Dave’s Story: Conquering the fear of the unknown!

Think Global Recruitment helped David make the move from Zimbabwe to Perth, Australia in 2007 where he still lives today managing his own accountancy business. We recently caught up with him to find out about his experience and any advice he would offer to others.

How did you feel before the move?

 “At that stage it was really just a fear of the unknown. I’d never lived away from home so I didn’t know how it would turn out. I had it in my head that I was just going to make the move overseas and see how it goes. I knew that it was going to be unchartered territory”.

How long did it take to settle in?

“It took six months to a year to really settle in. You find yourself calling home frequently at the start. You then get to experience the new culture, new people and meet new friends.”

With multicultural societies like Perth you have such a vast range of nationalities. There is such an acceptance of cultures that makes it very easy to fit in quickly”.

So with so many cities in Australia why from why did you choose to settle in Perth?

“I’ve been to visit other places like Sydney and Melbourne but I’ve found that those cities are too busy for me.  I really enjoy the lifestyle here and have built up a good client base for my business."

And what about the professional experience?
 

 “Having had previous Big Four experience it was building upon what I had learnt already. I was working with clients in oil and gas, the work was demanding but it did meet expectations. The professional ethics on the work side lived up to expectations”.

And the biggest benefit?
 

“Career progression- The sky is the limit depending on what someone wants to do. If someone wants to start their own business in the future, it would be really worth doing!

Even if somebody wanted to go into commerce, the companies here are bigger and you can get exposure to their main head offices”.

Advice to other accountants think of making the move?

 "If someone isn’t sure, give it six months and see how it goes. If it doesn’t work there’s no harm in trying, it’s definitely worth it. I would really encourage people to go out there and see how they get on”.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you ?

 

“A mate of mine gave me your contact details and when I called up the lady she asked me which country I want to go to, I said, 'Australia, then Canada and maybe the US'. A few days later she comes back and says ‘I’ve got an opportunity for a Big Four firm in Australia, and then she talked me through the process. She was really good and when I got the job she helped with the onboarding process.  Even a few months later she called up just to check how I was doing and sent me a Think Global souvenir”.
 

What would you say are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

“The guidance that you give, the preparation…you would ring up before the interview, after the interview, finding out how it has gone and following up with it with the employer as well.
Highly recommended.”

 

It's fantastic for us hearing people's stories after we have worked with them. From all of us at Think Global Recruitment would wish like to wish Dave and his family the very best for the future!

If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

 

 

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.

Jordan's Story: From a hectic life in Chicago to a happy life in the Netherlands!

 

Last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Jordan in securing a role in the Netherlands with a Big Four Firm which he says has offered him offer endless opportunities ever since.

We recently got in touch with him to tell us more about his new life.

Jordan began his career in Chicago, USA but now lives and works in the sunny Netherlands as an Audit Senior, living in the multicultural capital Amsterdam and making the daily commute to his job in Zwolle.

 

"I was driven by the opportunity for international exposure, especially with the Big 4 in Europe. I wanted a better work life/balance than I had in Chicago and wanted the challenge of working in a new continent."

At first Jordan felt concerned about how his wife would feel in their new home and how long it would take for both of them to settle in, these fears quickly dissipated by the warm welcome they received when they moved in.

 “Once my wife arrived, everything fell into place. I’m really enjoying life in Europe and I think everyone should make the move. My firm is fantastic, I am busy but feel motivated and happy in my new role. I feel like the move is all I could of hoped for.”

Life in Holland

Jordan is making use of Holland’s central location by taking advantage of the travel opportunities having spent the New Year in Italy and visiting other cities that are near to his home in Amsterdam. With a notably improved work/life balance, this has freed him up to make the most of his surroundings in central Europe, and is enjoying his new sunnier climate.

So what does Jordan think about the people in his new found continent?

 "Europe feels much more culturally diverse than the USA. People are much more tolerant and welcoming here". 

 

 

Working overseas

 

“I have advised all of my colleagues and work mates in Chicago to spend time working abroad as it improves their CVs and they can grow as people. Learning new methodologies and ways of working are just some of the advantages gained from an international move as well as exposure to different cultures and languages."

 

 

 

Our Service

“My consultant really listened to me and my wishes. He understood what I was looking for in my international move and really guided me through the process. He gave me lots of time and information so that I could make an informed decision. Think Global Recruitment gave me honest advice, helpful interview preparation and an impressive list of potential roles. Clearly you have well-connected consultants with lots of industry knowledge.

This move definitely helped to enhance my career, allowing for the opportunity for me demonstrate my adaptability and willingness to challenge myself."

We wish Jordan and his wife all the best with their new life in the Netherlands!


If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

Taking the biggest step - the story of my international experience and why you should do it too!

Desde Edimburgo hasta Madrid - my journey to the land of sangria, paella and Salsa!

Making the decision to spend an extended period of time away from home is never easy - there's a lot to consider! Things such as, 'What if I can't adapt to the culture?', 'What if I don't like living there but I can't go home?' and 'What if I don't make any friends?' were some of my main worries when I was moving abroad. 

I was born and raised in a small village in Fife called Auchtermuchty, home to the Proclaimers (the twins that brought you that infamous chant about walking 500 miles and then 500 more just to be the man who... you know the one!) and a place where nothing exciting ever happens! I spent the majority of my childhood running muddy-wellied across fields and through forests, and if you'd told me then what I'd have done by the time I was 22, I'd probably have laughed you right out of town!

I moved to The Big City when I was 18 to come to study at Heriot Watt University. Even though it was only an hours' drive across the Firth of Forth, it was still a big deal. I'd never lived away from home before and I was so used to being a country bumpkin that the thought of living in such a bustling and busy city liked Edinburgh really scared me!

I had chosen to study Spanish Translation, which meant that during my third year I was going to be living abroad as part of the ERASMUS programme - which, if you haven't heard of it, is an EU exchange programme which allows thousands of students from across the EU to study abroad for an academic year! 

When the time came for me to choose where I wanted to go, I decided to choose Madrid. I'd done my research, spoken to other students who'd previously gone there and realised that it was the best choice for me. The city offered me everything I needed - culture, restaurants & bars, entertainment and a buzzing nightlife, as well as quick transport routes to the university and an airport with direct flights across Europe for travelling at weekends and during holidays!

I decided that before I moved there, I should probably go across for a weekend mini-break and scope it out beforehand. So in April 2014, I went to Madrid for the first time. My emotions were flying - would I like it? Could I see myself living there? Was it going to be everything I was hoping for?

The answer to those questions? YES! The moment I stepped out of the metro station in Puerta del Sol, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be. The architecture was beautiful, the sun was shining and there was even a Mariachi band playing nearby (which I later learned are there almost every night!). During my first trip to Madrid I did all the tourist routes from the Royal Palace, along Gran Vía and down to Retiro park, as well as looking at a couple of apartments. I even visited my future university to check it out and see if I'd like it!

When September 2014 rolled around and the time had come for me to make my permanent move to Madrid, I was so excited even though I was terrified at the same time! I didn't have a place to stay, I hadn't worked out my university timetable and even worse - I was flying solo! Saying goodbye to my family and friends was really difficult, but they were so supportive and reminded me that it was only for a year! 

I remember when I walked off the plane and the 30 degree heat hit me like a brick wall. I had 2 suitcases weighing what felt like 50 tons between them, as well as a backpack with dodgy straps... and only my 2 wee hands to carry it all! I got a taxi to my hotel, and then flopped down on my bed.

For the next few days I met up with the other girls that were doing ERASMUS in Madrid with me, and we found a flat very close to the city centre and 10 minutes walk from our metro stop to uni. Our landlady was lovely and she helped us with every question we had - big or small! I sorted out my SIM card and figured out how to pay my bills. It all seemed very surreal, and I was still figuring out how I felt about it! But all I needed to do when I was worried or scared was pick up the phone and call home - and all my worries melted away!

Uni was great - I met lots of lovely people, and made lifelong friends. I learned a lot and my Spanish improved tenfold. I began to realise that I was loving living abroad, and Madrid began to become a second home to me. A few months after I'd moved there, I was speaking to my Mum on Skype, and she told me that she'd never seen me looking so healthy and happy. Since moving to Madrid I'd forgotten all about my initial worries, and I'd settled into my life there. 

I've been back from Madrid for over a year now, and I really miss the life I had there and everything about it! Thinking about my experience in Madrid just makes me want to travel more, and it's opened up my eyes to what living abroad can be like! There's really nothing like it! Madrid became a second home to me, and leaving there in June 2015 was far more difficult than it was to move there in the first place.

The experience of living in Madrid gave me so much. I learned how to adapt to a completely new culture; I made lifelong friends and improved my language skills; I became more independent and achieved something I never thought I could... And most importantly, I learned that even though it might seem like the most daunting thing ever to up-sticks and move to another country where they don't speak your language and don't have the same culture as you, it's really not the end of the world! You learn to live with the things you miss, and you learn to adapt and change to deal with your new surroundings. Your family and friends are always just a phone call away, and sometimes they'll even visit you! After a while, you forget why you were scared in the first place, and you start to wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

If you asked me if I'd ever do it again, the answer would be YES! And if you asked me if I'd recommend living abroad, I'd ask you why you've never done it before! 

So, if you've ever thought about making an international move but are worried about the implications, or if you just want to find out more about what opportunities are waiting for you, please get in touch and let me know! I specialise in working with professionals who want to gain more experience and improve their lives by making an international move, and you'd be amazed to find out just how many fantastic opportunities are available to you! The hardest part is making the first step, but with the right support behind you and the right opportunity, then you too could be heading off to start your new life abroad

Worry is only temporary, but the experiences you have and the memories you make will last forever.

 

Think Global Recruitment’s Summer Olympics 2016!

Team building days are never fun? Well they are when Think Global Recruitment does them!

On Friday we set off in our minibus towards an unknown location, a secret brilliantly kept for a number of months by Abigail & Katie. We arrived in our location at 10am…the Peebles Hydro Hotel! An impressive country house hotel situated amongst the breath-taking views of the Peebles countryside.

 

Our day started with a recap of the year, congratulating our team on their achievements and mapping out our goals for Year 17. We discussed our exciting new upcoming projects which including our new website, CRM and phone systems.

Then it was time for lunch, where Think Global Recruitment did not fail to impress. A barbeque buffet was arranged for the team including a mouth-watering mix of meats and salads. We were also spoilt for desert which included Pavlova & cheesecake. After leaving the dining room with heavy stomachs we continued back into our room where the real surprise awaited.

An instructor informed us of the afternoon’s activities, Think Global Recruitment’s very own Olympics! Teams were set out- senior staff vs the rest of the Think Global Recruitment office.  

Outside it was raining but that didn’t stop the team. First up, bubble football! Both teams went at it bouncing off each other and falling to the ground. The senior staff took the points with three goals to nil, leaving them with the first round victory. Then there was the Bubble Off between Peter and Kevin, with neither able to knock the other over until they both collided, falling over after a double charging run.

Next up, archery & shooting. Both sides we’re determined to win with the rest of the office buoyant by the fact they had a former marksman in their team. After a few John Wayne-esque shoot offs and rather dubious arrow shots, the teams went back inside with the scores tallied for revealing later on.

Back in the hotel our percussion skills were once again put to the test with several rounds of laser quest. Various group tactics included illegal use of hands covering the head strap, shooting from behind curtains on the stage (out of bounds) and hiding a person under a person under a piece of blow up apparatus, all of which were adopted by the senior team. The rest of the office valiantly fought back to secure an overall win, leaving the scores level.

Back in the room the Olympics medal announcement was made…a victory for the senior team! Celebrations were had as the team collected their bottles of champers & Scotch whisky and everyone joined together for a drink afterwards in the lobby. Then it was time to head back to town where the team stayed out in typical fashion.

 

Another memorable team building day with Think Global Recruitment, geared up and ready for the new company year that lies ahead!

 

 If you would like to apply for a role at Think Global Recruitment please send your CV to pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

Don's Story: Old MacDonald has a farm- one man's life-changing move to Zambia

 

Don MacDonald, a man we assisted to move over 15 years ago, initially set out to live and work in Zambia on a two year contract, but after six months of living and working in Lusaka, his family decided that they were enjoying it so much that they wanted to stay. Recently we caught up with him to see how he has been getting on. Don thanks our Managing Director, Abigail, and Think Global Recruitment, (who he jokes are entirely to blame!). He says his experience exceeded his expectations far more than he could ever have expected.  He has lived in Lusaka ever since, working and running his charity 'Old MacDonald’s Farm'  with his wife Christine. 

So how exactly did Don discover the opportunity to work in Zambia?

“I was working in the Scottish government’s finance department when I came across a Think Global Recruitment advert for opportunities in Africa that would end up changing my life forever"

“During my lunch hour one day I rang up Abigail. In a quick turnaround between meeting Abigail at Christmas and by the first week of January, I had  been offered an interview in London with Deloitte where was offered a role in Lusaka”.

What is Don doing now?

Don is now working as the Managing Director of the airline service company, Zega Limited. Before working for Zega he discovered first hand just how many opportunities there are whilst working abroad.

“About eighteen months into my two year contract I was doing an insolvency review on Zambian Airways and found it had some problems. Three months later the chairman of the airline joked with me and said 'why don’t you try running it?' and that’s how I became the chief executive of a national airline!”

 

 Don grew the airline over the next four years, turning it around from making a loss to making a profit, which was a particular standout moment in his fascinating career.

“Having visited and being exposed to Africa before allowed us to settle in pretty quickly, especially due to it being an English speaking country with a lot of English people”. Don had no concerns before making his international move. “Everything that you might need could be found in the capital city and with great international schools for both of my daughters we had no problems”.

So what does Don think are the advantages of moving overseas?

“The opportunity to advance your career quickly. Within a short space of time, I became the CEO of an airline and you can move faster up the ladder than back home. And of course, the weather is so much better over here”.

What advice would Don give to accountants that are thinking about working overseas?

“Go for it! I’m glad every day I did it. You only live once and it is definitely worth going for. There are huge benefits to the experience and it's important to remember you don't have to commit life where ever you go."

During his fifteen years in Zambia, Don and his wife looked to give back to the community which embraced them so warmly, which is when they decided to start up Old MacDonald's Farm.

Old MacDonald’s Farm

 

One day back in 2001, Don and Christine began helping street kids, inviting them in every Sunday for a shower, a home cooked meal and to get some clean clothes. Noticing that there we so many street kids in the local community, they felt something needed to be done to help. Little did they know that their family would extend when an ill young boy became a permanent part of their family and soon enrolled in the nearby school. Old MacDonald’s Farm was born and has since combined several projects on the same site, allowing the opportunity to house more kids in Old MacDonald’s Children’s Home; educating them on lots of matters from conservation farming methods to providing schooling from the on-site school. Over the years their family has been growing and growing with the addition of more young boys staying with them and at one point they had 40 extra children!

After listening to Don's story it's hard not to be impressed by all that he has achieved. All of us here at Think Global Recruitment would like to wish him the very best for future and that the next 15 years are just as interesting!

 If you would like to find out more about the work of Old MacDonald’s Farm you can visit their website here: http://www.omfzambia.com

 

Charity Horse Racing Night- How much did we raise?

Now we’ve all had a week to recover and count the pennies it’s time to make the big reveal…

 

BUT before that we would like to thank all those that came along or donated to this event. Asides from a few technical hiccups we could not have hoped for a better night.
 

MC Cramond did brilliantly as our very own John McCririck, the two bearded men on the tables ensured you could place all your bets and Reece did a fantastic job acting as our charity bouncer and raffle ticket dispenser.

A massive thanks to the businesses that supported this event including CloudCover, Kumo Ink, Lemon Squeezy Driving School, fatBuzz and Edinburgh Copyshop for sponsoring our horses and to all those many other businesses that donated raffle prizes. A special congratulations goes to the lucky individual who won the impromptu auction of our Payatas FC football shirt!

So here it is folks the magic number from the night- of which all proceeds will be going directly to our two charities Marie Curie & Fairplay for All…

...£1025!

Thank you everyone once again for all your support, we hope a good night was had by all and look forward to seeing you again soon at the next event!