Hop into Giving with Hales Group’s Easter Egg Initiative
Hales Group, an established home care and non-regulated recruitment services provider is calling on local businesses and communities to hop into giving and join its ‘eggstra’ special Easter initiative to spread joy to children and vulnerable people in hospitals, foster and care homes, and community centres.
With over 30 locations nationwide, Hales is collecting and donating chocolate eggs to those who need a little extra cheer this season.
Nicola Mewse, Hales Group Managing Director, shared: “Easter is a time where families come together and have fun, but for many children and individuals in care, it can be a tough time. Through this initiative, we want to remind them they are not alone and that their local communities care.”
“We’re calling on individuals and businesses to support us in making Easter a little brighter for those who need it most. Hales Group would love to add more eggs and sweet treats with the support of our local clients and suppliers.”
Hales Group Letchworth started an annual Easter tradition of giving back to their community in 2023. Since then, they have collected and donated hundreds of Easter eggs to their local hospital.
Last year, the team received generous donations from clients and local businesses, allowing them to deliver over 400 chocolate eggs to the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals.
“Inspired by our Letchworth branch’s success, we are excited to expand this initiative across the entire company in 2025. I can’t wait to see how many eggs we receive and collect and look forward to establishing this annual Easter tradition across all our locations,” said, Kirsty Walpole, Hales Jobs Managing Director.
Making a difference, one Easter egg at a time
With community at the centre of the initiative, each team across the group has selected a local beneficiary to spread joy to the season.
• Hales Home Care Sheffield – Fostering with Sheffield
• Hales Home Care Peterborough – The Beeches
• Hales Home Care Scunthorpe – Lincolnshire House
• Hales Home Care Letchworth – White House Care Home
• Hales Home Care North East – Gateshead Health Charity
• Hales Home Care Wickford – Little Havens
• Hales Home Care Rotherham – Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice
• Hales Home Care Grimsby – Humberston Park School
• Hales Home Care Hull – Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre
• Hales Jobs Bury St Edmunds and Thetford – West Suffolk Rainbow Ward
• Hales Jobs Diss – The Nook at East Anglia Children’s Hospice
• Hales Jobs Letchworth – East and North Herts Children’s Trust
• Hales Jobs Lowestoft – Paediatric Services at James Paget Hospital
• Hales Jobs Thetford – West Suffolk Rainbow Ward
• Finance Department – Thorpe Hall Hospice
• People Services Department – Addenbrookes Hospital Oncology Ward
Lucy Dimon, Head of People Services at Hales Group, commented: “It’s been lovely to collaborate with our office teams to select the organisations that will receive their donations, each of which has had meaningful impact on our staff in some way, and also liaising with those organisations, which has been met with such joy. Special events like this are about sharing goodwill, and I feel sure we’ll be doing exactly that this Easter.”
Hop to it and share the joy of giving this season!
To take part or arrange a donation, businesses or individuals can contact Hales Group’s People Services team at people.services@halesgroup.co.uk
Join Hales Group in making a difference, one Easter egg at a time.
Top Recruitment Talent Honoured at Annual Hales Recruitment Awards
Kirsty Walpole, Managing Director of Hales Jobs—an established staffing agency in East Anglia and the Home Counties, and part of the Hales Group—recently hosted her annual summer soirée, bringing together recruitment consultants and staff from branches in Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Norwich, Lowestoft, Letchworth, and Thetford.
The event provided an opportunity for team members to connect, celebrate achievements, and recognise outstanding contributions.
Kirsty’s Summer Soirée not only celebrates the team’s hard work and dedication but also serves as an annual platform for the Hales Recruitment Awards. The awards recognise and acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond in their roles. It allows staff to nominate their co-workers for the coveted Rising Star and Unsung Hero awards.
Isobelle Millington, Commercial Recruitment Consultant, shared: “What a lovely day we had at our annual summer soirée! I am so grateful to have such a lovely team to work with. I am pleased I also brought home a director’s recognition award!”
2024 Hales Recruitment Awards Winners
Temporary Consultant of the Year: Dylan Walsh
Permanent Consultant of the Year: Kira Blogg
Rising Star: Hollie Salmons
Unsung Hero: Kloe Mitchell
Highly Commended Temporary Consultant: Loreta Piliutyte
Highly Commended Permanent Consultant: Wes Newberry
Highly Commended Rising Star: Amara Impey
Highly Commended Unsung Hero: Zarah Karlsson
Dylan Walsh, winner of Temporary Consultant of the Year award, commented: “Winning a high number of new clients over the last year, as well as getting as many temporary workers out to work has certainly been a challenge but fully worth-while, as this award goes to show. A huge thank you to my Managing Consultant, Emma, who has supported my growth within Recruitment since starting at Hales Group back in 2022.”
Permanent Consultant of the Year award winner, Kira Blogg, shared: “Winning this award has given me a real boost and a feeling of appreciation. It was a tough start to the year and after working hard it paid off! I’m honestly grateful for the lovely words that were read and thank you to all who nominated me.”
“I am incredibly grateful to have won the Unsung Hero award”, said Kloe Mitchell, Managing Consultant (Learning and Development). Kloe added: “Having been in the industry (and with Hales Group) for a number of years now, I feel a huge sense of achievement in winning this award, it doesn’t feel like a job when you have a passion for what you do!”
Lastly, Hollie Salmons, who was honoured to receive the Rising Star award, shared: “‘This time last year, I wouldn’t have believed I could receive an award. I feel extremely grateful. I am privileged to work with a great company and a supportive team, and I look forward to what the future brings!”
These awards are a testament to the exceptional talent within Hales, recognising individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective roles. Each winner was selected based on their performance, dedication, and contributions to the company’s success.
Kirsty Walpole, Managing Director, Non-Regulated Recruitment, shared her thoughts on the event:
“The summer soirée is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the incredible work our team does every day. Our consultants are the backbone of Hales Jobs. I am immensely proud of the dedication and passion they bring to their roles.”
Hales Jobs continues to build on its reputation as a leading recruitment agency, with a focus on delivering #morethanjustrecruitment to both clients and candidates. Hales Jobs’ commitment to recognising and nurturing talent within its team is a key driver of its ongoing success.
Hales Group Celebrates Local Talent at Beccles Carnival
Hales Group is proud to sponsor Beccles Got Talent this year, a key event during the Beccles Carnival Weekend on the 17th and 18th August.
Hales Jobs Lowestoft Managing Consultant, Alex Capps, took a role in the event, both judging the performances and presenting the award for the 18 and over category.
Alex shared: “It was a privilege to be involved in Beccles Got Talent. The local talent is outstanding, and it’s important to support and celebrate that. We’re proud to be part of this event and to give back to the community.”
Hales Group has always been committed to supporting the communities we serve, and ensuring local talent is recognised and celebrated.
Hales Group’s 25 Years
As we celebrate 25 years of Hales Group, our commitment extends beyond just recruitment — for us, it’s always #morethanjustrecruitment. We have been dedicated to helping people find jobs and supporting families in the local community. Sponsoring events like Beccles Got Talent is just one way we continue to give back. Find out more about our charity work.
We look forward to next year’s Beccles Carnival and continuing our support for the incredible talent in our communities.
Whether you are looking for work in the local area, seeking staff for your business or needing compassionate care for your loved ones, Hales Group are here to help.
Please contact us today!
Hales Jobs Lowestoft: 01502 582000 or lowestoftrecruitment@halesgroup.co.uk
Hales Home Care Lowestoft: 01502 530676 or lowestoftcare@halesgroup.co.uk
5 Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency
Job boards and social media are good places to source a wide range of candidates for your next hire. However, a good recruitment agency can offer numerous benefits to businesses when recruiting for new staff. In a previous study, 78% of job seekers admitted they would apply for a job when they don’t meet all the qualifications. Among other benefits, working with a recruitment agency means you filter out those candidates that are unsuitable for the position, and those who don’t have the skillsets for the role.Save time and money
Using a recruitment agency means that employers don’t have to pay to advertise jobs on different job boards, view CVs, screen candidates, arrange interviews, negotiate salaries, check references and the list goes on. Once a recruiter understands your requirement for a job vacancy, they will find the perfect candidate in a timely and cost-effective manner.Access to the best candidates
Statistically, if you use a recruitment agency you are more likely to access the best candidates on the market. Active job seekers are more likely to register with agencies. Recruitment agencies also have immediate access to the largest CV databases of high-caliber job seekers including passive candidates. With the recruiter’s knowledge of the industry, having access to the national job boards gives them the ability to search for the perfect candidates.Industry expertise
A good recruitment agency will have significant industry expertise and jobs market insight which you can tap into as you plan your recruitment strategy. A recruitment agency with expertise in your industry sector can provide specialist knowledge of market trends, salary benchmarking and effective staffing solutions for your business.Flexibility
Recruitment agencies give employers flexibility on recruiting new staff to meet industry demand, e.g. holiday cover in busy times such as Christmas. If you require certain expertise for a specific project that your current employees may not hold, recruitment agencies can find temporary workers with the right skills needed to take on the project with no time wasted getting them up to speed.Additional services
Recruitment agencies offer additional services that are important to consider when choosing a recruitment agency. Examples of additional services that the best recruitment agencies offer include; HR and Payroll support, candidate assessments, contract and permanent recruitment, executive search and managed services, all of which are beneficial to business success.Benefits of Temporary Work – Top Tips For Students
As a student, school leaver or a graduate, looking for your first job can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many opportunities but it can be hard to know where to start. One option that you might not have considered is temporary work – or temping.
Benefits of temporary work
Temping is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience. There are several benefits to temping, especially for school leavers and graduates:
Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of temping is the flexibility. As a temp, you are not tied down to a single company or role. Temping can be a great option if you are not sure what you want to do with your career or have other commitments such as studying or caring for a family. It is also a great way to earn extra money to help with the growing cost of living, pay for your next holiday, a new laptop, or save money for the future.
Variety
Another benefit of temping is the variety. As a temp, you’ll work on a variety of long-term or short-term assignments, and in a variety of industries. This can help you to discover your interests and skills, and to build a strong CV. In many cases, a temporary assignment can also lead to a permanent position with the client.
Experience
Temping is a great way to gain valuable work experience. Even if you are only working on a short-term assignment, you will still be able to learn new skills and gain experience that you can use in your future career.
Most temporary and seasonal roles do not require previous experience, making them highly accessible to those starting out. So, whether you are a school leaver or fresh from university, temping allows you to jump into the workforce without any worries about not meeting experience requirements.
Networking
Temping is a great way to network with people in your industry. You will meet new people, learn about different companies, and make professional connections that could help you in your career.
Pay
Temps are usually paid hourly, which means that you will be paid weekly.
If you are a student or a recent graduate, consider temping. It is a great way to get your foot in the door and start your career.
Additional tips when considering temporary work
- Do your research – Before you start applying for temp jobs, research different recruitment agencies. Read online reviews and talk to friends and family who have temporary employment experience. Look for accreditations from organisations such as the REC and Investors in People. If a recruitment agency displays an REC logo, it is a sign of quality.
- Be prepared to sell yourself – When you’re applying for temp jobs, be prepared to sell yourself. Highlight your skills and experience and explain why you’re interested in the job.
- Be flexible – As a temp, you will need to be prepared to work different hours and be willing to travel.
- Be professional – Though you are only working temporarily, it is important to be professional at all times. Dress appropriately, be on time for work, and be respectful of your colleagues.
Why choose Hales?
Hales works with individuals and businesses to find their perfect match when it comes to a long-term career or working partnership. With over 30 years of expertise, Hales is one of the most trusted and reliable recruitment agencies across East of England and the Home Counties.
More than just recruitment
Our #morethanjustrecruitment slogan emphasises our commitment to providing comprehensive support to job seekers and employers beyond simply connecting them. By adopting this slogan, we set ourselves apart from other recruitment agencies, and demonstrate the additional value we can offer to those seeking employment or recruiting new staff.
Ready to start temping? Register with Hales today! Click here to view our latest vacancies or contact your local branch here >>
Hales Group is now sustainability verified
Hales Group Ltd are delighted to announce the successful renewal of our SafeContractor accreditation for another year. We take immense pride in the recognition of our dedication to achieving sustainability and health and safety standards through this accreditation.
SafeContractor is one of the leading health and safety assessment schemes in the UK. With this accreditation, we can assure our clients and suppliers of our competence in sustainability and health and safety practices. For further information about the SafeContractor accreditation, please visit www.safecontractor.com
Olivia is raising funds for Cancer Research UK
Olivia Wild, a Recruitment Resourcer in the Bury St Edmunds branch of Hales, is taking on the Race for Life 10km on Sunday, 2nd July. The event, which takes place in Cambridge, aims to spread awareness and raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Cancer Research UK is one of the world’s largest independent cancer research organisations that aims to raise awareness and funds for the important cause.
This is a cause close to Olivia’s heart, as she has lost a loved one due to this disease.
Olivia shared; “I lost my Grandad in 2021, after a battle with brain cancer so, I want to push myself to do this 10km and raise as much money as I can for this cause in hopes that one day, we will find a cure.”
We want to wish Olivia all the best for her challenge and applaud her for her hard work and dedication to support this worthy cause. To learn more about Olivia’s fundraising efforts or to donate to Cancer Research UK, please click here to visit her fundraising page.
Hales Group Charity Work
Hales Group are committed to working with charities to give something back, and have recently raised money for MIND, Dog’s Trust, EACH, Cancer Research, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
We focus on fundraising efforts that can go towards making a difference to communities and the individuals within them. View our previous charity events here.
Megan is fundraising for British Heart Foundation
Megan Reeve, the Managing Consultant for the Diss branch of Hales Group, is taking on an incredible challenge this April to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. She has committed to walking 10,000 steps every day of the month to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
The British Heart Foundation is a leading organisation that funds over £100 million of research each year into heart and circulatory diseases and their causes. This is a cause close to Megan’s heart, as she and her family have experienced the loss of a loved one due to a heart-related condition.
In Megan’s words, “I have chosen the British Heart Foundation as this is a charity close to mine and my family’s hearts after losing our amazing Grandad at the age of 55.”
We wish Megan all the best in her challenge and commend her for her efforts to support such a worthy cause. To learn more about Megan’s fundraising efforts or to donate to the British Heart Foundation, please click here to visit her fundraising page.
Hales Group Charity Work
Hales Group are committed to working with charities to give something back, and have recently raised money for MIND, Dog’s Trust, EACH, Cancer Research, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
We focus on fundraising efforts that can go towards making a difference to communities and the individuals within them. View our previous charity events here.
Hales Help Raise Funds for Epilepsy Action and St Nicholas Hospice
Hales Group recently organised a charity quiz event to help raise funds for two charities – Epilepsy Action and St Nicholas Hospice. The event was held to support Natalie and the team at Bury St Edmund’s efforts in raising funds for their selected charities.
Read more >> Girls Night Out – Hales Bury St Edmunds are raising money for St Nicholas Hospice
Natalie, who undertook a remarkable challenge of walking over 100 miles in February in aid of Epilepsy Action, and Team Bury St Edmunds, who completed an 11.2-mile walk in support of St Nicholas Hospice Care, have both raised a staggering amount of money for their respective charities. Together, they have raised an impressive total of £1400, which will go a long way in supporting these vital causes.
Natalie commented: “I am so happy to have completed over 100 miles during the Epilepsy Action challenge in February. I have really enjoyed walking and raising awareness for a cause so close to my heart. We are so overwhelmed by the money we have raised and thank you so much to everyone who donated.”
The funds raised will make a significant difference to the lives of those affected by epilepsy, and those receiving care at St Nicholas Hospice. Epilepsy Action provides support and advice to people with epilepsy and their families, while St Nicholas Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care and support to patients and their families.
Hales Group Charity Work
Hales Group are committed to working with charities to give something back, and have recently raised money for MIND, Dog’s Trust, EACH, Cancer Research, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
We focus on fundraising efforts that can go towards making a difference to communities and the individuals within them. View our previous charity events here.
Race for Life – Hales Group Joins Pretty Muddy Run to Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Research UK
Hales Group is gearing up to participate in Cancer Research’s Race for Life Pretty Muddy in May. The event, which is taking place in Norwich, aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Hales Group Managing Director – Employment Services, Kirsty Walpole, along with a team of Recruitment Consultant, Resourcers and Branch Administrators, will be getting down and dirty for a good cause. The team is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to raise as much money as possible to support Cancer Research UK’s vital work.
Team Hales includes Kirsty Walpole, Emma Eaglen, Natalie Price, Magdalena Parczewska, Georgia Gray, Lily Adjemian, Alex Capps, Georgina Sparkes, Isobelle Millington, Loreta Piliutyte, and Ginta Grigonyte.
When asked about her motivation for taking part in the event, Natalie, Letchworth Branch Administrator, shared: “In 2018, my mum lost her best friend who was like a second mum to me. Terry was the strongest, most amazing woman I had the pleasure to have in my life.
In 2021, I lost my beloved Auntie to cancer. Watching her deteriorate and being told she didn’t have long left was so heart-breaking for my family.”
She continued: “I will be crawling, sliding and climbing through that mud in loving memory of my Auntie Alison and Mumma Terry no matter what it takes!”
Emma, Managing Consultant for the Letchworth branch, commented: “We are all affected in one way or another and I will be running for my best friend who I lost to the horrible disease. It’s an important charity and we all need to do our bit to raise awareness and fund where we can. I can’t wait to take part with the Hales Team”
Georgia, Recruitment Consultant for the Norwich branch, added: “I believe that Cancer Research is a crucial charity in making transformative steps in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.”
The event, which will take place on 21st May 2023, will see participants navigate a 5k obstacle course filled with mud, foam, and water. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events have been held across the UK since 1994 and have raised nearly £900 million for the charity’s research into cancer.
Hales Group is encouraging its clients, candidates, and the wider community to support their efforts by donating to their JustGiving page. Every penny raised will go towards Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.
Kirsty commented: “We are determined to do our bit to support Cancer Research UK’s vital work. We hope our participation in the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event will inspire others to get involved and help us make a real difference to the fight against cancer.”
