Growth will be gradual

Times are getting better
in the freight recruitment
market, according to Kim
Botti, director of Lee Botti
& Associates in Gauteng,
but there are still some
remaining signs of last
year’s trade crisis.
“This last year has been
difficult for many of our
clients,” she told FTW, “and
regrettably we have not seen
the last of the retrenchments
taking place.
“The impact of the
recession, along with an
international crisis with the
volcanic ash cloud and the
effects of the SA strikes,
have had an impact on the
industry.”
This has led many of the
company’s clients to display
caution in recruiting.
“But there has been an
increase in terms of volumes
for our clients,” Botti
added, “placing pressure on
existing staff. This, in turn,
has resulted in a need for
further recruitment – both
on a contractual basis or
permanent.”
Lee Botti & Associates
figures showed that there
had certainly been an
upturn in the number of
vacancies in the past few
months compared to this
time last year. They also
indicated that these were
predominantly operational
roles, which according to
Botti require skilled staff
able to jump into a position
without any training.
“There are not the
resources available for many
companies to spend on
training,” she added. “And
– as many are still keeping
a close eye on costs – the
need for experienced staff is
important.”
The need for sales staff
is still apparent – but now
with demand for a proven
background in the industry.
On the management side,
opportunities are limited.
Although there is
increased positivity all
round in comparison to
earlier this year, Botti felt
that the indicators predicted
that this growth would be
gradual.