantage.

From our point of view at Ashley Associates, a profile page of a candidate can give away lots about a personality and allows a Recruiter or Employer to make a pre-judgement. Whether that pre-judgement is positive or negative, it is still a judgement nevertheless. Candidates need to consider this very carefully and think about what that judgement could mean. Some employers are just as interested in a personality as they are skills and experience – therefore it could be argued that to hide everything about yourself gives the wrong message.

Is it important to have an internet presence? Is it an added opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer? It could be argued that nowadays with CVs and application forms being so restricted to skills and experience that there are lesser opportunities to give a potential employer insight into your character, could this internet presence be the answer?
An interesting concept to consider for modern day job-hunting….

Posted on the 28/09/2010

 

Whatever happened to customer service???
Let me ask you, how many times have you found yourself wondering about this? Good customer service these days seems to hit us with surprise, which in itself is extremely sad & very worrying. This idea is fresh in my mind after recently trawling around Insurance companies to update my car insurance. Simply shocking. There was only one broker that I actually remember, & no matter what his price, he is definitely the one I will be going back to. A concept also, ever-more important to Recruitment Consultant's across the UK.

At Ashley Associates, we seem to have a unique sense of what it might be like to be on the other end of the telephone. We are faced daily with disheartened & de-motivated Recruitment Consultants, taking that very nerve-racking & precarious step into the big bad world of job-hunting. Even though, they make their living on 'Recruiting' others, it is somewhat a far different cry to actually putting yourself in that situation yourself.

We like to think that when they speak to a Consultant at Ashley Associates, they would find that that fear & worry can be put to rest. Our Consultants really know the art of Recruitment - first & foremost, making people feel important. Each & every one of them. Providing a personal customer service. It is our job to completely understand your needs. If we don't have that dream job for you right now, then at least you might remember us & stick with us until we do. Its all about giving someone hope, making them feel that no matter what their request is, it is a perfectly acceptable request to make. We are not here to judge or persuade you to take a different path, but to simply take the problem off your hands. Nothing should be too much trouble. That is perfect customer service. That is a perfect Recruitment Consultant. That is an Ashley Associates Recruitment Consultant.

Posted on the 16/09/2009


Accept the things you cannot change
Ever noticed how your PMA can affect your results in recruitment? Now this really is a notion worth thinking about...

Our success as a Recruitment Consultant largely depends on the behviour & actions of others. We all know how frustrating & exasperating this can be, especially when people cannot always be managed, or understood.
Here's a thought - stop trying so hard to understand!

We at Ashley Associates have figured something out - who knows why that candidate decided to accept the counter offer despite 4 weeks of committed job hunting, who knows why that client didn't make the job offer despite 3 glowing references - but it's very likely that we will never know, but most importantly, its not personal.

Recruitment is all about people, human beings - who are all different & unpredictable, each with their own agenda. People will always make choices that we dont understand. These things don't change. To be a successful recruiter we must accept that & accommodate for it. As sales people we must always know we have done our utmost, not to persuade others to make unsuitable choices, but to be gifted in pointing out the benefits & passionate about those we choose to represent. Keeping a positive mental attitude & accepting that sometimes that just might not be enough, or that we cannot always predict ones behaviour, helps to keep a healthy recruitment practice.
The key is how we deal with that...

It is most definitely true what they say; tomorrow is always a new day in recruitment, and everyday is a new chance to get it right. Finding the right person for the right job. Just don't miss that chance.

Posted 15/09/2009


Ashley Associates Recruitment to Recruitment Specialists –It’s how we are!!
When we founded Ashley Associates UK Ltd – Recruitment-to-Recruitment Specialists, we wanted to offer a very different kind of recruitment-to-recruitment service to both clients and candidates – and the Ashley Associates difference is delivered each day by our proactive team.

We took immense care selecting who would work Ashley Associates. Like us, many of the team are experienced Recruiters, and come from all disciplines, Commercial, Industrial, IT or Recruitment-to-Recruitment background, but more than this, everyone has a real passion for people.
Working for Ashley Associates means a 100% dedication to fulfilling potential – as an individual, as a team and as a key part of this successful, growing company. So everyone takes an active role to support, encourage and help each other to do their very best. We wouldn’t expect anything less from our team, and to see them achieve in the way they do is rewarding for everyone.

The environment here is fast-paced, energetic and demanding – but it’s also nurturing, supportive and really open and friendly. This is a workplace where people thrive.

Our vision for the future is as strong now as when we first established the company and we will remain hands on and totally involved in every aspect of the business. We care passionately about growing Ashley Associates through coaching and developing my team – and adding to the team when the right people come along.

 Start by putting your CV together. It may have been a while since you last did this, so it’s      likely your CV will need a bit of an update. Once you’ve updated this though, you’ll be ready to start applying for jobs.
Write a one-page summary of why you should be considered for a job. Then, when you’re filling in application forms, you won’t have to think when you get to this page – you’ll just be able to copy down what you’ve already written.
Start looking for jobs – consider the Job Centre; your local paper; recruitment agencies and anywhere else you can think of. Ask friends and family too. Employers are still recruiting, even in this market so get yourself out there.

Make sure you have clothes suitable for an interview – I’m talking about smart clothes here, so a suit or smart work clothes. Potential employers will want to see that you can be presentable.
Practice interview techniques before you actually get in the room. And don’t forget to go for it!

 


Facing Redundancy – What do you do next?
Want to get another job?
Start by putting your CV together. It may have been a while since you last did this, so it’s likely your CV will need a bit of an update. Once you’ve updated this though, you’ll be ready to start applying for jobs.

Write a one-page summary of why you should be considered for a job. Then, when you’re filling in application forms, you won’t have to think when you get to this page – you’ll just be able to copy down what you’ve already written.
Start looking for jobs – consider the Job Centre; your local paper; recruitment agencies and anywhere else you can think of. Ask friends and family too. Employers are still recruiting, even in this market so get yourself out there.

Make sure you have clothes suitable for an interview – I’m talking about smart clothes here, so a suit or smart work clothes. Potential employers will want to see that you can be presentable.
Practice interview techniques before you actually get in the room. And don’t forget to go for it!

 

Recruitment to Recruitment Specialists- Monday Morning Blog
I am definately a morning person. Once I’m awake, and that’s usually before 6:30am, I just can’t stay in bed I have to be up and doing things.
For the rest of planet that struggles to get up early in the morning here are some quick tips that might be useful.

1. Plan your day the night before. Writing down all the big, important things you’ll be doing the next day give you the extra spring in your step to wake up early and quickly. If you’ve got a purpose, you’ve got a big reason to wake up.
2.Use the extra time productively. – What’s the point of getting up a few hours earlier if you don’t do anything productive with the time? Your brain is pretty smart, and if it figures out that waking up earlier doesn’t really have any benefits, game over. There has to be a reason for getting up.
3. Reward yourself. Don’t think for a second that the reasons for getting up have to be totally work-related. Remember waking up really early on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons? That’s right: motivation. Occasionally give yourself rewards to anticipate the next day. A favorite show, ice cream, your favorite breakfast… anything for you to look forward to.

Although I would like to assure you all that I do not get up to eat ice cream that early in the morning but why not do something you enjoy that isn’t work that you wouldn’t have time to do during the day if you hadn’t have got up early. I would also just like to point out that on the weekend all the best cartoons are on before 8am. Have a great week all!!


Business: Ashley Associates have recently passed their REC inspection
As part of the Recruitment and Employment Confederations continued commitment to highlighting excellence in the recruitment industry, they have developed a robust inspection programme that validates compliance with The Employment Agencies Act and Conduct Regulations 2003 and REC Code of Professional Practice.
Ashley Associates have recently passed their inspection against key areas within our business, including:

Work Seeker Files
Terms of business for introduction
Permission to forward CVs or Personal Data
Complaints Procedure
Advertising
Health and Safety
Equal Opportunities
Data Protection and Confidentiality
Client File
Induction and staff Training

Maz White, Ashley Associates Office Manager, said "as part of our on going pledge to both our clients and candidates we welcome this inspection as it further validates our service and the professional approach of our recruitment consultants. As members of the R2R Sector Group we strive to be the R2R agency of choice across the UK and this "pass" makes us all sit taller in our seats" Having held the responsibility for the companies Investors in People and Work Life Balance accreditations, the REC Inspection was the most nerve racking and possibly the most satisfying to achieve" Champagne all round?

 

Business: Ashley Associates - Work - Life Balance Accreditation

In 2006 Ashley Associates was the first recruitment company in the UK to receive the Work-Life Balance accreditation. This was a massive achievement for the company and it's employees and everyone involved remain incredibly proud of such a new and prestigious award.

It does go to prove that it isn't all work and no play. By this we mean we offer our employees a level of flexibility, in turn this motivates individuals to achieve better results within the work place and thus making the company more professional and successful. Working from a picturesque location in the Gloucestershire countryside is a plus point, enabling staff to walk at lunchtime without filling their lungs with smog from the traffic. We are lucky to have within our farm office community a beauticians who offer, massage, alternative therapies and a whole host of treatments and potions.

We work closely with Gloucestershire Enterprise ensuring that our staff are all trained in areas we/they identify, more than 50% of people working here have achieved an NVQ Qualification of some description.

We offer part time working for "returning mums", flexible working hours to accommodate nursery commitments, free parking, private healthcare and our Christmas Party arrangements get bigger and better each year. This year we ran a "Christmas present competition" where after drawing names each person had to "handcraft" their gift for less than £10.00. A positive triumph of creativity, team bonding and general hilarity insued with an array of gifts from, a ten track DVD of Christmas songs (the voice was terrible Rob), an Admin Calender sporting a selection of photos of Andrew in various poses, hand made cakes, truffles, Christmas cookies, personalised mug mats with staff faces super imposed onto super hero bodies and a giant cracker full of sweets and gifts.

An excellent excercise for any team!! How we will top that this year I'm not sure.