GCS Associates sponsor Builders Merchant Awards 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring the Builders Merchant Awards 2024!
Taking place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Friday 29 November 2024, the Awards ceremony promises to be another spectacular occasion for the 800 plus in attendance.
During the past two decades, the Builders’ Merchants Awards have built up an unrivaled reputation for recognising the great and good across the builders’ merchant sector.
The Awards offer the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the amazing people, teams, projects and innovations that have helped our industry grow the economy and helped community safety and sustainability.
The Builders Merchant Awards comments:
“The Builders’ Merchants Awards would also not be the success they are without the unwavering support of our sponsors, who strive to ensure individuals and companies across the industry are recognised for their efforts as they go about their work on a daily basis.”
We’re very proud to support these prestigious awards – supporting a sector we’ve recruited into for the past 15 years.
Managing Director at GCS Associates, Michael Parry said,
“The BMF and many of our clients supported the GCS Pledge, where we helped those who had lost their jobs due to COVID-19 back into employment, so we’re pleased support them by sponsoring this fantastic awards ceremony – celebrating the best of our sector.
It’s exciting time for the Builders Merchant industry with real change happening in terms of diversification, digitalisation, and sustainability. Many of our clients have accomplished phenomenal change since COVID-19 so we can’t wait to hear about the achievements from the businesses who enter the awards.”

The Builders Merchant Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to toast all the hard work, commitment, and determination which everyone within the sector has put in to ensure the Builders Merchant sector has flourished over the past few years”
How to Enter
As for the categories themselves, as always no business or initiative is too large or too small to make a difference and we have a wide range of Awards that demonstrate the depth and breadth of the builders’ merchant sector.
Entering the Builders’ Merchants Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to reward the hard work of your company, colleagues and teams across the last 12 months. Nominations can come from anyone in the industry, should you wish to nominate your own company or indeed a client.
For further details, visit the website: www.merchants-awards.co.uk.
Good luck to all the entrants and look forward to celebrating your fantastic achievements at the awards ceremony.
At GCS Associates, we work with our clients to find the best recruitment solution for them. If you’d like any advice on recruitment or retention strategy, please get in touch.
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548
Maximising Efficiency and Savings: Why Reviewing Recruitment Processes with GCS Associates is Essential
In today’s competitive world, the success of any organisation hinges on its ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent. However, the process of recruiting skilled individuals can be time-consuming, resource-draining, and costly if not executed well. This is where GCS Associates steps in as your trusted recruitment partner, offering specialised services that not only streamline your hiring processes but also save you valuable time and resources.
As a leading specialist agency in the field of recruitment, GCS Associates brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. Here’s why reviewing your recruitment processes with us can make a significant difference.
Industry Insight and Expertise:
Navigating the complexities of the job market requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of industry trends, talent pools, and hiring best practices. GCS Associates’ team of seasoned professionals possesses a deep understanding of various sectors and niches, allowing us to tailor our recruitment strategies to your specific needs. By leveraging our industry insights and expertise, you can rest assured that you’re tapping into the most qualified candidates for your organization.
Access to a Diverse Talent Pool:
One of the most significant advantages of partnering with GCS Associates is gaining access to a vast and diverse talent pool that may not be readily available through traditional recruitment channels. Through our extensive network, we can connect you with top-tier candidates who possess the skills, experience, and cultural fit that align with your organization’s objectives. This access to a broader talent pool increases the likelihood of finding the perfect match for your vacancies, ultimately saving you time and effort in the recruitment process.
Streamlined Recruitment Processes:
Time is of the essence in today’s fast-paced business environment, and every moment spent on lengthy recruitment processes equates to potential productivity losses and increased costs. GCS Associates specialises in streamlining the recruitment journey, from initial candidate screening to final placement, ensuring that your vacancies are filled promptly and efficiently.
Our tailored approach to recruitment eliminates the need for extensive administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on core business activities while we handle the rest.
Cost-Effective Solutions:
Recruitment costs can quickly escalate if not managed effectively, particularly when considering expenses such as advertising, candidate screening, and onboarding. By partnering with GCS Associates, you can benefit from cost-effective recruitment solutions that are designed to maximize your return on investment. From fixed-fee arrangements to scalable recruitment packages, we offer flexible pricing models that align with your budgetary constraints without compromising on quality or results.
Mitigation of Recruitment Risks:
In today’s competitive talent landscape, the risk of making a bad hire can have far-reaching consequences for your organisation, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage. GCS Associates employs rigorous screening and assessment processes to mitigate these risks, ensuring that every candidate presented meets your stringent criteria and standards. Our thorough vetting procedures minimize the likelihood of costly hiring mistakes, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
In conclusion, reviewing your recruitment processes with a specialist agency like GCS Associates is not just a prudent investment but a strategic imperative in today’s dynamic business environment. By leveraging our industry insight, access to diverse talent pools, streamlined processes, cost-effective solutions, and risk mitigation strategies, you can optimize your recruitment outcomes while saving valuable time and resources. Make GCS Associates your partner of choice and experience the difference firsthand as we help you unlock the full potential of your workforce.
About GCS Associates
GCS Associates are specialist consultancy providing talent acquisition and staffing solutions to the building materials, construction, technical & engineering sectors.
With over 15 years’ experience partnering with a wide range of businesses from FTSE 100s to SME’s & smaller independent businesses – we simply provide the right talent to the best organisations.
For more information on GCS Associates bespoke recruitment solutions, contact us:
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548
Headlam & GCS Associates
Streamlining Recruitment Processes for Headlam’s Nationwide Branch Opening Project
Client Overview:
Headlam is Europe’s largest distributor of floor coverings, boasting a substantial UK turnover of £700 million. With an extensive footprint in the flooring industry, Headlam embarked on a Nationwide Branch Opening (NBO) Project to expand its reach and enhance its service offerings.
Client Challenge:
Headlam sought a reliable recruitment partner to oversee the staffing of their NBOs. Each branch mirrored a similar environment to Paintwell branches, comprising 5,500 square foot units with a small team of three: one Branch Manager and two Sales Assistants catering to trade clients.
Solution Provided by GCS:
Recognising GCS Associates’ expertise in talent acquisition, Headlam engaged GCS to manage the recruitment process for their NBO Project. GCS swiftly identified suitable candidates to meet the specific requirements of each branch, ensuring timely and efficient staffing. Impressed by the success of the initial project, Headlam extended their partnership with GCS for broader recruitment needs.
Client Testimonial:
“We started working with GCS earlier this year (2023), primarily to head up the recruitment for our branch opening project. To date, GCS have delivered on all new branch deadlines and currently have a fill rate of over 95% which is fantastic. As a result of this initial success, we have gone to GCS for the delivery on other roles. It has been a pleasure working with the team at GCS.”
Rebekah Smallwood, Head of People and Organisational Development
Key Statistics:
Offer to Vacancy Ratio: 95.83%
Drop-out Rate: 8.69%
Retention Rate: 100%
69 offers in 10 months
Michael Parry, Managing Director at GCS Associates, emphasizes the strength of their partnership with Headlam: “Our collaboration with Headlam showcases the effectiveness of aligning recruitment strategies with the client’s specific needs. We’re proud to have contributed to the success of their NBO Project and look forward to continuing to support their growth initiatives.”
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Headlam and GCS Associates exemplifies how a strategic recruitment partnership can streamline operations, ensure timely staffing, and drive success in critical projects. By leveraging GCS’s expertise, Headlam achieved exceptional results in their branch expansion endeavors, setting a benchmark for future recruitment initiatives.
GCS Associates are specialist consultancy providing talent acquisition and staffing solutions to the building materials, construction, technical & engineering sectors. With over 15 years’ experience partnering with a wide range of businesses from FTSE 100s to SME’s & smaller independent businesses – we simply provide the right talent to the best organisations.
Interview with Rebecca Hughes, Marketing Director at Talasey: Celebrating International Women's Day
Can you tell me a little bit about your career and how you got into the sector, why you like it?
Absolutely. I started off somewhat uncertainly after leaving university, stumbling into a project management role for a firm in Sheffield. However, I quickly realised that much of what I was doing leaned heavily into marketing, particularly in terms of communication and community engagement. This realisation sparked my interest in marketing, leading me to join a management consultancy in Doncaster through a knowledge transfer partnership. Over the years, I obtained various CIM qualifications and underwent management training, eventually transitioning into a business development role while still overseeing marketing efforts. My journey through different companies and roles eventually led me to Talasey, where I’ve been for nearly nine years now.
Could you share a bit about your experiences at Talasey and how the company has evolved?
When I joined Talasey, the company was relatively small, with just around 20 team members operating out of makeshift offices. Over the years, we’ve experienced significant growth, both in terms of team size and market presence. We’ve expanded our product offerings and rebranded to Talasey, consolidating several brands under one umbrella. Our premises have evolved from those initial makeshift offices to purpose-built facilities, including showrooms and accommodations for customers. Today, Talasey has nearly 100 team members and a state-of-the-art headquarters in Scunthorpe, reflecting our growth and commitment to excellence.
Can you tell us about your team and how you’ve built it to support Talasey’s goals?
Building the right team has been crucial for our success. Initially, it was just me handling marketing responsibilities, but as the company grew, so did the team. We’ve brought in individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, focusing on attitude and aptitude above all else. Recently, we’ve restructured roles to better align with our objectives, creating specialized positions such as Merchant Marketing Manager and Trade Marketing Manager. Our emphasis has always been on finding the right fit for both the role and the team dynamic.
How do you approach diversity and inclusion within Talasey?
Diversity and inclusion are essential aspects of our company culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Flexibility is key, whether it’s accommodating individual needs or fostering a supportive work culture. We’ve seen firsthand how offering flexibility and understanding can lead to greater employee satisfaction and loyalty.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There are two highlights that I’m very proud of.
The first was being part of the team that oversaw the rebrand of Natural Paving to become the Talasey Group in 2017.
Such was the pace at which the business was bringing on new landscaping products to market that Talasey became the overarching brand, under which there were sub-brands for distinct product groups, including Natural Paving, Vitripiazza, Piranha, Pavetuf and Luxigraze.
The other was implementing a pilot loyalty programme for roofing merchants during my time as Head of Customer Marketing. The pilot achieved fantastic results with a return on investment of 2:1, and significant increases in sales of the customers involved. Just before I left, the green light was given to roll out the pilot nationally.
And if I can squeeze a third highlight in, it’s been building the marketing team I currently work with at Talasey. We have some very talented people who are all committed to supporting our merchant and landscaping customers.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have influenced your career?
While I haven’t had an official mentor, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with supportive colleagues who have steered me along my journey. One standout individual is Stephanie Bolton, a former Director at SIG. She identified my potential and encouraged me to venture beyond my comfort zone, offering invaluable support and motivation.
Another influential figure is Mark Wall, the founder and CEO of Talasey, whose insights constantly enrich my understanding of the business world’s commercial dynamics. Mark’s guidance, coupled with the opportunities he has extended to me in my professional capacity, have significantly influenced my career trajectory. For instance, Mark entrusted me with the task of supporting Talasey’s sister company in the USA, and last year, he facilitated my transition to the next level professionally by appointing me to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in my current Director position at Talasey.
Can you offer any advice for individuals, particularly women, who are just starting out in this sector?
My journey into this sector wasn’t straightforward, and I understand it may seem daunting, especially for younger women. However, my advice is not to be discouraged by the perception of it being male dominated. While there may have been more men initially when I started, I’ve witnessed a significant shift with more women entering the industry over the years. And I must say, they bring a valuable perspective and are great to collaborate with.
It’s essential not to let stereotypes deter you. While there might be a higher ratio of men to women, I believe competence should be the sole determinant for any role. I’ve never let the gender balance affect my performance or sense of belonging. For instance, during a recent forum discussion, some women expressed concerns about standing out or feeling the need to overcompensate. However, I’ve always advocated for focusing on merit rather than gender. If someone, regardless of gender, is the right fit for a role, they should be given the opportunity.
I won’t deny there have been moments where I’ve felt outnumbered, such as when I attended events dominated by men. But I’ve learned to navigate such situations confidently. It’s about recognizing that diversity benefits everyone and ensuring that the best person for the job, regardless of gender, is given the chance to excel.
For more information on GCS Associates bespoke recruitment solutions, contact us:
e: enquiries@gcsassociates.com
t: 0161 660 2548