Market Commentary by Brian Briscoe

What an interesting year 2011 has been from a WA perspective. The talk of "two speed" is ever–present and holds true on so many levels; Europe hanging on to its economic life by a string while Australia seems solid; the Eastern states of Australia doing it tough while the resource states see a bright future; West Australians either very busy (if linked to resources / energy) or concerned about being left behind. Hopefully, as much as is pragmatically possible, 2012 won’t see a widening of the “Have’s” and “Have Not’s” and the volatility in business confidence will settle somewhat. Below are a few industry / statistical observations:

Seek Employment Index has reported Western Australia seeing a job ad growth of 9.4% for July and August pass the previous peak seen pre-GFC; a healthy indicator that we are continuing to benefit from growth in the mining and resources sector. 

Project Demand

Western Australia continues to align its reputation as a global player in the minerals and energy sectors with the current value of major resources and industrial projects, both committed or under active consideration in Western Australia, at more than $170 billion.  This will continue to strengthen as companies invest in growing the industry even further.

It has been forecast that the annual investment is forecast to rise to A$62 billion in 2013 to 2014.  Local businesses are benefiting from Western Australia’s relative isolation in competing for contracts and leading global companies are also finding it attractive to locate operations or establish partnerships in Western Australia.  As a result of the developing mining technology and services sector a study by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resources Economics and Science identified that Western Australia holds almost a third of the national total with 320 companies located in the state.

Western Australia saw a growth in population partly driven by the increases in net overseas migration of 90.5%. Australia received a net inflow of 57,834 migrants from overseas during the quarter.

Unemployment

Nationally, Australia's unemployment rate has been reported to have increased to 5.2% in September 2011. Western Australia’s unemployment rate is reported to have decreased over three months between August to October to 4.2%.

We have experienced our fastest growing year in 2011 – doubling the size of our team on account of a marked increase in international recruitment campaigns for clients, our contracting business division’s dramatic growth and specific search projects for our clients. Thank you for supporting us to achieve this.

We are especially pleased that Colin Giles has joined the team in a Senior Consultant capacity.  Colin has spent the last 15 years working internationally across the Hydrocarbon industry specialising in LNG, Oil and Gas, FLNG, Subsea and the associated Oil industry.  Colin’s experience in Hydrocarbons is extensive.  He moved to Qatar to gain “hands on” experience with one of the world’s largest Oil and Gas and LNG producers, working within Qatar Petroleum’s special projects team delivering senior hires into a number of specialist business units. Colin has also delivered Hydrocarbons solutions in Dubai and Jordan providing resourcing excellence in renewable energy and large scale construction mega developments.

Colin’s passion away from work is soccer – Colin is an ex professional footballer who still tries to convince himself that he can do a few minutes on the pitch! (He played under George Graham of Arsenal for those that remember him!)A word from Colin: “I am delighted to join Briscoe’s team and find their cultural environment, passion and recruitment model are of very high standards and a breath of fresh air into our industry. My passion in work is delivery and devising methods of innovative recruitment solutions, helping clients achieve their hiring aims whilst giving clients and candidates an unrivalled personal and professional experience."

We also welcome back Senior Consultant, Rose Voce, one of Briscoe’s original team members back from maternity leave.  Clients that Rose dealt with previously have experienced her finesse in providing outstanding service in client assignments and candidate care; Rose was the first ever employee of Briscoe Search who knows the company well!  

To support Rose we appointed Zollie Hannah in September 2011.  Appointed in a Consultant role, Zollie aims to utilise her strong customer service, marketing, administration and sales ability to deliver a high quality, personable service to our clients and candidates alike.

Earlier this year, Briscoe Contracting appointed Consultant Clint Carlson to service our Contracting clients and staff. Clint has recruited for a variety of EPCM and Construction companies gaining experience with a wide variety of technical roles.  Coupled with skills acquired whilst working as a Systems Analyst in the IT industry, Clint has a good understanding of not only the technical requirements of a particular role, but also how the role fits into an organisation and how the right person can make all the difference.

To further strengthen our Consulting team we have recruited Emma Sheehan who has left the land of the long white cloud (New Zealand) to relocate to Perth.  Emma has a very down to earth, yet focused and professional disposition and will utilise her strong communication and administration skills in liaising with both clients and candidates.

Kristina Crichton commenced as our frontline Receptionist in October.  Kristina’s responsibility is to welcome all clients and candidates whether by telephone or on a face to face basis.

For full profiles of our Team   <<Visit our Website Here>>