GARVAN CERASI has been forced to transform his role within his recruitment business as the industry has taken a “hammering” during the recession.

The Logiskills Group, a supply-chain recruitment specialist, was set up by Cerasi and his wife, Mairead, in 2004.

Cerasi says the pair have had to step away from their former management roles to become the firm’s principal recruiters after staff numbers were cut from nine to two.

Last year staff that resigned were not replaced and one employee was made redundant in January.

“I am really enjoying where I am at the moment because I am back where I was when we started the business. Rather than managing, I am recruiting.

“I am sleeping a bit easier than last year when I had more staff and higher rents. The whole thing about our business is no matter what section you are in it has taken an absolute hammering.”

In May, the firm’s offices were relocated from Balbriggan in Co Dublin to Howth, Co Dublin, near the Cerasis’ home, which cut rental costs by 40 per cent.

“That was a lifestyle and cost-reduction exercise. We had to look at every cost from the stationery we were buying to our telephone and internet costs. We now send invoice statements by e-mail and not mail.”

Although revenue fell 50 per cent in 2008 he expects to make a profit this year.

“We have done more business in May and June than we have done all year. We have seen a significant increase in demand,” he says.

“We are in a far healthier state than last year because our costs are completely controlled.”

Cerasi says demand for senior management and sales executive roles is still strong.

“It is very hard to find new business so we are maintaining the clients we have worked with over the last five years.”

– Renee Jones

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