In the latest ‘Behind the Blueprint’ interview, Brandon Gooch from Rhino Recruitment shares their experience in the shopfitting and interiors space, what sets them apart, and how they can support Members with tailored recruitment solutions.
Why did Rhino Recruitment join the NAS?
Just like NAS, Rhino Recruitment started from humble and simple beginnings. Being part of an organisation that has developed in the same way we have truly feels like a natural fit. As is already well established, NAS is known for its strong focus on support, which aligns perfectly with our shared values as a company.
So our Members can get to know you a little better, can you share some of your proudest personal and professional achievements?
Without a doubt, my greatest personal achievement has been travelling across Australia and Asia for a year and a half with my partner. We had the opportunity to explore countless cities and countries, creating a lifetime of unforgettable memories along the way.
Professionally, my proudest achievement is opening a new office in Newcastle. After returning from my travels, I knew I wanted to settle in Newcastle to be with my partner. When I shared this with Andrew, our Director, he suggested expanding Rhino Recruitment by opening a new office there. This opportunity has been both a significant milestone and a fulfilling challenge, allowing me to contribute to the growth of the business in a meaningful way.
What sets Rhino Recruitment apart from other recruitment agencies?
As leading national recruiters in interior fit-out and shopfitting, we utilise our extensive network of skilled tradespeople and ambitious employers to deliver exceptional results. What sets us apart is our ability to connect companies like those in NAS with a reliable network of pre-vetted tradespeople, ensuring your interior fit-out and shopfitting projects across the UK run smoothly. Our exclusive candidate rotation model guarantees you access to experienced professionals who are ready to get started from day one.
How has the recruitment landscape changed since you started in the industry?
I began my recruitment career before COVID-19, during a time when the UK job market had a wide pool of talented candidates. However, since the pandemic, the landscape has shifted dramatically, becoming increasingly candidate-driven. With more roles available and fewer qualified candidates to fill them, competition for top talent has intensified. As a result, candidates are now more selective about their employment choices, which has also contributed to the steady rise in labour costs.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to job seekers in today’s competitive market?
In today’s construction industry, it’s easier than ever for job seekers to secure employment. We’re witnessing a growing demand for contractors, while the pool of available and qualified candidates continues to shrink. If you have the skills you claim and consistently show up on time, there’s no reason you should struggle to find work in the current market.
What’s the most helpful advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever received, which has been invaluable both at work and in life, is to stop worrying about what you can’t control and focus on what you can. It might sound simple, but it’s often easier said than done. However, it’s a game-changer, especially for those of us in recruitment, where challenges are constant and adaptability is key.
Could you tell us more about Rhino’s charitable endeavours?
At Rhino Recruitment, we’re passionate about making a difference, not just for our clients, but for the wider community too. Giving back is a big part of what we do, and we love supporting initiatives that help those in need.
Over the years, we’ve taken part in countless fundraisers, but our latest challenge was something special. Our CEO, Andrew Roberts, took on a unique “half-man, half-machine” mission, riding his Peloton from Cardiff to London—all to support Hope Rescue, an incredible dog rescue centre that gives strays of all ages and breeds a second chance.
After cycling an impressive 168.8 miles and burning through 9,180 calories, Andrew triumphantly rolled into London. It only took a mere 9 hours and 8 minutes on the bike, with a jaw-dropping 84,533 pedal rotations along the way!
What’s the best way for NAS Members to utilise your services/preferential rates?
At Rhino Recruitment, we understand the unique challenges faced by NAS Members in the shopfitting and construction sectors. Our tailored recruitment solutions can help you access the best talent while saving time and resources. Recognising the time-sensitive nature of shopfitting projects, we provide rapidly tailored solutions to help businesses meet tight timelines and minimise disruptions.
If you’re looking to streamline your recruitment process and access the best talent, let’s chat about how we can support your upcoming projects. Simply drop Brandon an email at brandon@rhinorecruitment.com
Find out more about Rhino Recruitment.