Winning awards for doing just that, of course!
It’s fair to say that the 9-2-3 team are dedicated to the flexible working cause, and we take an awful lot of pride in doing flexible recruitment brilliantly. This year we’re honoured to have achieved both local and national recognition for our work.
Founder and Director, Helen Wright launched 9-2-3 back in 2015, from humble beginnings at her kitchen table. Helen was determined to disrupt the recruitment industry, and to challenge the 9-5 convention that was holding back so many talented professionals.
Four and half years on, our trophy cabinet is starting to look rather impressive. It takes courage to start from scratch in an industry that is unfamiliar, and rather ruthless! Each time we place an intelligent, experienced candidate into a brilliant new flexible role; and whenever a new client comes to us ready to embrace flexible working, we’re convinced that gamble was worth it.
We kicked off the awards season in style, being named Best Small Business at the Cherwell Business Awards 2019. The fabulous judges at High Spec Composites had a competitive category on their hands, and we were up against some very worthy competition - which made our win even sweeter! We feel very lucky to be part of such a thriving, innovative and welcoming local business community.
In May, we were commended at a national level in the Working Families Best Practice Awards, as a finalist in their Best Small Employer category. This meant so much to us all. Working at 9-2-3 is truly unique – in the best way possible! The business is built upon trust, empowerment and flexibility (with some fun thrown in, too). We’re all trusted to deliver what’s needed within the hours that suit us (and our families – we’re all mums here), and everyone is offered part time and/or flexible hours at the point of hire. For 9-2-3, this approach is a common-sense way of maximising our potential. In contrast, for the recruitment industry, known for its aggressive, hard-sell approach, we’re trail-blazing! Many of us had career breaks before joining 9-2-3 and have been supported every step of the way. We play to each other’s strengths by utilising the breadth and depth of experience that each individual can offer. It makes us a formidable team! And, because we all work flexibly there’s time for the odd triathlon, half-marathon, or 100k bike ride… leaving us focused and raring to go!
Helen shone brightly in the Institute of Directors awards and was announced as Director of the Year finalist in the Start Up category (London/the South). She was whittled down from thousands of entries, and the competition was tough, from a range of industries. Reaching the final in such prestigious awards was a valuable stamp of approval.
Lastly, in September Helen once again was shortlisted at a local level for her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, as a Business Woman of the Year finalist in the Banbury Women in Business Awards. The category was open to women working at any level with an organisation of more than 5 employees, who had ‘gone beyond the call of duty the benefit their organisation through their efforts’. This describes Helen to a T and was another proud moment for 9-2-3!
We know that 2019 hasn’t always been an easy year for many businesses across the UK – which makes all these accolades extra special. Businesses are having to work harder than ever to succeed, and achieving so much recognition this year is something to be proud of.
We can’t wait to see what 2020 brings!