Randstad Reports Record Growth in 2004

Randstad UK, the UK subsidiary of the Dutch international recruitment company Randstad Holdings NV, has recorded record growth in 2004 according to the companyís recently published annual results.

In the fourth quarter of 2004, Randstad UK achieved revenue of 36,617,120m, an increase of 27% on the same period in 2003. Annual revenue to December was in excess of 120m, an increase of 18% on the previous year. In addition to achieving a year on year increase, Randstad has been successful in growing its market share and is well placed to consolidate its position in the top 20 recruitment companies in the UK in 2005.

Comments Hans Hoogeveen, Randstadís UK Managing Director: ìLast year was the best ever for Randstad in the UK and we have experienced the highest revenue growth as a group in six years. Our profitability and market share are up and Iím delighted to report that we have outperformed the market in almost every sector in which we are active. We have experienced particular growth in the areas of in-house services where we provide on-site support to large-scale manufacturing clients. We have also introduced a permanent staffing solution alongside our flagship ëflex-workerí offering.î

When asked to explain the secret of Randstadís success to date, Hans Hoogeveen sites the growing demand for flexible workforce solutions in the UK, together with the companyís extensive 45 year track record in the international employment sector.

ìTraditionally, temps have been significantly undervalued in the UK compared to other parts of Europe where being a temporary worker is seen as the ultimate status symbol,î says Hoogeveen. ìHowever, UK attitudes are changing with ëflex-workersí gradually being seen as the perfect solution to meeting the needs of employers and employees.

ìBy introducing our Flex-worker Charter in 2000, Randstad has made a major contribution to making flex-working a viable and attractive career choice. And because we invest in our flex-workers, our clients benefit from a more skilled, motivated and loyal workforce with all of the cost benefits associated with temporary workers.

ìWith almost half a century of experience behind us, much of which has been gained in some of the most sophisticated recruitment markets in the world, Randstad has a unique perspective to offer UK employers and employees alike. In particular we are well placed to help them navigate the legislative maze and be prepared for forthcoming legislative changes.î

Looking ahead to 2005/6, Randstad is poised for significant growth across the UK.

Concludes Hans Hoogeveen: ìThis financial year will be critical for Randstad as we build on our current areas of strength ñ namely the supply of flex-workers across the public sector, transport/logistics sector and service industry; highly trained temporary office support staff; call centre staff and on-site support to large scale industrial companies. We intend to maintain our position as specialists in the supply of flex-workers and will continue to offer permanent staffing solutions where this is more appropriate. Our priority will be to continue to meet the needs of the evolving labour market and provide a successful match between supply and demand.î