A New Partnership

14 October 2015

Cheapside Business Alliance working in partnership with Step Ahead – Local Employment in the area.

Step Ahead are a central London based Recruitment company that is commissioned by the Corporation of London and the Cheapside Business Alliance to run an employment service to City of London employers. We provide employment support, training, advice and guidance to assist unemployed City and City Fringe residents into work within the Square Mile.

As a long established recruitment company we recognise that although job starts are key, sustainable placements are essential to the employer’s business, with high staff turnover reducing productivity and with a subsequent financial impact. Providing one to one employment support, affords a clearer understanding of the applicant’s skillset, helping to identify and overcome real or perceived barriers into work. It also serves to get to know the candidate, matching personalities to appropriate managers, building toward employer satisfaction, longer retention rates and in turn, repeat business.

Step Ahead are exceptionally proud of the achievements the Cheapside and Aldgate employment service have provided and the impact we’ve had on those employers in just 1 year. We have worked hard to raise the profile of the employment service and have engaged with over one hundred employers and forty City fringe brokerages, developing lasting relationships that have led to job placements across the City and London wide.

Our efforts have seen almost 80 jobseekers starting work in the City of London or in other local branches, which is a fantastic achievement for our first year in post.

Our employers have provided positive feedback, the majority hiring multiple candidates, showing good repeat business, reflecting the service received and the calibre of shortlisted applicants. We have also seen our first apprenticeship placement through the program, leading to a Business Administration L2 qualification and improved future prospects for the learner.

Employers like Hotel Chocolat, Nandos, Travelodge, Paperchase and the Co-operative have used the free employment service multiple times as feel the service saved them time and resource, provided them with suitable motivated work ready candidates, while also assisting their CSR agenda.

Sept Ahead are looking forward to working with existing and new City of London employers adding value to their workforce while also tacking unemployment in London and believe the employment service will go from strength to strength.

If you wish to find out more about how we can assist your business please contact Isabel@stepahead.co.uk