Making a Difference

2020 has been a year we will always associate with asterisks, the words unprecedented and difficult but I think it is fair to say that it has made us all re-evaluate things.  (Apologies to any Liverpool* fans).

At Search we are keen to make a difference not only in our day to day jobs, helping find people suitable opportunities, offering advice as Consultants and providing an industry leading service to our clients. However, in addition, like most companies, we are very aware of our Corporate and Social Responsibility.

This year for Christmas my team have donated gift bags with personal care products and treats to ‘Simon on The Streets.’ Simon on the Streets is a Leeds-based independent charity helping the homeless and vulnerable in West Yorkshire.

Working in a city centre you become very aware of homelessness and rather than donate gifts to our clients, we instead have produced the gift bags that will make a difference this Christmas. This is a small token but I have seen so much great CSR work of late and hopefully one small positive to come out of 2020 will be the awareness of others and a focus on making a difference to those in need as well as an appreciation of how lucky we all are.

By far another great campaign which is also benefitting Simon on the Streets is the Keep Leeds Warm campaign by Awesome Merchandise. They are looking to raise ￡50K to bridge the charity’s shortfall in funding this year and help the charity keep up their incredible work. Awesome have produced a range of merchandise with all proceeds going to the charity and I would urge anyone that can afford it, to check it out (link below):

https://www.awesomemerchandise.com/keepleedswarm

I ordered my Tee and think this is a great gesture by a superb local company.

Finally, going into 2021, my Industrial and Skilled Manufacturing team here at Search have all committed to either volunteer or do run a fundraising day each month next year. I will look to post updates of these efforts as we try and do our small bit to help out and whatever 2021 throws at us we can hopefully make a difference and add a bit more positivity through our efforts.

Hopefully, mine will be to finally run my first Marathon after the Manchester Marathon has been rearranged 3 times since I signed up at the end of 2019! Training will start in earnest in the New Year as I will be enjoying the festivities as much as anyone else in-between now and then!

I wish all my candidates, contacts and connections a brilliant Christmas and New Year!

James