Our Talent is Finding Yours
Are you looking for a UK-wide recruitment agency? Based in Cambridge, and predominately recruiting in East Anglia and London. Kameo Recruitment specialises in permanent and fixed-term recruitment across the UK.
Jobs by Specialism
Maximise your job search experience by leveraging our six specialised areas to streamline and enhance your recruitment journey...
Our Happy Clients
We are proud to be a recruitment partner for many businesses across multiple sectors; we help them source talent from entry level to c-suite roles.
Our Latest Jobs
- Cambridgeshire
- Full Time
- Permanent
- IT / Engineering
£40,000 - £45,000
- Posted 8 hours ago
- Cambridgeshire
- Full Time
- Permanent
- IT / Engineering
£30,000 - £35,000
- Posted 10 hours ago
- Cambridgeshire
- Full Time
- Permanent
- Commercial / Office
Competitive
- Posted 3 days ago
- Essex
- Full Time
- Permanent
- Marketing
£30,000 - £40,000
- Posted 3 days ago
Looking for Talent?
Discover how partnering with our specialist recruitment agency can make a significant impact on your hiring process.
Looking for a job?
We take the stress out of job searching. Simply send us your CV, and our expert team will handle your job search!
Why we're rated 5
Very professional, friendly, and efficient. The candidates we’ve seen have also been very complimentary of Kameo. We’re looking forward to working with them again.
Receptionist & Customer Account Manager
Client - Manufacturing Industry
Claudine was so helpful right from my first enquiry. She called me shortly after applying to discuss the role in more detail and making sure it would be a good fit. Her communication through the entire process has been perfect, I couldn’t have asked for anything more! Thank you so much Claudine.
Amy
Candidate - Customer Account Manager
Claudine was my recruiter. They listened to my needs, sent me jobs relevant to my experience and recognised my value. Their communication has been incredible, going above and beyond with communications, as well as promoting me to the employers. The employer told me Claudine’s recommendation aided their decision. Thank you Claudine for all your support.
Natasha
Candidate - Project Administrator
I can’t praise Claudine enough. She made the whole job hunting process so much easier than I’d previously experienced. She was so kind and attentive and found me the perfect job. I could not be more impressed or happier having met her on my job seeking journey!!
Danella
Candidate - Office Manager
Freddy Rhead has great energy and communicated everything that was required, he made sure that my core values and the company’s core values aligned, I felt like I knew everything I could know regarding the company and felt confident through the whole process.
Brent
Candidate - Assistant Accountant
Dan was an absolute star from start to finish. His communication was quick, timely and professional. He guided me well throughout the process and it was good results all around. Highly recommended!
Louise
Candidate - Account Director
Dan has been great in helping get my role! From the interview to the onboarding process, he has been there at every step of my journey with my new employer.
Emily
Candidate - Account Executive
I have used Daniel as a recruitment partner in 2024 and he has done a fantastic job for us. He has found me two senior hires needing very specific experience. Daniel is excellent at communicating, he really has a great tech understanding – we tested it at the brief. In addition and one of the main reasons I go to Kameo, they listen, they partner and they absolutely understand culture fit as well as the right tech knowledge. Danny absolutely wants to find the right fit across all areas. Danny is not a fee chaser and CV thrower and if I had the budget I would immediately go to him (and Kameo) for all my hires! It is such an enjoyable process.
Senior Software Engineer
Client - Global Manufacturing Industry
I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. Freddy has been a wonderful help throughout the process, with regular updates, support, and encouragement in droves.
Eleonor
Candidate - School Administrator
Claudine has been an absolute pleasure to work with, she has provided me with the relevant information, kept me up to date with everything that has been going on, and overall has been incredibly helpful. I have had the most stress free, organised and productive time of applying for a HR assistant role. Claudine is such a lovely, approachable and kind individual who completes her job to the highest standard.
Marissa
Candidate - HR Assistant
Freddy was absolutely brilliant, very kind, attentive and informative.
Georgia
Candidate - Administrator
I have nothing negative to say about Kameo Recruitment. I have been dealing with a few recruitment agencies recently and I can honestly say in comparison the contact, communication and assistance received from Kameo has been 100%.
Kath
Candidate - Office Coordinator
No improvement needed with Dan on your team! He was quick responsive and answered all query’s I had! Thanks Dan
Roxanne
Candidate - Project Manager
Claudine helped me through the whole process and gave me great advice for my interview. I can’t thank her enough, she actually cared and was so lovely about it all.
Olivia
Candidate - Administrator
Dan was absolutely amazing!! Loved every step of the process! Very thankful for him and the company!
Halley
Candidate - Marketing Intern
Claudine provides exceptional service, we wouldn’t consider using anyone else to help us with our recruitment.
Customer Services Executive
Client - Manufacturing
Claudine was very supportive and friendly. She was very thorough in finding out about my skills and what I was looking for, which meant jobs she suggested for me were a good fit. Although, ultimately, I found a new job via a different route Kameo were a great agency to deal with.
Heather
Candidate - Senior Administrator / Office Manager
I can’t rate them highly enough, they found me a job. Kyran was brilliant, he kept in contact with me the whole way through and after, one of the most caring firms I have dealt with. I love my job and can’t thank them enough. I even got some lovely cupcakes from them after I got my job 🙂
Emma
Candidate - Customer Service Administrator
My experience with Kameo has been amazing and felt like Claudine really understood what I wanted from a job as well as how important it is to me to have a good work life balance. The whole process has been seamless and incredibly quick with amazing support from Claudine.
Lorraine
Candidate - Office Manager
Sharon, Claudine and the team were excellent – I would thoroughly recommend them!
HR Manager
Client - IT / Software Industry
Kameo was extremely quick to help us with our candidate search. Their communication was clear and also very quick, they updated us every step of the way. I would recommend them to anyone! Big thanks to Kyran and Sharon!
Finance Administrator
Client - Biotech Industry
Excellent service as expected. Claudine understood the brief and delivered. 10/10
Office Coordinator
Client - Telecoms Industry
Faultless, informative the best agency that I used! Very supportive and were responsible for me getting my perfect match job.
Tina
Candidate - Office Administrator
Sharon is an extraordinary recruiter who has had a profound impact on my journey. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has been incredibly motivating. Her meticulous preparation, exceptional communication, and friendly approach make working with her an absolute pleasure. What truly sets Sharon apart is her genuine interest in you as a person. So goes beyond the role of a recruiter, showing sincere care for your growth. Her constant support and enthusiasm are palpable, making me feel like she’s genuinely cheering for your success. She’s not just a recruiter; she’s a remarkable example for all recruiters to emulate.
Massive thanks to Sharon and the whole of the Kameo Recruitment team!
Katie
Candidate - Marketing Position
In my experience the service could not be improved: the response to my enquiry was very fast; the understanding of our company’s requirements was excellent; the quality of the CVs was what we required and suited the role’s brief.
Office Operations Manager
Client - Scientific Industry
Claudine has been an absolute pleasure to speak to. I have enjoyed her upbeat conversations, level of detail in spoken and written comms. She truly cares about both the companies she’s promoting and the candidate which creates a wonderful recruitment experience for all. Thank you so much you are the best recruiter I’ve ever worked with!
Amber
Candidate - HR Position
We were extremely impressed with Kameo Recruitment. They were professional, efficient and totally understood the type of candidate we were looking for. Their screening process was outstanding and only sent through CVs that were worthy of serious consideration. I would highly recommend Claudine and the team.
Business Administrator
Client - Scientific Industry
I have really enjoyed working with Dan on recruiting roles for us. He has been excellent at sharing great candidates who have all been great fits for the role. I also felt like I wasn’t inundated which is a positive thing and meant that Dan had already done the work to filter out any unsuitable candidates. Dan is always quick to respond and clear with communication.
Senior Project Manager
Client - Marketing Industry
Our Journey
Latest News
Spring into Identifying the Skills Gap in Your Business!
Almost three-quarters (72%) of organisations say that a skills shortage has led to an increased workload for other staff, and 78% say they are experiencing reduced output and profitability as a result (source).
Two things we know so far about 2024:
- Job vacancies are falling
- Skills-first hiring is not embedded into the recruitment strategy of enough businesses.
Are you struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving labour market? Uncertain where to focus your recruitment efforts, or which role to hire for first?
First things first: tip or at least balance the focus on skills-first hiring. The traditional method of valuing education over skills is not doing you any favours; in 2024 skills reign supreme and those businesses who already know this have access to a wider pool of candidates, appear more attractive on paper, and are likely to see a reduction in their miss-hire rate (source: Forbes).
The Rise of the Skills Economy
In recent years, the global economy has witnessed a seismic shift towards what is often referred to as the “skills economy.” This shift is driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving job roles, and the demand for specialised expertise across industries. As a result, employers are placing greater emphasis on candidates’ practical skills and capabilities rather than their formal education.
So, our questions to you:
- When was the last time you carried out a skills-gap audit?
- Are your employees falling behind?
- Is your business struggling to make a profit?
- Have you considered how quickly the world evolves, and is your business evolving with it?
If you answered never or yes to any of these questions read on…
Conduct a Skills Assessment
This is simple, attainable, and measurable. What are the current skills of your employees? Has technology allowed for their role to adapt, grow or change for the better? And, are you making room for this advancement in their position? If most of your employees are failing to meet the requirements of their role, as outlined by your organisation’s strategic objectives, we suggest you point fewer fingers of blame and look within, now is the time to conduct surveys, interview employees, carry out market research and understand the gap between the skills they need and the skills they currently possess.
Drop in with Employees!
The world seems to be spinning a little faster these days, right?! Truth is, we’re all busy! But, if you’re a team leader, manager or similar, we encourage you to set intentional time aside to focus on employees within your team or business. Do you encourage open communication? Do you actively listen? Note the difference between listening and active listening. Through open communication managers can better understand the career aspirations of their team this may include their skill development needs, and areas where they feel they could benefit from additional training or support. Employee feedback can and will provide valuable insights into skills gaps, especially if more than one person has a similar thought or feeling.
What is the Competition Doing?
We often emphasise the importance of staying in your lane, but sometimes we forget to notice when the speed limit changes from 40 to 60 mph. Nobody likes admitting they’re on the back foot or not doing as well as their competitors, but it is worthwhile, now, and again, to compare your organisation’s skill requirements and capabilities to those of competitors and industry benchmarks. Identify areas where your organisation may be lagging e.g., are you up to date with the latest tech for your industry? Is there a significant disparity in skills?
Access Industry Trends and Future Needs
Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and changes in the business environment that may impact the skills required for success in your organisation. Anticipate future skill needs and proactively address potential gaps through strategic planning. Again, just a like a social media manager must incorporate engagement into their planning time, you too will need to set time aside to focus on industry trends and the needs of your team.
Monitor Recruitment and Hiring Challenges
It’s a hard pill to swallow but people don’t leave bad companies, and whilst they don’t necessarily leave bad managers either they may leave for a better opportunity. We encourage you to pay attention to recruitment and hiring challenges, such as difficulty finding candidates with specific skills or high turnover rates in certain roles. If you’re fortunate enough to have a talent acquisition team, can they do a quarterly audit on this? If not, it is something we encourage you to pay attention to and review regularly. Ultimately, some of the hiring challenges may indicate underlying skill gaps within the organisation that need to be addressed. Do you carry out exit interviews? Do you truly understand why employees leave, where they go next and what lead them there?
How to bridge the skills gap?
Now, we’re not the type to present you with a problem without looking for the solution too! So, if you’ve read this and thought – yes, there is probably a skills gap issue in my business and/ or you’ve carried out an audit and know one exists, we can help with that too…
- Develop Training Programmes: all training offered should address identified skills gaps, training can include a mix of internal and external training resources.
Roughly 86% of employees say that job training is important to them – and nearly three out of every four (74%) are willing to learn things outside of work hours to improve their job performance (source).
- Take advantage of free webinars, workshops etc: anything to help your team upskill! We advise regularly logging onto Eventbrite and widening your network on LinkedIn to stay on top of the businesses who regularly hold training sessions.
- Introduce mentorship and coaching: pair employees with mentor or coaches who can provide guidance, support, and feedback as they work to develop new skills.
Organisations with strong coaching culture had a 47% higher revenue per employee than those without (source).
- Feedback and recognition: regularly assess the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap and adjust as needed based on feedback from stakeholders and changing market demands. In addition, regularly gathering feedback and recognising employees builds someone’s sense of value and purpose; it also reinforces positive habits and encourages more of the performance an employer wants to see.
- Investment in technology: the IT and technology skills-gap is getting wider, and businesses must start leveraging technology to mitigate a lack of skilled resources.
In 2023 Forbes research found that 93% of UK businesses acknowledge an IT skills gap (source).
To summarise, in today’s dynamic business world, recognising and addressing skills gaps is crucial for staying competitive. Assess your workforce’s skills, stay updated on industry trends, and invest in training to bridge any gaps. Businesses who are open to and invest in a culture of learning and growth, can thrive in this changing world if you look toward developing a business fit and ready for 2024 and beyond!
Is your business already working on bridging the skills gap? Which of these methods have you deployed or what are you doing that is different? Let us know [email protected]!
For more Kameo updates, insights and news click here.
Navigating the Landscape of Expected Pay Awards for 2024: Strategies for Transparent Communication with Staff
In 2024, companies are taking different paths with employee pay. Some plan big raises, others are freezing pay. With 24% aiming for 4–4.99% increases, 19% going for 2–2.99%, and 17% planning above 6%, they all have one thing in common: clear communication is vital for staff.
Understanding the makeup of these anticipated pay awards is crucial for both employers and employees alike. For businesses, it signifies a delicate balancing act between managing financial resources, retaining talent, and remaining competitive in the market. On the other hand, for employees, it directly impacts their financial well-being, morale, and perception of their value within the business.
For businesses planning substantial pay increases, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to employee satisfaction and retention. Such businesses can leverage these planned increments as a tool for attracting top talent and rewarding high performance. However, effective communication is key to ensuring that these efforts are perceived positively by the workforce. Transparency regarding the rationale behind the pay increases, such as company performance, market trends, or employee contributions, fosters trust and reinforces a sense of fairness among employees.
However, for businesses contemplating pay freezes or a modest pay rise, the challenge lies in managing employee expectations whilst maintaining morale and engagement. In such cases, honest and empathetic communication is crucial. Employers should prepare to openly address the reasons behind these decisions, whether they stem from economic uncertainties, budget constraints, or strategic considerations. Additionally, offering alternative forms of recognition, such as non-monetary incentives, will help with employee morale. According to People Management (PM), 50% of UK workers would rather have “great relationships” at work than a 10% pay increase (source). While salary is undoubtedly crucial, employees consistently show that they also value feeling appreciated, fostering positive relationships, and ultimately experiencing job satisfaction.
Regardless of the chosen approach, effective communication with staff is essential to navigating the complexities of expected pay rises for 2024. Here are some strategies to facilitate transparent communication and foster employee understanding and engagement:
- Provide Context: Clearly articulate the factors influencing the business decision regarding pay rises, such as market conditions, financial performance, and strategic objectives. This helps employees comprehend the rationale behind the chosen approach.
- Seek Feedback: Encourage open dialogue with employees to understand their concerns, expectations, and suggestions regarding pay. Actively listening to their perspectives promotes a sense of inclusivity and demonstrates respect for their input.
- Offer Clarity and Transparency: Be transparent about the criteria used for determining pay increases or freezes, ensuring consistency and fairness in the process. Clear communication helps alleviate uncertainty and minimises misconceptions among employees.
- Empathise and Support: Acknowledge the potential impact of pay decisions on employees and express empathy towards their concerns. Offer support mechanisms, such as access to resources for financial planning or opportunities for career development, to assist employees during periods of uncertainty.
- Emphasise Future Opportunities: Communicate the business’s commitment to employee growth and development, highlighting future opportunities for advancement, skill enhancement, and reward. Aim to adopt a culture of continuous learning and progression as this reinforces employee engagement and retention.
In conclusion, navigating the landscape of expected pay for 2024 requires a strategic blend of financial prudence, employee engagement, and transparent communication. By proactively addressing employee concerns, offering clarity and empathy, and emphasising opportunities for growth, businesses can effectively communicate their decisions regarding pay and embrace a culture of trust, fairness, and collaboration within the workforce.
For related content, see here.
Strength in Partnership: Why Businesses Thrive with Recruitment Agencies by Their Side
A talent acquisition team without a trusty recruitment partner could be like coffee without caffeine ☕
Who benefits? You, the teams you recruit for, the new people you hire and of course, us!
Five reasons you can elevate success with us…
Reason one: access to a larger talent pool:
It’s no secret that recruitment agencies have access to a vast network and an ever-evolving database of candidates, passive and active.
As much as 70% of the workforce is made up of passive candidates who aren’t actively seeking work. If you are only relying on active job seekers, you’re cutting your talent pool down to just 30% (source).
You see, you need us, and we need you.
Reason two: specialist expertise:
Recruitment agencies often specialise in specific industries or job roles. Their recruiters have a deep understanding of the market, industry trends, and the skills required for various positions. This specialised knowledge can be beneficial when hiring for niche or technical roles.
A poor hiring decision could be detrimental to your finances, the estimated cost of a bad hire is approximately 3 times more than the salary paid (source).
Reason three: time and cost savings:
How much time is your current talent acquisition team spending on sifting through endless CVS, before they even begin conducting interviews? That’s the magic of partnering with a recruitment agency; they’re essentially the superhero sidekick your team never knew they needed. They will prevent you from spending your precious time and resources so you can focus on moving the business forward in other ways e.g., mastering that onboarding experience of ensuring the first day in the new job is incredible!
Specialist agencies will often have access to a treasure trove of talent your internal team might not even know exists. They’ve got the tools, the know-how, and the secret suave to identify, woo, and win over your ideal candidate.
Did we mention cost savings? Sure, there’s a fee involved, but think of it as an investment in efficiency. By slashing your time-to-hire and minimising turnover, a specialist recruitment partner can save you plenty of pennies in the long run.
Reason Four: hard to fill roles:
We’ve all seen them and most of us dread them, but not your trusted specialist agency! No, they thrive off a hard to fill role. Nothing says success better than finding you your perfect candidate for that “hard to fill” role.
Truthfully, you could do it yourself but roles like this need an amended game plan and an extra bit of finesse!
Our top strategies for filling your “hard to fill” roles include:
- Targeted search, we deploy specialised tactics to track down the perfect fit.
- Creative sourcing, we think outside the box every day – we LOVE it!
- Personalised approach because we know one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to hard-to-fill roles. We craft tailored messages and elevate your brand to woo candidates and show them why your opportunity is the one they’ve been waiting for.
- Tapping into that passive market, remember the one you don’t have access to?!
- Persistence and patience, because Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a dream team. Specialist agencies use their market knowledge to paint you a realistic picture of how long it might take to find the perfect match. Sometimes recruitment is about weathering the storm.
Reason Five: Market Insights:
Recruitment agencies aren’t just matchmakers; they’re like talent scouts armed with insider info! They’re salary benchmarking experts, they can spill the tea on competitors’ hiring tactics, and even forecast talent trends like psychic recruiters. With their market insights, you’ll make strategic moves that leave the competition scratching their heads and scrambling to keep up. Think of them as your secret weapon in the war for talent!
To summarise, who doesn’t like maximising their time and seeing their fill rate soar? Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency can do just that! For optimal results choose wisely, and select an agency that aligns with your values and goals. We’re big fans of communication here, and it’s crucial to a successful and thriving recruitment partnership (in our opinion!) Why waste another minute drowning in CVs for hard-to-fill roles when you could be conquering the other complexities of the talent world? Partner up with an expert recruitment agency and watch your team soar to new heights – while they handle the rest!
Read more Kameo news here.
5 ways to help your team future-proof their finances
A recent article shared by the BBC stated: “A single person will need £31,300 a year for a moderate income in retirement.” This comes from a pensions industry body.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is a challenge that will endure for years to come, prompting individuals to reassess their pensions, savings, investment choices, and strategies. As we navigate this crisis and the recently unveiled recession, it’s essential to make informed decisions about our financial futures.
We firmly believe the workplace can hugely and inexpensively help employees future-proof their finances, according to professional pensions nearly half of UK employers plan to boost their financial wellbeing investment this year, are you one of them?!
Here are our top FIVE ways to help your team future-proof their finances:
- Educate on Financial Literacy:
Financial literacy means understanding how to manage money wisely. It’s about knowing how to budget, save, invest, and handle debt effectively. When you’re financially literate, you can make smart decisions about your finances and plan for your future with confidence.
At work, you can offer workshops or resources that enhance your team’s financial literacy. Topics to cover include budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management to empower them with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.
Did you know that as many as 24 million UK adults do not know how to manage their debt? Source. Debt and financial insecurity actively contribute to our stress levels and ultimately workplace productivity, therefore, when businesses take the time to work on financial literacy everyone benefits.
- Encourage Retirement Planning
You may be surprised to hear just how many of your employees are in the dark when it comes to understanding workplace pensions, a recent study revealed up to 41% of UK employees do not understand their pension (source).
Do you discuss the pension scheme on offer at your workplace as part of the onboarding process? If not, perhaps now is the time to start.
Your employees need to understand the importance of contributing to their pension and the benefits of employer-matching contributions (where applicable).
Provide access to resources such as: pension calculators and financial advisors, or simply the Finance Director you employ, to help employees understand their pension options and set realistic retirement goals.
Where possible, regularly review pension contributions and retirement plans with employees, offering guidance on adjustments as needed to ensure they are on track for a comfortable retirement. Supporting employees in navigating the UK pension system empowers them to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
- Promote Emergency Funds
Encourage the habit of saving for emergencies by highlighting its importance. Educate your team on the recommended amount to save and strategies to build an emergency fund gradually.
Nobody says it quite like HSBC, it is after all their expertise and not ours – https://www.hsbc.co.uk/financial-fitness/growing-your-money/build-emergency-fund/
Can you share this article with your employees, put it on your intranet or, add it to your discussion points in your next team meeting?
There’s no need to single anyone out; simply knowing how to start an emergency fund could be incredibly helpful to someone. It’s simply about making sure this valuable information reaches everyone who could benefit from it.
- Offer Financial Wellness Programmes
According to HR Grapevine, almost a third of organisations offer a financial wellbeing programme, designed not just to help reduce debt but also to help employees get the most from their money and achieve their financial goals.
Having a financial wellness program in place can benefit businesses in various ways. It enhances employee morale and loyalty, reduces turnover costs, and boosts productivity by alleviating financial stress, did you know 1 in 5 employees say financial stress impacts their productivity (source).
However, employees with access to financial education and resources are better equipped to make informed decisions about their finances, leading to greater stability and security. Additionally, offering a financial wellness programme can be a valuable recruitment tool, helping businesses attract top talent. Overall, investing in financial wellness demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and yields positive returns for both employees and the organisation.
- Provide Flexible Benefits Options
Flexible benefits, also known as fringe benefits, are additional perks offered to employees alongside their standard remuneration package. These benefits allow employees to customise their packages based on their individual needs and preferences. By giving employees, the freedom to tailor their benefits, you embody a culture of individuality and increase employee satisfaction while addressing financial wellbeing.
One key advantage of flexible benefits is their role in cost management. They create a controlled environment where spending is allocated precisely to the benefits most valued by employees. This strategic approach ensures resources are optimally utilised while meeting the diverse needs of the workforce.
In summary, flexible benefits empower employees to personalise their package, aid in cost management, and support financial literacy, ultimately contributing to a more satisfied and financially secure workforce.
In conclusion, achieving financial resilience for your team starts with proactive measures that empower and support each member on their journey toward stability and success. By adopting the tips outlined in this article, you not only provide your team with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle future financial challenges but also demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing as an employer. This contributes to the creation of a positive work environment, reduces turnover, and enhances productivity and morale. In essence, prioritising your team’s financial health isn’t just a good idea—it’s a savvy business move that benefits everyone involved.
Read more from Kameo.
