We are 21 Years Young!

We celebrate ‘21 Years in Careers’, this year… Back in 1991 when Silence of the Lambs was the box office hit and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody went to number one for a second time around, The Works founder and managing director Craig Burton unleashed a new force in recruitment. The Works was born…

Debra Hartley (L) and Craig Burton (R) pictured on day one at The Works

From its humble and honest beginnings in Bradford, The Works Recruitment has grown into a £10M turnover business (year end 09/11) with three offices, 30 employees and the same burning ambition it started with 21 years ago.

We are THOUGHTFUL in everything we do: Trusted; Hungry; Obsessive; Unique; Generous; Honest; Tenacious; Fanatical; Ubiquitous; Listeners. During our 21 years in business we have created jobs, put people in jobs, shaped the way recruitment is done and have built up an incredible reputation with a broad cross section of candidates and clients. Many of our clients have been happily recruiting with us since day one and many candidates return to us when searching for the next step in their career.

So, 21 years … each of them cemented in Yorkshire towns and cities including Leeds, Bradford, Barnsley and Heckmondwike. More recently we have extended our reach across the Pennines to create a successful Manchester operation based on the Yorkshire blueprint.

The Works has consistently produced firsts and we never give up looking for our ‘next first’. This year we were the first company in the UK to trial the New Economics Foundation (NEF) Wellbeing at Work Employee Survey. We were the first recruitment company in Yorkshire to launch a website; our clients are among the first to use electronic timesheets; we are the first recruitment company to become an employment business. We have a few more firsts lined up. Watch this space.

In celebration of our big birthday, here are some fun facts that illustrate how much has changed in the 21 years since 1991!

Average house price: 1991 £62,700
2012 £164,700
Average Mortgage Rate (SVR) 1991 14.5%
2012 4.7%
Bank of England Base Rate 1991 13.0%
2012 0.5%
Inflation (average) 1991 5.9%
2012 3.4%
Gallon Petrol 1991 2.05 (45p/l)
2012 6.45 (£1.30/l)
Average salary 1991 £19,000
2012 £25,600
Pint of Beer 1991 £1.40
2012 £3.20
Loaf of bread white Sliced 1991 52p
2012 £1.25