Winners take bow at 2018 s1jobs awards

Comedian Russell Kane was the host for the evening with over 500 guests applauding the 2018 winners at the gala event, which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.

The evening was a remarkable success with no less than 19 winners collecting awards, and such was the standard of finalists that nine commendations were also awarded across a range of categories.

Debbie Caswell, Chief Operating Officer at Search Consultancy, said: “Congratulations to all of the s1jobs Recruitment Awards winners.

"Search Consultancy has enjoyed being title sponsor for these industry leading awards and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent evident in the Scottish recruitment landscape. All of the winners and nominees should be incredibly proud of their success and of their contribution to a thriving recruitment industry in 2018 and beyond.”

The quality, attention to detail and maturity demonstrated within this year’s entries was outstanding, making judging a difficult job, that created an even more competitive, exciting and rewarding experience for all involved.

This year the Small, Medium and Large Recruitment Agency Awards were sponsored by go:be search.

The winner of the Small category was Denholm Associates, Medium went to Contract Scotland with a commendation being presented to Be-IT and Reed were crowned the Best Large Recruitment Agency for 2018.

Allan Dickson, Director, go:be search, said: “A fantastic evening celebrating the Scottish Recruitment sector at the s1jobs Awards. Great to see so many familiar faces. Congratulations to all those who were nominated and a special mention to the winners of each category. Thank you s1.”

The Best Use of Social Media in Recruitment sponsored by Computershare went to Pink Squid for their work with Legal & General.

Lucy Newcombe, Corporate Communications Director, Computershare said: “Thanks to the organisers and all the attendees for a great night at this year’s ceremony. We were delighted to meet with representatives from so many Scottish-based companies – as well as having the chance to celebrate the achievements of our own team. Well done all!”

Pink Squid also took home the trophies for Best Recruitment Website sponsored by Peter Vardy, Best Recruitment Campaign, sponsored by Stafffinders and the Best Digital Creative Award.

Stephanie Connor, People Manager, Peter Vardy, said: “It has been a great experience to sponsor this event for a consecutive year and continue our partnership with s1jobs.

"A great night has been had by all!”

Stafffinders also supported the Best Recruitment Video Award which went to Chivas Brothers International Graduate Programme for their slick creative, a natural video that showcases the role in its finest.

Jane Wylie-Roberts, Chief Executive, Stafffinders, said: “The awards ceremony showcased the very best recruitment talent and we were honoured to support the prestigious event. All the finalists demonstrated a depth of quality that drives us all forward and our congratulations go to all the winners, who deserved their success.”

The awards also placed focus on a charity organisation that demonstrated an ongoing commitment to employees and has established itself as an outstanding place to work through the Best Charity Employer Award, sponsored by Badenoch & Clark.

Picking up the award was Loreburn Housing Association for placing their employees at the heart of the business.

There was also a commendation within this category and that went to Simon Community Scotland.

Scott Miller, Director, Scotland, Badenoch & Clark, said: “Congratulations to all of the finalists and the winner of the Best Charity Employer sponsored by Badenoch & Clark. It’s great to see the innovative approaches taken by our finalists who deliver essential services for our communities at a local and national level.”

The s1 Shine Award was launched last year to recognise an individual who is making an outstanding contribution to the recruitment sector. This year the category was sponsored by Holmlea Healthcare Ltd, and the award went to Craig Morgans of The AA. Arlene Fox, Director and Service Manager at Holmlea Healthcare Ltd, said: “I would like to congratulate each and every one of the winners and those who were short listed, this is a great achievement. It was a great honour to be part of such a well-established, memorable event and one which will stay with us forever.”

This year’s Chairman’s Award was sponsored by Reed and presented by s1’s Commercial Director, Gavin Mochan. The accolade went to the memory of the incredible work of Sir Arnold Clark and his legacy of recruitment across Scotland.

Steven Woods, Director, Anderson Knight said: “s1jobs Awards proved to be a success yet again, the night not only highlighted the deserved winners of each category it highlights the dedication and hard work offered by many agencies and organisations over the past 12 months. The finalists nominated were there on merit due to the success achieved in this period. Anderson Knight felt this year was an ideal opportunity to share in this success and ultimately support key businesses that deserve to be highlighted for success.”

Gareth Biggerstaff, CEO, Be-IT, said: “What a great night that was! Congratulations to each and every one of the winners and we hope – and expect – to see the same level of excitement and fierce competition for each of these coveted awards again next year. Thanks to S1 for a truly great night – fabulous entertainment, great food (and the odd drink or two!) and an impressive list of really worthy winners. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this one of the highlights of the year. To say we enjoy the S1 Awards is an understatement. Every year it surpasses itself. Congratulations to Billy and all the team who are involved in making this one of the best recruitment awards nights around, not just in Scotland but across the UK. We go to a lot of awards events and I have to say that S1 puts on one of the very best. Each year we wonder how they are going to make it better and each year they surprise us. Congratulations guys and here’s to 2019!”

Wendy McDougall, CEO of Firefish Software said: “Once again, the s1jobs awards has been an absolutely fantastic event. It’s such a great opportunity to really celebrate the work of all the recruiters and businesses, and the winners are certainly worthy of their awards! Firefish Software work so closely with many Scottish based recruiters, it’s a privilege to have the chance to support the s1jobs awards and see them recognised for their hard work and commitment.”

Hazel Gillespie, Director, Gillespie People Solutions Ltd said: “It was such a great night and an excellent celebration of the best practitioners in our industry and some great, talented people. Well done to all those that were shortlisted and to the winners on the night.”

Campbell Urqhart, Managing Director, Whitecube Consulting, said: “The Directors and team at White Cube Consulting would like to congratulate the finalists and winners for the 2018 awards. We were delighted to have had the opportunity to sponsor an award category this year and are looking forward to next years’ event.”

William Sim, Managing Director at Connect Appointments said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners! The s1jobs awards, as always, have allowed Scotland’s recruitment sector to shine and to show off its incredible talent. Special recognition goes to SKY for winning the Best Employer Brand category that we had the pleasure I sponsoring.”

David Stott, VP of Enterprise EMEA, Bullhorn. said: "Congratulations again to all the winners at the s1jobs Awards. We look forward to seeing what next year brings!"