Made in the UK Mondays: Worldwide Recruitment Solutions?

From the UK to Africa and beyond, WRS has become the ‘go-to’ workforce solutions company globally.?

Since its inception, Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS) has placed people in more than 25,000 jobs across the world.???

It’s a big feat for a business that only started out in 2008 with just six employees in a Cheshire office .?

Fast-forward 15 years and the business now has 85 staff spread across its offices in Singapore, Kurdistan, the US and East Africa – just to name a few.??

WRS is a workforce solutions provider specialising in the energy industry, backed by a team of experts that are highly experienced with international immigration, local employment and payroll compliance.?

The business supplies and mobilises international talent worldwide for renewable energy, oil and gas, as well as offshore marine projects.??

Earlier this year, WRS won the Financial and Professional Services category in our inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, which celebrate the exporting success of small businesses across the UK.??

We spoke to WRS CEO Mark Brown about the business’s international journey so far:???

1. How has selling overseas helped your UK business grow??

Exporting our services to other countries has significantly impacted the way we shape our growth and success at WRS.??

Selling overseas has allowed us to expand our market opportunities, diversify our talent pool and client base, and optimise our operations.??

This has resulted in increased efficiency and a tailored service proposition to meet the evolving needs of global workforces and organisations.?

2. Has there been any unexpected country in demand for your services???

Yes, one surprising fact that has come about from exporting is discovering that the demand for services like ours is growing rapidly across East Africa.???

Due to this demand in 2021, WRS and Q Sourcing Servtec registered a joint venture company in Kampala, Uganda to provide recruitment and workforce solutions to Uganda’s energy sector.??

Bringing together international reach and local capability, we now provide a compelling service proposition aimed at adding value to clients and contractors working and operating in Uganda.?

Our service in East Africa also includes technical training and assessment which has helped to upskill over 2,500 country nationals to secure employment.??

We also supply logistical support (accommodation, local transport, health & safety, and local orientation) to expatriates arriving on assignment.?

3. How has the Department for Business and Trade supported your international aspirations???

DBT's International Trade Advisors have offered personalised guidance and support to our business as we expanded globally.??

The support tools available from the DBT have provided us with insights on export procedures, regulations, market entry strategies, local labour laws, and visa requirements, as well as guidance on international trade documentation and customs requirements.??

Engaging with DBT’s advisors and available support tools have helped us better understand the nuances of different markets, navigate regulatory frameworks, and identify potential recruitment opportunities abroad.?

To find out more about these free tools and accessing your own trade advisor (trade advisors currently available to England-based businesses only, excluding London), visit great.gov.uk.??

4. Does WRS have any future international expansion plans???

Our future growth plans include expanding our market presence across the world, leveraging digital channels for marketing and sales, and focusing on client and candidate growth and retention.?

Exporting plays a key role in our growth plans for the next 5-10 years by providing us access to new markets, client and talent bases, and resources.??

With the opening of our USA office in August 2022, we have deployed a co-founder, Francis Dunleavy, to develop our position as a key recruitment and workforce solutions supplier in the US energy market.??

We have recently recruited five new consultants for our Tampa, Florida office and plan to grow the US team to 50 by 2028.??

From our USA hub, our recruiters will continue to place talent with key clients in the energy sector across the USA and globally.?

5. What's your top tip for other UK businesses wanting to grow overseas??

Stay agile and adaptable, international markets are dynamic and constantly evolving.??

It's important to remain agile and adaptable to changing market conditions, consumer trends, and competitive landscapes. Continuously monitor market developments, assess performance metrics, and gather customer and client feedback to identify areas for improvement and seize new opportunities.?

Successful international expansion takes time, effort, and careful planning.??

Being patient, persistent, and open to learning from the experiences and feedback gained along the way is key to growth.?

Every Monday we’re profiling one of our Made in the UK, Sold to the World Award winners, next week: ONYX Insight.?

For free business support along your international journey, visit great.gov.uk.?