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From first shift to future manager: why food manufacturing deserves a look from young people
I heard a story once about a teenager who took a summer job unloading lorries for a big supermarket. It was not glamorous work. It was early starts, heavy lifting,…
Small actions, calmer shifts: mental health tips for busy workplaces
Walk into a busy factory or warehouse during peak season and you can feel the pressure before anyone says a word. Orders are flying in, deliveries are flying out, supervisors…
Fair Work Agency checks: are you ready if they knock?
Imagine the scene. It is a busy day on site. The line is running, the phones are going, people are clocking in and getting on with the job. Then someone…
SSP Changes: What you need to have in place NOW
What has changed? Sick pay from day one – Since 6 April 2026, eligible staff receive SSP from the first full day of sickness. The long-standing three waiting days have…
The Rapid Job Market Update: Speed is the advantage right now (February ’26)
It was just before 6am when our out of hours phone rang. No time for small talk, just a simple sentence from a client we’ve worked with for years: “I…
Navigating cost pressure – hiring, compensation and benefits in tight budget times
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this lately… “We want to reward people properly… but the budget just won’t stretch.” It’s the same story across almost every…
How FMCG can use employer purpose, sustainability and values to attract and keep talent
Having spent years matching talented people with FMCG manufacturers at Rapid, I’ve witnessed first‑hand how the world of work has changed. Young people aren’t just looking for a pay packet…
From temp to team leader: How to progress your career
Progress starts on day one. I still remember my own first day at work, don’t we all! A mix of nerves and excitement – that day lit the fuse for…
7 essential soft skills for FMCG success
I once had a manager who gave me advice I’ll never forget. She said, ‘What gets you hired isn’t always what keeps you there.’ At first, I didn’t know what…
Fair pay, real respect – why standards matter more than slogans
With Rapid just passing 160 Google reviews, I’ll admit – I had a bit of a scroll. One stood out straight away. “They never failed to pay me on time…
6 signs your colleagues might be struggling
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a good time to pause and think about how the people around us are really doing. We all have days when we’re not quite ourselves, but sometimes, those signs can point to something more serious.
Why Companies Should Be Wary of Agencies Offering “Cheap” Charge Rates
In today’s highly competitive market, every business is looking for ways to reduce costs and streamline operations. One area that often comes under the microscope is labour – and specifically,…
The Essential Skills Employers Look for in Forklift Drivers
Are you considering a career as a forklift driver? Or perhaps you’re already working in this field and want to be more employable? Understanding what employers are really looking for…
Why Food Manufacturing Needs a Reliable Workforce for Seasonal Demands
The UK food and drink manufacturing sector stands as the largest in the country’s manufacturing industry, with over 12,500 businesses employing more than 474,000 people. As we have entered Q2,…
How to Prepare Your Warehouse Team for Seasonal Demand
Is your warehouse team ready for the next seasonal rush? Seasonal peaks can put enormous pressure on warehouse operations. Instead of letting these busy periods overwhelm your team, proper planning…
Navigating the 2025/26 Tax Year: Key Changes for Employers
The approaching tax year brings several critical updates that will affect employers across the UK. We’ve summarised these changes to help you prepare effectively. Employer Contributions Rising From April 2025,…
Why Choose a Career in FMCG?
Ever wondered what FMCG means? It stands for Fast Moving Consumer Goods – basically all the everyday items we buy regularly, like food, drinks, toiletries and household products. It’s a…
Building a Winning Employer Brand in Engineering
In today’s competitive engineering sector, where skilled professionals are in high demand, creating a compelling employer brand has never been more crucial. With only around 540,000 suitably skilled engineering professionals…
Changing Perceptions: Women’s Evolving Role in Manufacturing
This International Women’s Day, we at Rapid Peronnel are examining the changing landscape for women in manufacturing. While the sector has historically been male-dominated, we’re seeing encouraging signs of change,…
The Evolution of QA: Why Quality Assurance Is More Vital Than Ever
There’s a recurring myth in the manufacturing and engineering sectors that Quality Assurance (QA) is becoming obsolete. At Rapid, we’re here to tell you why that couldn’t be further from…
Engineering and Manufacturing: 2025 Market Outlook
The UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors are set for an exciting transformation in 2025, backed by a substantial £4.5 billion government investment across eight key manufacturing sectors. This five-year funding…
Why engaging with a Recruitment Agency early is the smartest move for your business?
In the business world, the phrase “prevention is better than cure” is as relevant to recruitment as it is to healthcare. Too often, companies turn to recruitment agencies when their…
Rapid 2024 Wrap Up
2024 has been an extraordinary year here at Rapid Personnel. Specialising in connecting talented individuals with businesses across industries like Logistics, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Engineering and the wider UK…
Temporary to Permanent Hires: Why Temp-to-Perm is a Smart Solution for F&B Businesses
In any industry, finding and retaining the right talent is crucial. But for businesses in the UK Food and Beverage Manufacturing (F&B) sector, it’s become a particularly pressing challenge. With…
7 Reasons Why December is the Perfect Time to Hire Warehouse Staff
Looking to strengthen your warehouse team? December might be the perfect time to start your recruitment process. While many companies slow down their hiring during the festive period, this could…
Getting Started as a Warehouse Operative: Your Complete Guide
With 89% of people in UK admitting to have bought at least one thing online in 2023 (MicroBiz Mag 2024), the need for manufacturing and warehouse operatives has never been…
Tailored Recruitment Solutions: Meeting the Unique Demands of F&B Manufacturing
As we close out 2024 and look towards 2025, the UK’s Food and Beverage (F&B) manufacturing sector faces complex challenges that demand equally sophisticated recruitment solutions. From workforce shortages to…
Closing the Manufacturing Talent Gap – the role of the Apprentice
According to Make UK’s research, on average one-quarter of vacancies are proving hard to fill due to a lack of skills, experience, and qualifications. In the manufacturing sector, the problem…
Rapid Shortlisted for a REC Client Impact Award
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Rapid Personnel has been shortlisted for the prestigious Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) ‘Impact on a Client’s Business’ Award. For those…
Why Does Black History Month Matter In Recruitment?
Embracing diversity in your recruitment strategy isn’t just a noble goal—it’s a business imperative, so we wanted to reiterate the importance of celebrating Black History Month. This month-long event is…
Tips to Master Your Food Industry Interview
Are you gearing up for a job interview in the food manufacturing sector? Feeling a bit nervous? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! At Rapid Personnel, we’re passionate about helping…
Your Guide to Becoming a Machine Operator
Are you looking for a career that combines technical skills with hands-on work? Have you considered becoming a Machine Operator? At Rapid Personnel, we’re passionate about connecting talented individuals with…
Celebrate National Manufacturing Day with Rapid
Are you curious about the exciting world of manufacturing? Want to explore the diverse career opportunities available in this thriving sector? What’s National Manufacturing Day All About? National Manufacturing Day…
How can you overcome unconscious bias in hiring?
In the competitive landscape of modern business, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a crucial ingredient for innovation and growth. Yet one of the biggest roadblocks to diversity is inside our…
5 steps to Recruiting for Attitude, Training for Excellence
In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are discovering the immense value of hiring for attitude over hard skills and qualifications. While technical abilities and expertise are essential, they can be…
5 Strategies for Handling Recruitment Counter Offers
In the competitive landscape of recruitment, negotiating a counter offer scenario is a critical skill for recruiters and hiring managers. With the rise in employment opportunities and a tighter job…
Trends and Opportunities in Engineering You Should Know
In an ever-evolving landscape, the engineering sector is experiencing significant change driven by technological advancements, changing market demands, and environmental considerations. For professionals, staying abreast of these trends is essential…
Why you should be looking to hire temps over summer in manufacturing
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the summer often sees a notable surge in demand for new talent, particularly within the engineering and manufacturing sector. In May 2024,…
Food Manufacturing: How Will New Tech Impact Your Recruitment?
The tech revolution in food manufacturing is set to transform not only production, but also hiring. This article explores the cutting-edge technologies reshaping food production and offers insights on how…
Rapid Proudly Sponsors Billington Foundation 4th July Summer Evening Series Raceday
At Rapid Personnel, we understand the importance of supporting and contributing to community and charity events. We believe in giving back to the causes that make a difference in people’s…
Why Diversity in the Manufacturing and Logistics Space Matters
Manufacturing and logistics have long been sectors where diversity lags behind other industries. With Pride Month upon us, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on Diversity, Equality, and…
UK Logistics in 2024: Navigating the Winds of Change
This year, the UK logistics sector is poised to weather the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s explore the trends and forecasts shaping the industry in 2024….
How to Find the Right Recruitment Agency for Logistics and Supply Chain Jobs
A cursory glance online shows that it’s clear that the demand for supply chain and logistical staff is high. The largest companies in the world rely on workers in this…
Mental Health in Manufacturing: A Call to Action for Employers
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s crucial to shed light on the importance of employee well-being in the manufacturing industry. Recent studies have shown that manufacturing ranks in…
UK Trends in Food and Drink Manufacturing
Safety is vital within the food and drink industry, especially during the manufacturing process. Proper safety practices will protect consumers from health risks such as allergies or food poisoning. By…
We’re Now ISO 9001 Certified!
At Rapid, we’re proud to announce that our dedication to quality service has been recognised with the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification—an international standard of excellence. For Rapid Personnel, securing the…
Why Lengthy Job Requirements Could Be Costing You Top Talent
According to a LinkedIn survey, shorter job descriptions can result in an 8.4% increase in applications. Have you ever considered how your job ad could decrease your chances of finding…
You’re Now Entitled to Higher Pay!
As the clock ticks over into April 2024 there’s exciting news for workers across the United Kingdom – a substantial increase in the minimum wage. Those over the age of…
From Temp to Perm: How Short-Term Jobs Can Lead to Full-Time Gigs
In the world of work, finding the right piece for your career puzzle can be tricky, especially without a fancy degree. But here’s some good news: temporary work, or “temping,”…
How To Diversify Your Candidate Talent Pool
A diverse candidate pool will assist you in attracting and retaining the best talent, encourage innovation, and prevent expensive lawsuits, as well as a bad company reputation. So, how can…
Need Work ASAP? Get a Start with Our Recruitment Agency
Whether you’re in between jobs, facing financial strain, or just starting your career, the urgency to find work as fast as possible is understandable. Fortunately, there are several effective ways…
How to win the war for talent in 2024?
The war for talent rages on. With skills shortages across many industries and employees reconsidering their priorities, the competition to recruit top talent in 2024 will be fierce. To stand…
Get Your Career Rolling: No Skills? No Problem!
Starting a career without a bunch of skills might feel tough, but it’s totally doable! Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, think of it as a chance to learn…
Why work as a temp?
Fancy a flexible career that allows you to control your schedule and work location? Want to gain new skills without long-term commitment? If this sounds appealing, temping could be for…
Why Using a Recruitment Agency is Cheaper ?
As businesses seek to optimise their operations and reduce costs, one often-overlooked avenue for achieving these goals is the strategic use of recruitment agencies. Contrary to common misconceptions, relying on…
Key Qualities to Look for in Warehouse Operatives
In the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management, the efficiency of a warehouse largely depends on the skills and qualities of its operatives. Warehouse operatives play a pivotal…
What Warehouse Workers Want from Their Next Employers?
In the dynamic world of logistics and supply chain management, warehouse workers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and materials. As managers and directors overseeing…
Hiring Production Staff
One of the critical factors that can make or break a company’s success is the efficiency of its production staff. Hiring the right individuals for these roles is paramount, yet…
What is a warehouse job?
A warehouse job involves organising the stores whilst managing and processing any orders or products. Warehouse workers are responsible for receiving and managing incoming stock, picking items from the warehouse…
What is production work?
The duties of production workers can vary depending on the specific systems, processes, and products in a factory or warehouse. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that products meet quality…
New job? Set yourself up for success!
Starting a new job can be a great opportunity to learn and grow. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success:
Cost of living crisis
The UK cost of living crisis is a serious issue that is affecting many people. Here are some tips on how to manage the crisis: The cost of living crisis…
Why should I engage with a recruitment agency?
Why choose Rapid Personnel? There are many reasons why people engage with Rapid Personnel to find work. Here are a few of the most common reasons: To save time Rapid…
What is the difference between warehouse work and production work?
Our candidates often ask us the difference between warehouse work and production work. In simple terms, in a warehouse you will likely be moving, organising or packing bulk, raw or…
June – Pride Month!
June is LGBTQ Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the history and achievements of the LGBTQ community. The month is also a time to raise awareness of the continued…
Not just “another agency”
We pride ourselves in providing a bespoke service to both our Clients and Candidates. We don’t want to be ‘just another agency’. We want to make sure that everyone feels…
There are so many recruitment agencies. Why should I choose Rapid Personnel?
We pride ourselves in providing a bespoke service to both our Clients and Candidates. We don’t want to be ‘just another agency’. We want to make sure that everyone feels…
Delivering a higher quality recruitment service
A Berkshire and Oxfordshire Recruitment Specialist In 2002 Rapid Personnel began providing staffing services to companies in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Since that time, we have grown in size and expanded…
Mental Health Awareness Week 15th-21st of May
Many aspects of our lives can make us feel overwhelmed. Family life, work and even just societal pressures in general can make us anxious. This week we want to focus…
UK Recruitment Agency
We understand that looking for a job can be stressful and time-consuming, and it’s not always easy to know where to start. As a leading UK recruitment agency, we’re here…
22nd April – Earth Day
Did you know all of our processes are done digitally and do not require any paper? Not only is this better for the environment, but it is also much more…
April – Month to celebrate!
What a month April has been for Rapid Personnel! Not only have we been onboarding new clients but we are also celebrating work anniversaries for multiple members of our team!…
Good tips for a successful interview
When you’re interviewing for a job, the little things can make a big difference. Even a small mistake can cost you a job offer. Take the time to prepare so…
How to write a good CV?
We believe that a successful job application starts with writing a good CV. This is an opportunity for you to promote yourself and good CV will get you to the…
REAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES TO £10.90 IN UK AND £11.95 IN LONDON AS THE COST-OF-LIVING RISES
With inflation at record highs, the cost-of-living crisis is putting extraordinary pressure on UK households. It is at times like this, that the real Living Wage is all the more…
Career progression
From Production Line Operative to Technical Information Officer in just 10 months – Konstantinos’ story Candidates may come to us looking for a temporary job, but it can often turn…
Proving your right to work in the UK
The application deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme has now passed. Brought in after the UK left the EU, this scheme required EU citizens to apply for settlement or pre-settlement…
Pride month
Across the world, the LGBTQ+ community comes together every June to celebrate Pride month. On 28th June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a club in Greenwich Village, New York….
More than a temporary job
A temporary job is all that some of our candidates want – a means to fill a gap in earnings. It has become more commonplace in the past year as…
Thames Valley Business Awards 2021
We are up for not just one but TWO awards! Rapid Personnel has been shortlisted in TWO categories in the Thames Valley Business and Community Awards: The SME of The…
From office cleaner to office manager
Rapid Personnel continues to grow, and increasingly we have found that we need someone to manage the day to day running of our very busy office. Such a vital role…
National Minimum Wage
In April, there will be a rise in the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage. They will increase by the following amounts*: National Living Wage (23 by 2.2%,…
Keeping our staff safe
As a result of the pandemic, personal protection equipment (PPE) has become a term that we are all familiar with. At Rapid Personnel, PPE has always been an integral part…
Creating better pathways to employment
At Rapid Personnel, we are always on the lookout for ways to go the extra mile for our staff. It is why we are so excited to have discovered the Just…
Ethical Recruitment Charter
In March 2020, Ethical Reading and Reading Borough Council launched the Reading Ethical Recruitment Charter (RER Charter), providing ethically driven recruiters and recruiting managers with a great opportunity to walk…
The candidate experience
We wanted to take the opportunity over the next few weeks to highlight the experience of some of our candidates. These are just some of the individuals who have benefited…
The Rapid Personnel App
We are very proud of the Rapid Personnel app which launched during the coronavirus lockdown in April 2020. The app contains a number of useful features which make it easier…
World Mental Health Day 2020
Saturday 10th October 2020 is Mental Health Day. The months of lockdown and loss this year have had a huge impact on us all, and prioritising mental health has never…
COVID-19 Testing
The new website for key workers to book coronavirus tests has temporarily closed – hours after being opened by the government. The Department of Health said it was working to…
Key Workers
We recognise that doctors, nurses and other NHS staff as well as teachers, and our emergency services qualify as key workers. Without them we’d all struggle to live the comfortable…
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At Rapid Personnel we value the substantial contribution made by women…
Rapid Personnel Coronavirus Update
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people, such…
Benefits of applying for pre-settled and settled status
The benefits of applying for pre-settled or settled status Applying for pre-settled or settled status will allow you to continue living and working in the UK with no limitations beyond…
Secure your right to live and work in the UK
Steps can you take to secure your right to live and work in the UK There is a simple way to ensure you guarantee your right to remain in the…
Understanding the UK’s new immigration rules
The UK government has recently announced its proposals for immigration reform due to be implemented from 1st January 2021. These changes will directly affect low skilled labour from Europe and…
Get to know your customers
Our customers are incredibly important to us. On this #gettoknowyourcustomerday, we are celebrating the value of getting to know your customers. How well do you know your customers? A Rapid…
The General Election: outcomes and impact
Sylwia, a key member of the Rapid Personnel team, took a keen interest in the upcoming general election and had some questions. We decided to share some those questions along…
What to expect when working with Rapid Personnel
We approach everything we do with honesty, integrity and respect. This is why over 94% of our candidates have rated working with Rapid Personnel as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. So,…
Brexit – 3 Reasons why you should apply now for settled status
Brexit: 3 reasons why you should apply now for settled status ‘Will we stay, or will we go?’ and ‘If we go, when?’ These are the big questions on everyone’s…
