At Connect Appointments, we take great pride in the partnerships we’ve built with the companies we work with. So, every year, we like to celebrate them properly.

Our annual Connect Appointments Golf Day took place at the stunning Bothwell Castle Golf Club, just down the road from our Hamilton branch. We invited some of our clients along to join us for a fantastic day of golf, networking and fun, and it’s safe to say everyone made the most of it.

For us, it’s all about making stronger connections and there’s no better place to do that than out on the course.

Supporting Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust

As well as enjoying the day, our golfers showed their support for one of Connect Appointments’ charity partners, Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust Drivers, raising £450.

Gary, our Group Marketing Coordinator, has since stopped by to present the money in person. We’re proud to support such a fantastic local charity, helping provide transport across Lanarkshire for cancer patients attending hospital appointments and treatments. You can find out more about the brilliant work they do at lcctdrivers.com.

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the day so enjoyable. We hope you all had as much fun as we did, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

Want to find out what Connect Appointments can do for your business? Contact your nearest branch, and get connected today.

Introducing Our Permanent Recruitment Division

Big news from Connect Appointments. We’ve launched a dedicated Permanent Recruitment Division, operating from our Hamilton and Livingston branches.

Permanent recruitment has always been part of what we do. But this marks the next step: a dedicated division with the focus, resource and ambition to grow it into something special.

What does it mean for employers?

The same speed, reliability and industry knowledge you’ve come to expect from Connect in temporary recruitment now backed by a dedicated team focused solely on permanent hiring.

We’ll take the time to understand your business, your culture and what success looks like for each role, helping you secure permanent talent that’s the right fit for both the position and your organisation.

And because our division is built around specialist consultants who each own their own market, we’re not limited to a handful of sectors. Whatever industry you’re hiring in, we’re growing the expertise to support it, with recruiters who genuinely know your world.

Launching our Permanent Recruitment Division is a natural next step for Connect Appointments. Permanent recruitment has always been part of what we do, and this investment gives it the focus, resource and ambition to grow into something special. – William Sim, Managing Director

We’re hiring, too

Every new division starts with great people, and we’re looking for experienced 360 Recruitment Consultants to help shape what’s next.

Based in our Hamilton and Livingston branches, you’ll have the opportunity to build your own specialist desk in the sector you know best, backed by the support of an established recruitment business with a strong reputation across Scotland.

If that sounds like your next move, take a look at our vacancies or get in touch for a confidential chat.

Looking ahead

This is an exciting new chapter for Connect Appointments, and we’re looking forward to supporting more businesses with their permanent recruitment needs while welcoming talented recruiters to our growing team.

Whether you’re looking to make your next permanent hire or you’re interested in joining our Permanent Recruitment Division, we’d love to hear from you.

This week (18th May 2026), the Office for National Statistics published its latest UK labour market figures. We wanted to share what the data is telling us, and what it means for businesses like yours.

THE MARKET RIGHT NOW

UK job vacancies have fallen to their lowest level since 2021

Early estimates put total UK vacancies at 705,000 in February to April – down 7.1% year-on-year, with declines across 13 of 18 industry sectors. Source: ONS, Vacancies and Jobs in the UK: May 2026 (published 19 May 2026).

New job postings fell 7.7% in April alone

Data from the REC shows that the number of new job postings across the UK dropped 7.7% between March and April – a sharp single-month decline reflecting the speed at which employer confidence has shifted. Source: Staffing Industry Analysts (published 20 May 2026).

Unemployment is rising, but so is candidate availability

The UK unemployment rate stood at 5.0% in January to March 2026, up 0.5 percentage points on the year. There are now 2.5 unemployed people for every vacancy, up from 2.1 a year ago. Source: ONS, Labour Market Overview UK: May 2026 (published 19 May 2026).

Geopolitical uncertainty is the primary driver

The latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs (May 2026) attributes much of the slowdown in permanent hiring to uncertainty stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, alongside rising business costs and inflationary pressures. Permanent staff appointments fell at their sharpest pace since January. Source: KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs (published May 2026).

BUT HERE IS THE OPPORTUNITY

While the headline numbers look challenging, the same data reveals something important for employers willing to act strategically.

Temporary billings rose in April, the strongest increase recorded in two and a half years

With permanent hiring frozen at many businesses, those turning to flexible staffing are finding they can keep operations moving without long-term financial commitments. The KPMG/REC report noted that employers are “leaning more on temporary work to move ahead with their plans in this more uncertain time.”

Engineering is the only sector recording growth in permanent hiring demand

Across all ten job categories monitored by the KPMG/REC survey, engineering was the sole sector to register an increase in demand for permanent workers in April, with blue-collar roles also seeing increased demand for temporary staff.

More candidates are available than at any point in recent years

With 2.5 unemployed people per vacancy and candidate numbers rising sharply, the volume of applicants hitting employer inboxes has never been higher. More CVs does not mean better hires, it means more time spent screening, more risk of the wrong decision, and more operational pressure on your team. That’s where a specialist recruiter earns their place. We do the filtering, the compliance checks, and the matching, so you get the right person, faster, without the distraction.

HOW CONNECT APPOINTMENTS CAN HELP

At Connect Appointments, we have been placing workers across manufacturing, logistics, driving and engineering sectors across the UK. We understand the sectors you operate in, the pressures you are facing right now, and the speed at which you sometimes need to move.

Whether you need temporary cover to navigate an uncertain few months, or want specialist support finding the right permanent hire in your sector, or want to explore a managed approach to your flexible workforce – we’re here to help.

The Food Industry Recruitment Agency That Gets It Done

The food industry never stands still. Production targets shift overnight, seasonal demand spikes without warning, and the pressure to maintain quality never lets up. For businesses operating in this environment, having the right people in place isn’t just an operational priority; it’s the difference between hitting targets and falling short. That’s the gap a specialist recruiter is built to close.

At Connect Appointments, we’ve spent decades helping food businesses across the UK build the reliable, skilled teams they need to thrive. Here’s why more and more food industry businesses are choosing us as their trusted recruitment partner.

The Staffing Pressures Every Business Knows Too Well

Food production is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic sectors, supplying goods to households and businesses worldwide. Yet despite its scale, the industry faces a consistent set of staffing pressures:

• Fluctuating demand driven by seasons, contracts, and consumer trends
• High turnover in production and processing roles
• Strict compliance requirements, including GLAA regulations and food safety standards
• The constant need for speed – vacancies can’t sit open when production lines need to run

Generic recruitment agencies often struggle to respond to these demands effectively. A specialist food industry recruitment agency, by contrast, understands these pressures intimately and is built to address them.

How Connect Appointments Supports Food Businesses

Temporary Staffing When You Need It Most

Whether you’re managing a seasonal rush, covering absence, or scaling up for a major contract, our temporary staffing solutions give you immediate access to a reliable pool of pre-vetted workers. We ensure the right people are in place exactly when you need them – without disrupting your operations.

Specialist Recruitment for Skilled and Permanent Roles

For roles that require specific expertise, our targeted recruitment approach connects you with candidates who have the skills, experience, and reliability your business demands. From quality controllers to team leaders, we match talent to your exact requirements.

End-to-End Recruitment Management

Recruitment can be time-consuming. We take that burden off your shoulders by managing the entire process, from job posting and candidate screening to onboarding and compliance checks. This allows you to stay focused on running your business while we take care of the hiring.

Roles We Recruit Across the Food Industry

Our expertise spans a broad range of positions essential to food production operations, including:

• Picker Packers
• Forklift Drivers
• Machine Operators
• Hygiene Operatives
• Production Operatives
• Quality Controllers
• Team Leaders

Whether you need one specialist or an entire shift, we have the network and the expertise to deliver.

A Track Record Built on Real Partnerships

It’s one thing to talk about expertise — it’s another to demonstrate it. Over the years, Connect Appointments has had the privilege of supporting some of the most respected names in the UK food industry, including McGhee’s Bakery, Nairn’s Oatcakes, Malcolm Allan, and A.K. Stoddart.

Names like these don’t stay with an agency unless they consistently deliver.

Why Choose Connect Appointments as Your Food Industry Recruitment Agency?

25+ Years of Recruitment Expertise

Our heritage speaks for itself. With over 25 years of experience, we bring a depth of knowledge that very few agencies can match.

Local Knowledge, National Capability

We operate nationally, but our teams are rooted in the regions they serve. That combination of local insight and national resource means we understand the specific challenges of your area while having the scale to meet your needs wherever you are in the UK.

Fully GLAA Compliant

Compliance isn’t optional in the food industry. We are fully GLAA compliant, ensuring every placement meets the regulatory standards your business depends on.

Flexibility Built In

We know the food industry can change quickly. Our approach is designed to be responsive, we’re able to scale up or down with your requirements, and are always ready to adapt when circumstances shift.

More Than a Recruitment Agency

We measure our success by yours. That means going beyond the brief, anticipating your needs, and being the kind of agency you actually want to call.

Build the Team Your Business Needs

Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or simply looking for a more reliable recruitment partner, Connect Appointments is here to help.

As a specialist food industry recruitment agency with a proven track record and the flexibility to meet your needs, we’re ready to take the stress out of hiring, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Learn more about how we can help you HERE!

Managed Umbrella Companies & Labour Supply Chain Risk

We would like to highlight the importance of robust due diligence across labour supply chains, particularly given the increasing risks associated with Managed Umbrella Companies (MUCs) and umbrella employment models within the UK.

Government guidance makes clear that end-hirers and agencies must ensure all labour providers, including umbrella and MUC arrangements, are fully compliant, transparent, and do not expose businesses to financial, legal, or reputational risk.

Government Guidance

The full Government guidance can be found HERE and outlines best practice for:

• Conducting due diligence on labour providers and intermediaries
• Understanding and managing risks from MUC and umbrella structures
• Ensuring transparency of pay rates, deductions and employment status
• Protecting end-hirers from non-compliant pay or tax arrangements

April 2026 Legislative Changes

With legislative changes taking effect in April 2026, liability for unpaid tax, National Insurance, or employment obligations within MUC or umbrella models may transfer up the supply chain to the agency and/or end-hirer.

We are aware of increasing instances where MUC arrangements are not always clearly disclosed, and payslips appear compliant while concealing underlying umbrella structures. This reinforces the need to check not just payslips, but the full contractual and employment chain when reviewing labour supply partners.

Our Position

Connect Appointments wants to be absolutely clear: we do not use Managed Umbrella Companies (MUCs) or umbrella employment models at any point in our business. All workers are engaged through fully transparent, compliant employment structures with clear visibility of pay, deductions, and contractual terms.

As part of our commitment to operating at the highest industry standards, Connect Appointments is:

• Fully compliant with UK employment and agency legislation
• Approved and licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
• A supporter of Stronger Together principles
• A corporate member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
• Subject to compliance inspection by HM Inspectorate for Employment Agency Standards (last completed 2026), with regulatory responsibility transferring to the Fair Work Agency from April 2026

Next Steps

We recommend that businesses review their labour supply arrangements, ahead of the April 2026 changes to ensure full compliance and appropriate risk mitigation.

If you would like to discuss MUC risks, due diligence expectations, or our compliance framework in more detail, please feel free to contact us.

Connect Appointments has expanded into Manchester, establishing a strategic new base that strengthens our footprint across Northern England. The move marks our sixth UK office and reflects a decisive commitment to supporting employers in one of the country’s fastest-growing recruitment markets.

The new location will allow us to provide locally based recruitment services across manufacturing, logistics, transport and technical sectors. It follows growing demand from Northern employers looking for dependable and flexible workforce solutions.

The region will be managed by Adam Turner, and supported by a dedicated team. Turner commented “I’m delighted to be joining Connect Appointments at such an important moment for the business. The North has enormous potential, and our team is ready to deliver the high-quality, dependable recruitment services that Connect is known for.

Adam Turner – Managing Director, Northern England

With over a decade of experience leading recruitment operations across transport, industrial, technical and commercial sectors, Adam Turner drives strategy and growth for Northern England. His expertise lies in solving complex staffing challenges and designing tailored recruitment solutions for businesses of all sizes. Adam’s leadership will ensure our teams deliver efficient, compliant, and effective hiring, making him a trusted partner for organisations looking to scale their workforce.

Benn Twiss – Branch Manager, Manchester

Benn Twiss is a hands-on leader with a proven track record of rapidly growing branch operations in industrial and driving recruitment. Known for turning ambitious targets into results, he excels at building strong client relationships and managing high-volume placements. Benn combines operational efficiency with a people-first approach, ensuring candidates are ready to perform and businesses get the staff they need, fast.

Jack Rowbottom – Account Manager, Manchester

Jack Rowbottom specialises in 360-degree recruitment and high-volume staffing solutions for transport and industrial sectors. Rising from Trainee to Manager within previous roles, Jack brings a deep understanding of candidate sourcing, compliance, and account management. He is passionate about creating long-term client partnerships and delivering bespoke recruitment solutions that meet the unique needs of each business.

Ryan Deadman- Business Development Consultant, Manchester

Ryan Deadman is a dynamic, target-driven recruitment professional who will be focused on expanding our client base across Northern England. With a strong background in business development and 360 recruitment, he thrives on connecting companies with the right talent. Ryan’s skill in signing new clients and nurturing relationships ensures that local businesses can access high-quality, reliable candidates when they need them most.

The new office forms part of Connect Appointments ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing our position as a trusted recruitment partner for businesses across the UK. Learn more about working with Connect Appointments HERE!

Connect Appointments has expanded into Manchester, establishing a strategic new base that strengthens its footprint across Northern England. The move marks our sixth UK office and reflects a decisive commitment to supporting employers in one of the country’s fastest-growing recruitment markets.

The new location will allow us to provide locally based recruitment services across manufacturing, logistics, transport and technical sectors. It follows growing demand from Northern employers looking for dependable and flexible workforce solutions.

“Expanding into Manchester is an exciting milestone for Connect Appointments,” said William Sim, Managing Director at Connect Appointments. “The North is a thriving region for many of the sectors we support, and having a local presence allows us to serve both new and existing clients with even greater efficiency.”

The region will be managed by Adam Turner, Managing Director for Northern England, and supported by a dedicated team. Turner commented “I’m delighted to be joining Connect Appointments at such an important moment for the business. The North has enormous potential, and our team is ready to deliver the high-quality, dependable recruitment services that Connect is known for. We’re looking forward to supporting local businesses and building long-term partnerships across the region.”

The new office forms part of Connect Appointments ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing its position as a trusted recruitment partner for businesses across the UK.

At Connect Appointments, we love bringing our teams together – not just for work, but for a good cause too! Yesterday, our branches across the UK indulged in cakes, coffees, and plenty of delicious treats, all while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan provides vital care, advice, and support to people affected by cancer, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to do our bit. Our colleagues rolled up their sleeves, got their baking trays out, and whipped up a wide variety of goodies, from cupcakes to sausage rolls and everything in between.

The day was full of laughter, sweet smells, and plenty of generosity, as staff came together to enjoy the treats and make a difference. Every contribution helps Macmillan continue its incredible work supporting people through challenging times.

If you’d like to support this important cause, you can donate directly to Macmillan Cancer Support by clicking the link below. Every little helps and goes a long way in making a difference for those who need it most.

DONATE HERE

Exciting news!

We’re delighted to announce that Roger Sherratt has joined us as the new Managing Director of Connect Driver Solutions, our dedicated driving division.

Roger brings with him a wealth of recruitment expertise and industry knowledge, making him the perfect fit to lead our driving operations. His appointment marks an important step in strengthening our service for both clients and candidates, ensuring we continue to deliver the reliable, flexible, and professional workforce solutions Connect is known for.

As Managing Director, Roger will be focused on expanding our reach, supporting businesses across the UK, and highlighting what truly sets Connect apart from others in the sector – our commitment to building long-term partnerships, our specialist recruitment approach, and our ability to respond quickly to changing workforce demands.

We’re incredibly excited to have Roger on board and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring as he helps drive Connect Driver Solutions to new heights.

Get in touch today and chat with Roger about how we can help with your driving needs.

Connect Appointments are specialists in warehouse and logistics staffing services, committed to helping you find what you’re looking for.

The supply chain is a vital part of many businesses, and is one of largest and most dynamic sectors in the UK, providing goods and materials to households and businesses worldwide. The sectors fast pace and high standards demand a workforce that can adapt to shifting requirements while maintaining excellence – and that’s where we come in. At Connect Appointments, we are proud to contribute to this vibrant sector by connecting companies like yours with skilled and reliable talent.

At Connect Appointments, we take pride in connecting businesses like yours with skilled and reliable talent, and have had the privilege of supporting a number of companies, industry, including DFDS, DPD, ArrowXL, GXO and WestRock – to name a few (check out more HERE). These partnerships have allowed us to refine our approach and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this sector, and allowing us to become specialists in warehouse and logistics staffing.

Do you need a recruitment agency to help equip your business with the right staff?

Whether you need a Warehouse Operative, FLT Driver, Site Manager, or anything in between (view our full range of active jobs HERE), we’ll work with you to find your ideal warehouse and logistics staff. This diverse experience allows us to provide warehouse and logistics staffing solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your business.  We understand the importance of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, meeting tight production schedules, and ensuring seamless integration between teams.

Building your team

Great teams are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or optimising your operations, our tailored recruitment solutions are here to help.

Let us take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on what you do best. Connect with us today and discover how we can support your success.