Evaldas's Story: Moving to Mongolia and getting back into big business!

It's not everyday you hear about someone moving to Mongolia but last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Evaldas in making the move from Lithuania to the country's capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Evaldas previously had spent a total of five years as Senior Manager working for EY in Kazakhstan and a further two and a half years as Audit Director at Deloitte before becoming self employed as a Financial Consultant. After working independently with small businesses for three years, Evaldas came to the realization that he missed big business and the high profile clientele.

After contacting Think Global Recruitment to explore his options working overseas and after speaking with one of our consultants, was offered the opportunity to work for EY in Mongolia. After living and working in neighboring Kazakhstan for a number of years, Evaldas was already familiar with the  Mongolian culture and fluent in Russian and therefore knew what to expect upon moving. This combined with the irresistible offer to work alongside prominent clients such as Central Bank, State Bank and leading mining companies lead to Evaldas accepting the role.

Life in Mongolia
 

Evaldas describes the move as a very positive one, stating that he ‘received great support from both EY and Think Global Recruitment’. He further characterizes Think Global Recruitment as ‘highly professional’ and decribes the transition from Lithuania to Mongolia as smooth and controlled.

Moving with his wife in December 2015, Evaldas spent only a week searching for flats before coming across the perfect apartment in the center of Ulaanbaatar, within walking distance of the office, restaurants and shops. Initially he was concerned with the timing of the move as winters in Mongolia can drop below -25 degrees Celsius. The move further coincided with the busy season for mining companies, however due to previous experience and expertise, Evaldas was already familiar with EY methodologies and the audit role so move was smooth. With the support of both EY and Think Global Recruitment, he describes feeling ‘fully supported throughout the move’. Evaldas was also surprised to discover that many native Mongolians were fluent in Russian and that there were many Lithuanian expatriates living in the city.

The Role
 

Now in his new audit role Evaldas is working with the Central Bank of Mongolia, the largest state bank and the largest mining companies in the country. He enjoys the exposure and describes being well respected within his industry. Providing advice to senior managers, he is already saving the company vast amounts of money and has already had extremely positive performance reviews. Furthermore, the role provides exciting opportunities to work within Asia and to build relationships with China and Hong Kong through work with clients.

 

Main advantages of working overseas.
 

 

Firstly Evaldas emphasizes the importance of learning and experiencing different cultures; ‘You can move from one location to another more easily and can adapt to other cultures quickly, which is a very good personal trait’. Secondly; ‘from a company perspective, multinational employers will look for international experience’.

There are many benefits to being an expatriate including higher salaries and excellent financial packages ‘My company pay for my apartment in the center of the city so my living conditions are ideal for both myself and my family’.

Additionally, ‘working in an international outward facing firm in Mongolia allows the opportunity to spread further into companies in the Asia region such as Hong Kong and China. Opportunities you would not get working in a smaller firm’. Evaldas states; ‘when I moved from Lithuania to Kazakhstan, I was working with huge international clients, however if you are working in a small market or if you are a small member of a bigger team, that you just don’t get those opportunities’.

Finally, he says that ‘moving out of your comport zone allows you to develop new friendships and relationships through meeting new business contacts.’

‘My advice would be to not be afraid and to try new things, and if you do, you shall succeed.’

Our service
 

‘The company was very professional, I wanted to move to a bigger firm and a role with either EY or Deloitte. Think Global Recruitment provided lots of options and opportunities and consultant put me in touch with EY’s Mongolian partner and we got along very well and now I am living here.’

‘I also received excellent aftercare support from one of your consultants which I really appreciated as it made the move a lot easier.’

We would like to wish Evaldas all the best in his new role. 

Market Update: Where are we Post-Brexit?

The results of Markit’s recent PMI (the Purchasing Managers Index) survey has the put the minds of the British public at ease (for now) as the unexpected rebound of the service sector adds to a string of positive market news on exports, jobs and houses.

Markit recorded the biggest month on month increase in the survey’s history and shows figures increasing from 47.4 in July to 52.9, far exceeding the 50 mark needed for growth.The service sector makes up a staggering 80% of the UK economy

 

From these results it is now clear that Britain will avoid the expected recession many thought would follow after the June's historic vote.

"The services PMI completes a triple-whammy of good economic data for the UK in the last three trading sessions and indicates that businesses are returning to normal after the initial shock of the vote rocked confidence," said Neil Wilson, a financial market analyst at ETX Capital.

 

Britain’s economic situation is looking brighter with the value of the pound going up on a seven week high against the value of the dollar - $1.3375, and the value of the pound beginning to steady.

Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley have both 'rowed back' on their predictions after the better than expected results. Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, has described himself as feeling 'absolutely serene' with the banks preparations and actions which he says allowed Britain's economy to 'sail through' the shock impact following the referendum.
 

The City of London, however, is not sitting on its hands and has already stepped up lobbying efforts with the new Chancellor Philip Hammond to ensure that processes are not rushed and to stress the importance of access to the single market. The Financial Services industry accounts for more than 12% of the UK's exports, contributing £60 billion in tax and employing 1 million people.

How are the Big Four after the Brexit vote?

Deloitte

Deloitte’s UK revenues have grown at the fastest rate in a decade, according the latest figures.The company experienced a “landmark” year in Scotland, strengthened its Transaction Services practice in the North of England and Group revenue for Deloitte has increased by 11.2 per cent for the year to May 2016 to £3.1bn.

Managing Partner, David Sproul, has suggested that the government should not reduce hiring skilled migrants: “The government must recognise that further restricting skilled migrants could be detrimental to the UK’s ability to attract global investment and the diverse pool of international talent that has supported our country’s growth”.
 

KPMG
 

KPMG continues to be the preferred UK's auditor for stock market clients, having created six new contracts in the last quarter. The Head of KPMG's deal advisory practice in the Midlands has stated that there is still a healthy appetite for deals in the region describing the environment as conducive.  

 

PWC
 

PWC remains in second place behind KPMG with 369 total clients and has come out confidently stating that London's dynamism means that it would remain agile and resilient to any potential fallout from Brexit and that the City had managed to  'pull away' from other global rivals this year.
 

EY
 

 EY has noted the opportunities for businesses that will come as a result of any renogiations and has stated that due to UK's strong performance in the past year it has retained it's spot as the number one place in Europe for foreign investment.

 

The future is looking a lot brighter than many experts initially thought, we now await to see how the new government intends to take Britain forward.
 

If you'd like to hear more about our market updates then register for our newsletter by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

A NIGHT AT S1 JOBS RECRUITMENT AWARDS – APRIL 2015

Last night I attended S1 Jobs Recruitment Awards at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow.  It had the makings of an interesting night, where many recruitment people from all over Scotland congregated together.  I was delighted to have been invited as a guest on Bull Horn’s table and would also like to thank Martin Kay or Route 2 who also offered me a place on his table.   There is only one of me, so I went with the first invite and enjoyed the good company of the lovely people from Bull Horn, James Fleming from Jimmy Red, Hazel from Gillespie People Solutions, Tori Long from Head Resourcing IT Recruitment, Niel Rafferty of NSK Recruitment, Graham Cross from Mazars and Michael Young of MBN Recruitment Solutions/ Chairman of APSCO amongst others.  The evening started at The Grand Central Champaign Bar at Central Station, courtesy of Bull Horn.  At 7pm we jumped in taxis to the Crown Plaza.

I was slightly disappointed to hear that the dress code was ‘casual smart’.  I am a believer that if you are giving out awards, it should be an auspicious occasion to honour the winners which merits a black tie event.  However, it seems I wasn't the only one and many of the attendees had ignored the dress code and made the effort.  Mostly, everyone looked great all glammed up.

On arrival to the Crown Plaza we were handed a lovely glass of champagne, courtesy of Fire Fish (the glass even had a fish on it).   We were quickly called to take a seat at our tables.   The first thing you saw on everyone’s table was a stress bull, these bulls quickly had pictures taken in various poses which were tweeted out for the world to have a giggle.  What great publicity for Bull Horn!

The evening was compared by a comedian, a little too obvious for my taste of humour, but many of the crowd found him funny, in particular those that must have had a few more pre dinner drinks than I had.  S1 Jobs got on the stage and started well by speaking about how recruitment companies Improve Lives, but then the speech went down hill by becoming a very long sales pitch for a) a tool that could be a competitor to the recruitment consultancies b) a tool that is a direct competitor to their main sponsor for the evening and c) well I have not idea because I had switched of by that part.  The speaker had not read the audience at all and carried on to finish his entire speech regardless to the fact 90% of the audience had started chatting amongst themselves.  What a shame!

Steven from Bull Horn with Myself (Abigail)

It seems that because Mr S1 Jobs hogged so much of the time, the 18 awards were rushed through quickly.  I would have loved to have seen the 3 shortlisted web sites, recruitment videos etc.  Hopefully they will publish links for us. 

Despite a few grumbles, I would like to thank S1 Jobs, where their speech was terribly boring, they did a great job of laying on a good evening with Music, a band, good food and wine.  I had an amazing night and will definitely be back for next year!

Graham Cross from Mazars with Myself (Abigail)

And the winners were………

Firstly, a huge well done to James Fleming, MD of Jimmy Red, who I am proud to say was on our table and had already impressed me with his story of building his niche recruitment company from 1 to 14 people in on year.  Jimmy Red won Best Small Recruitment Agency.  

James Fleming being 'cool' when they announced Jimmy Red won!

Also a huge well done to one of our favourite clients, EY, who swept up 2 awards - Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy and Best Graduate Recruitment Campaign. 

Gordon Smith, EY with Award

Best Large Recruitment Agency

• Reed - Winner

• First People Solutions
• FPSG
• Office Angels
• 9-20 Recruitment

Best Small Recruitment Agency

• Jimmy Red Recruitment - Winner

• Titan Global
• Total Recruitment Group
• Cathcart Associates
• Enigma People Solutions

Best Recruitment Consultant of the Year

• Alison Miller - Reed - Winner

• Alan McVey - Reed
• Kirsty Lloyd - FPSG
• Yvonne Kelly - Total Recruitment Group
• Carol Duncan - Office Angels

Best Employer Brand

• Clydesdale Bank - Winner

• NHS Scotland
• Sky
• Skyscanner
• Scottish Canals
• John Lewis
• Google

Best Recruitment Campaign

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Commendation

• Tonic Agency - BNP Paribas

Apprenticeship Award

• GAP Group Hire Solutions - Winner

• West Dunbartonshire Council Employability Service - Commendation

Best Employer Training & Development

• Mediacom Edinburgh - Winner

• Renfrewshire Council - Commendation

• Thistle Healthcare Ltd - Commendation

Best Recruitment Website

• CA3 - Avis Budget Group - Winner

• Chatter - First Group
• Havas People - Tesco
• TMP - Rental Cars

Best Recruitment Innovation

• Tonic Agency - Shell - Winner

• Havas People - Ab Inbev
• Sensée Ltd
• TMP Worldwide - Virgin Money

Best In House Team (under 1000)

• Peninsula Business Services - Winner

• Golden Charter - Commendation

• NHS Orkney - Commendation

• Sodexo Prestige Venues and Events

Best In House Team (over 1000)

• Calgary Communications - Doosan - Winner

• GAP Group Hire Solutions
• MSL Group - EY
• National Oilwell Varco

Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• Chivas Brothers
• Havas People - Deloitte

Best Recruitment Campaign Government/Public Sector

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Winner

• Scottish Canals

Best Use of Social Media as part of a Recruitment Campaign

• Andsome - Boots - Winner

• Havas People - Deloitte
• Solutions Driven

Most Effective Brand Development

• Andsome - The Original Bowling Company - Winner

• Casual Films - AB Communications
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• MSL Group - EY

Best OnBoarding Strategy

• CA3 - RBS - Winner

• Maxwell Bruce

Best Recruitment Video

• Casual Films - Sainsbury - Winner

• Casual Films - DAH University
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• QA Apprenticeships

Best HR Team of the Year

• Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa - Winner

• Scottish Canals - Commendation

• GAP Group Limited

Chairman's Award

• Jim McColl OBE

The life of Brain in London!

We recently caught up with Brian, a Canadian qualified Chartered Accountant, whom Think Global Recruitment had assisted to make his latest international move.  Brian had already moved from Canada to Bermuda and built up excellent experience of auditing and working with US, UK, International Standards and Canadian GAAP.  He had been working with Top Ten firms in both countries and he was now waiting to utilise this experience working for a larger, well known international firm and make a move to London.

After a number of interviews, Brian was offered an Assistant Manager position with Big Four Firm, EY, in London and could not be happier.  Now, having settled in an apartment in London with his wife, Vera, Brian tells us how he is getting on:

"I knew a move overseas would be excellent for my career, my CV and I was interested to see how different tasks were carried out internationally.  Originally from Canada, I first moved to Bermuda.  After a year and a half, I was ready to move again, I had grown tired of island life.  I wanted a base from which I could travel and spend weekends away.  I sought after more 'civilisation' and to experience a further, diverse team of colleagues. 

I wanted to work for a Big Four company in London as I felt this would give me the best big market exposure and so I started working with Think Global Recruitment again.  At first, I was worried that Big Four would expect me to work from 8am to 12am but having already made the move, I was prepared for a challenge.  I felt that Think Global Recruitment was my best partner to assist and support me throughout the move.

Think Global Recruitment has been specialising in international recruitment for such a long time, they know the potential pitfalls and advantages and have the professionalism along with industry knowledge to know what works best for the individual.  Their contacts are wide-spread which allows them to know about roles that the average recruitment company would not.  I feel that Think Global Recruitment guided me through every step, answered all of my questions, maintained regular phone contact and had a range of contacts and knowledge to share with me, the interview preparation was brilliant. 

I love that there are so many different cultures in my office: South African, Asian, European, it's a very socially mixed team.  I like the fact that my company are so open to suggestions and to hearing from employees, and how there are so many different ways of working.  I joined at a slow time which gave me plenty of time to settle in.

On a personal level, I felt it took a month or two for me to feel settled, my wife took a while.  I miss having a car but I know it is useless in London, it just feels strange because I come from a car culture.  People have welcomed us both and I don't feel there is a huge cultural difference between the UK and Canada.  We feel really good in London now, I feel very safe and secure here and it does not feel foreign because English is spoken and there are similarities.  Now, it feels like home.  I like the cultural mix in the office and in London in general and I enjoy the ease with which my wife and I can travel throughout Europe with a base in London.  This move has achieved everything that I had hoped for. 

My advice to anyone thinking about working overseas is very simple - do it!  And if you decide to take that big step, do so through Think Global Recruitment.  It's great for your CV, career development and it demonstrates adaptability and risk taking.  It is also excellent for self-development and allows you to learn different ways of working and living.  I absolutely believe this move has enhanced my career and it will also provide the ideal stepping stone for the next move."

Please get in touch if you would like to share your story!

Moving Abroad for Work: UAE and the Finance Industry, contributed by Emma Lathom

According to the Quality of Life Report conducted[i] by the Centre for Future Studies for Natwest, nearly 150,000 Britons are emigrating from the United Kingdom each year. Encouraged by the ease of contact with family and friends abroad via personal technology and mobile devices, many British workers are looking for work abroad, particularly in popular business locations such as the Australia and the UAE.

Popular destinations
The Quality of Life Report found that Australia and Canada[ii] were the top two destinations for British expats, with Australia coming out on top for Britons. Around 40,000 people move to Australia from the UK each year and the country now has up to 1.2 million British expats. Despite the potentially high cost of living, the sunny climate and high quality of life makes it a popular destination amongst those seeking a fresh start.

According to the report, the UAE beat the US and Hong Kong[iii], coming third on the list, with 75% of those surveyed suggesting that one of their main reasons for moving there would be career opportunities. Dave Isley, head of Natwest International Personal Banking[iv], suggests that this shift in views is one of the most notable in many years, with a large number of Britons stating that they’re willing to adjust their lifestyles in order to enjoy the stronger economy and better job opportunities available in the UAE.

The benefits of UAE
The UAE has quickly become one of the go-to destinations for British expats working within many industries. In general, the lack of tax is beneficial for any expats looking to earn a good money while avoiding outgoings. However, job growth is also causing Britons to flock to the country. According to the Monster Employment Index for the Middle East, banking, financial services and insurance[vi] sectors registered the maximum number of online job opportunities in the UAE, with a 9% grow year-on-year. This growth is only expected to increase after the UAE unveiled a new law[vii] that will aid job creation across the emirates.

The new law, which is currently being finalised, is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship using incentives as a means of creating jobs for a growing population. UAE Finance Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al-Mansouri says he believes that the law, which allocates 10% of the development bank capital to go towards helping the businesses, will come into effect within the second quarter of 2014, helping national and international workers within the financial sector to create a business of their own.
Of course, those wishing to enter the UAEs financial and accountancy sector via an already established company[viii] will also benefit from the country’s recent boost in attention[ix] from across the globe. According to Olivier Meier, senior mobility consultant at Mercer, an increasing number of foreign workers are being sent to the UAE for both short and long-term assignments due to the country’s new position as a key global economic hub.

Why Dubai?
Within the Emirates, Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations for finance and accountancy workers. The main draw for expatriates to Dubai is the zero rate of income tax, but financial workers are also attracted to the country to take advantage of its rapidly growing financial sector and the increasing job opportunities appearing as the industry booms.

This boom is partly down to the emirate’s recently unveiled plan to become the Islamic economic hub[x]. In December 2013 the Dubai government set up a new body for the financial sector, the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center. As part of Dubai’s goal, the center will provide legal and other services to companies within the Islamic banking industry, boosting growth and encouraging the emirate’s transformation into an economic hub. However, this growth is leaving a shortage of qualified workers in the sector, and so has prompted a search for talented financial professionals. 

In order to bridge this gap, many institutions and companies within the banking industry are developing strong intern programmes to provide hands-on training for younger bankers looking to gain practical experience in Dubai. Muneer Khan, a partner at law firm Simmons and Simmons Middle East[xi], has highlighted the role that international workers should play in the development of Dubai’s finance sector, suggesting that expatriate bankers are required to help globalise the Islamic economic sector.

However, Mr Khan also stresses that many Dubai banks are unwilling to hire international staff without the right experience. Managing director of the Dubai International Academic City[xii], a free zone for international university campuses in Dubai, has highlighted the importance of training and education within the Islamic economy, and argues that the emirate is working hard to help international workers enter the industry. He suggested that industry experts, government officials and leading academics are already working together to identify the skills gaps within Dubai’s finance industry and help national and international workers develop the required skills to meet the sector’s needs.

---

[i] Gulf News http://gulfnews.com/business/general/thousands-of-britons-relocate-every-year-outside-their-county-1.1328497
[ii] The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/houseprices/10803090/Is-Dubai-the-new-Spain-for-British-expatriates.html
[iii] Al Arabiya News http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/travel-and-tourism/2014/05/05/Fun-in-the-sun-British-expats-prefer-UAE-over-Europe-and-U-S-.html
[iv] Natwest International http://www.natwestinternational.com/nw/personal-banking.ashx
[v] Quotezone http://www.quotezone.co.uk/debt-help.htm
[vi] Emirates 247 http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/looking-for-uae-job-sectors-with-most-opportunities-2014-04-22-1.546572
[vii] Arab News http://www.arabnews.com/news/555126
[viii] United Arab Bank http://www.uab.ae/cms/
[ix] Gulf News http://gulfnews.com/business/general/uae-a-hot-spot-for-overseas-assignments-1.1325425
[x] The International News http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-244105-Dubai-seeks-to-become-Islamic-economic-hub
[xi] Simmons & Simmons http://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/Locations/Middle-East
[xii] Dubai International Academy City http://www.diacedu.com

To Makeover or Not Makeover?

Happy Monday all. I know many do not like Monday's because that means a whole work week in front of them. However, if that is the case I challenge them to consider changing jobs.... Radical? Well you are in work more of your waking hours than anywhere else and if you do not enjoy those hours then you should vote with your feet. Stop! Do not rush out there and hand your notice in though. Wait will you have something else to go to. It is important not to have gaps in employment dates on your cv (resume). Believe me the amount of accountants we have seen get rejected for gaps on cvs is extremely high.

There are heaps more jobs on the market now then over the last 18 months, so if you are considering a move and felt there was nothing to go to before, take a look now. If you are an accountant our web site has some very interesting and varied roles. We specialise in moving accountants around the globe. Why not consider an overseas move? After the tough times we have had in the UK over the last couple of years, maybe its time for a clean slate... or a Make Over?

Who else will be considering a make over? Well the top CA firms seem to have been giving it a go, recently PricewaterhouseCoopers have made the much anticipated change to pwc. Causing a little confusion as to if they are now 'pwc' or 'PwC'. Their logo seems to indicate 'pwc', but the media article on their sight indicates PwC, then why change their PwC logo other than to take off 'PricewaterhouseCoopers'? BDO also seem to be dropping off the various other names they have historically had to simply be BDO. This seems a good move to me. Rumour has it Ernst & Young will be next for the make over.

The question is, why spend such a large budget on a change, just as everyone is tight for money and coming out of a recession? Maybe that is just it. The firms have made a lot of change, redundancies, cut backs etc to survive this period and maybe feel they need a fresh image to forget the past.

Any comments on why companies change their brand? The pro's and the con's of doing so? ....