June Interim News Bulletin

As the first half of 2010 draws to a close the market has remained remarkably challenging for the Interim Management community. Some of our highest grade Interim Managers report a dearth of interest, delayed or postponed decision making and 'window shopping' interviews when the intention is to deploy internal staff to a project. Our sector has benefitted from the public sector's use of our expertise but now, post-election, it is uncertain as to whether we truly face an opportunity or a bigger challenge. We know your skills are a vital resource for cutting waste and streamlining efficiency – but the 'cut the consultants' mentality infects the Interim Management community too.

Our international assignments continue to be a vital part of our business base, meanwhile we have been working harder and smarter to spot niche opportunities at home for your skills..

From client conversations, we believe the use of mediators and arbitrators will grow as law firms remain so expensive – both in workplace and commercial dispute areas. We believe this is a niche area where many of you have relevant experience – some of you we have spoken to already and you are professionally qualified and/or have hours of 'coal-face' experience.

If you are not yet qualified or accredited, we suggest you join the Civil Mediation Council – there is a download of their application form for membership here.

It is not an onerous process and will add an extra string to your bow for assignment opportunities. Do let me know if you decide to do this as it is an extra skill set we would like to make a note of for future opportunities.

If you do already hold a mediation or arbitration qualification or accreditation, or know people who do, (or even if you are an unqualified but experienced mediator) please ensure you or they contact Martin Borland who is collating our talent capability in this area. mb@brookexec.com

The Executive Search market is also tough – you only have to look at the Sunday Times Appointments section to understand how few jobs are around. We have reliable reports of senior executives taking 30% pay cuts to get back into the job market and that's a stretch for many household budgets.

Meanwhile I am in Australia where at 5% unemployment they now have what economists call 'full employment' – there are 600,000 unemployed but without the skill set to meet the vacancies. Australia needs 170,000 health workers; the Northern Territories are crying out for Police Officers and staff; Queensland has implemented a SAP system so badly that 60,000 health workers are not getting paid properly – and Brooklands is here trying to open opportunities for you in foreign markets since, frankly, this is a great place to come and do an assignment for 6 months.

So when we say 'we go to the ends of the earth to find you assignments' – we mean it.

Yours sincerely,

David Jensen
Chairman - Brooklands Executives Limited

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