CML Offshore Recruitment

Update on Passport2Success Programme

Admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Recently Catherine blogged about the Passport2Success programme launched by the Ministry of Education and the Wellness Centre and sponsored by CML. The initiative is an 11 week training programme based at ICCI and is scheduled to run four times a year. The programme aims to improve skills and provide practical training for those wishing to improve on their literacy, communication, problem solving and team work skills and help them find work and succeed in their positions. Participants will learn in classrooms, workshops, through work experience, community service and extra-curricular activities.

The first Passport2Success programme was held on the 12^th of April and we now have an update on the success of the programme.

22 students enrolled on the first course and to date 10 of those have now found work in firms such as Butterfield and Lime. Offers have been made by the Water Authority, Fabrizone Cleaning Systems, Kirk Freeport, Phoenix Construction and Cayman Business Machines. Hon. Rolston Anglin, JP, Minister of Education, Training and Employment said that the participants ‘did terrific work, demonstrated the value of hard work and team effort, and have pointed the way to the future success of the Passport programme.’ Other candidates have been interviewed and are awaiting news.

Michelle Johnson, winner of the programme’s Most Improved Overall award reflected on the course by saying ‘I learned that to change myself I first had to know what I wanted to accomplish in life.growing up, I had few struggles, no bills to pay and no stress. My attitude was that I didn’t care because I already knew it all. When I was accepted for the programme, I had a chance to make a change for myself -- and for other young Caymanians. Now I have realised that everything is up to me, and that if I don’t put in 100 percent, I have no one to blame but myself. My past does not define my future. I have to work for what I want.’

Each participant on the course receives a ‘passport’ with stamps being earned for successful completion of different sections of the programme. Potential employers can then see which areas the candidate is particularly skilled in. The programme was born from research done by the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment which revealed that many high school graduates were not meeting the standards required in areas such as literacy, communication and team work.

If you are interested in taking part in the next Passport2Success programme please email the Wellness Centre for an application form info@wellnesscentre.ky or call 949-9355. Forms are also available on the website www.passport2success.ky

Success for young Caymanian placed by CML

Admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Conghaile, Fund Account Manager, UBS; Gustavo Farrell, Junior Fund Accountant, UBS; Isy Obi, VP Finance & Accounting; Phil Jackson, Associate Director, Human Resources at UBS Fund Services

This is one of those placements that characterizes the ‘feel-good’ factor of this job. Gustavo Farrell, a bright young Caymanian, came to one of our Coffee, Cake & Careers evenings last year and spoke with consultant Isy Obi. Gustavo had been looking for an accounting position to supplement his studies at UCCI for his CPA, and was willing to try any avenue to secure his dream of becoming an Accountant.

On this particular night, UBS Associate Director, Human Resources, Phil Jackson was our special guest, so Isy was able to use this opportunity to introduce Gustavo to Mr. Jackson. From this event, a dominoe-effect began for Gustavo’s career as he had a formal interview with UBS shortly after, which resulted in the offer of an internship in their Fund of Funds department.

Taking on an internship isn’t easy. The pay isn’t great, and you are in a training position, so you can be moved around to different areas. Being an intern also doesn’t require the company to keep you on afterwards– you have to work hard to prove that you will be a valuable team member. During the past 6 months, Gustavo and Isy have been in constant contact, with Isy providing career advice and encouragement.

And all of it has paid off! The entire CML team congratulates Gustavo on landing his new job as Junior Fund Accountant at UBS. We wish you all the best.

How has the Global Economy affected Employment Offshore? How much are you worth?

Admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Chris Turrell, IT, Accounting and Financial Services Recruitment Consultant at CML Offshore Recruitment recently wrote about the upcoming CML Offshore Recruitment Offshore Salary Survey on the Cayman Islands&Offshore Business Forum on Linked In. For the benefit of those who are not a member of this group (and you should be!), here is the article.

At CML Offshore Recruitment, we’re currently compiling the most comprehensive Offshore Salary Survey and Market Update to date.

We’re hoping this adds value and is of interest and relevance to you; Employers, Job Seekers and Business Stakeholders.

Firstly, we aim to demonstrate how salaries over the past 12 – 24 months have been affected as the economic downturn continued to bite.

Secondly, we hope to show you, in line with our observations, how the green shoots of recovery are slowly but surely beginning to sprout. Are you feeling more or less confident about your job search / security at present as opposed to 6 and 12 months ago?

Thirdly, Employers; we intend to get a better understanding of business needs for the next 6 months and into 2011. We hope to be able to advise when it comes to relevant candidates actively and passively looking for new opportunities – Where should you be looking? Who should you be looking for? How much should you be paying? CML will be able to use information gathered and collate it into easy to understand results. Furthermore we will be able to assist from start to finish for the entire recruitment process; from candidate vetting to contract exchange.

Fourthly, Candidates; we intend to get a better understanding of how the market has been affected for job seekers over the past 6 months, but more importantly how you feel about your career prospects and aspirations in the short, mid and long term futures. How have the jobs that you’re doing at the moment and looking to do moving forwards changed? How have your salaries been affected currently and how have expectations been altered as a result? Where are you now looking to work? CML will be able to use information collected to help manage expectations and find the most suitable, attractive opportunity for you.

In order to gain as comprehensive set of results as possible, we would appreciate assistance from you. If you could communicate;

Employers; how your resourcing needs have been affected over the past 12 months. How you feel they are going to change over the next 6 – 12 months. If you have hired similar positions over the past year how have you found the process? Is the market saturated with candidates or have you found that the ‘A’ candidate is harder to find and subsequently attract? Have the salaries offered to new hires been affected at all? How have bonuses been affected within your organization?

Candidates; how have your salary expectations been affected? Have you had to amend the types of positions sought after? How has your job security changed?

I understand that this information can be sensitive, feel free to communicate privately.

We hope to be able to provide a comprehensive report that will assist with your Recruiting Needs, your Job Search and show that the confidence really is returning to Offshore jurisdictions.

By Chris Turrell, IT, Accounting and Financial Services Recruitment Consultant at CML Offshore Recruitment

CML Rewards for Successful Candidate Referrals

Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At CML we are all about giving back.

We also understand the power of the word of mouth and personal introductions. For instance, if it hadn’t been for an introduction in 1971 by a mutual friend, Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak may never have met and Apple may never have come into being.

While we do try to be PC most of the time (sorry), CML aren’t too unlike Apple. We like to think we are the cool kids in town, up to date with the latest trends (if not setting them) and, like Apple computers and unlike our competition, we start working for you as soon as you make contact.

Even though we’re pretty friendly and won’t embarrass you at dinner parties, we understand you may still be a little hesitant to let us into your group of friends. Just in case attentive, professional service and results aren’t enough, we thought we’d throw a freebie into the mix, to get you eager to recommend CML to your friends.

If you know of a friend or colleague who, like you, is thinking of upgrading their lifestyle and downgrading their tax bill, why not refer them to us? We are always looking for good accounting, legal and administrative candidates for permanent and temporary assignments in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Hong Kong and beyond. After all, more than 50% of our placed candidates were referred by another satisfied candidate.

If we successfully place your acquaintance with one of our clients you will receive an Apple gift on us. If you refer an accounting or IT candidate you could receive a spanking new Apple iPad. For referrals of successfully placed lawyers or executive level financial services staff you could receive a shiny Apple MacBook laptop. And for referrals of successfully placed administration candidates you could qualify for an iPod shuffle, nano or touch (see below terms and conditions for details).

So if you know who the next big thing in accounting, legal, IT or administration is, introduce them to us and we may be able to send a little something your way.

To refer someone, just ask your friend to email their CV/resume to any CML Recruitment Consultant and note in their email that you referred them. We’ll take it from there.

Terms and Conditions

Should a person (“the referrer”) refer a candidate (“the referee”) to CML and should the referee subsequently be placed by CML, CML will present the referrer with a referral gift subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. The candidate must be a candidate that is not already registered with CML.

2. At the time of registration of the candidate with CML, CML must be made aware in writing by the candidate or the referrer that that the candidate has been referred to CML by the referrer.

3. The candidate must start the job that CML have placed them into within 12 months of the candidate registering with CML as a result of the referral.

4. The referrer only becomes eligible for a gift once the candidate has served at least 3 months’ employment in the job that CML has placed them into.

5. The nature of the gift will be determined according to the size of the fee charged by CML for the placement of the candidate. CML will not be obligated to disclose to the referrer the details of the fee or other terms of the placement.

6. Referrers may opt to receive a commensurate cash equivalent which may be offered by CML at their sole discretion.

7. Apple, iPod, iPad, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod touch and MacBook are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Get Job Market Updates with CML’s E-zine

Admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Friday 30^th April marks the long awaited launch of our new E-zine at CML Offshore Recruitment. There have been sporadic attempts to lift this project off the ground in the past but this time it’s going to stick!

Each week the E-zine will be sent to a different group of candidates or clients, providing information and market updates in their specific fields. The E-zine will provide links to our website and showcase the week’s Hot Jobs which candidates can easily click on to apply or find out more information.

We hope the E-zine will provide candidates and clients alike with easier access to the industry specific experience and knowledge CML’s consultants have, as well as new vacancies and company updates and events.

To start receiving the E-zine simply click here.

CML teams with Rotary in Adventures in Citizenship

Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CML Offshore Recruitment annually sponsors the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Aventures in Citizenship Essay Contest.

Click here for more:

http://rotaryclubofgrandcayman.blogspot.com/2010/04/rotary-club-adventures-in-citizenship.html

CML supports Passport2Success

Admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CML has recently become a main sponsor of a new training programme aimed at school leavers and young Caymanians to improve their professional and personal skills and prepare them for the workplace.

The Ministry of Education, Training & Employment and The Wellness Centre have designed the “Passport2Success” for recent school leavers and young Caymanians who are struggling to find and/or maintain employment.

Last night, the Passport2Success programme was introduced to key stakeholders in the business community at a Chamber of Commerce event. Several HR directors and CEOs were in attendance to learn about the opportunities available to their companies in this initiative.

Lynne Banker, who will lead the delivery of the programme, discussed the different areas to be covered by the participants and was followed by Mary Rodrigues, Chief Officer of the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment who explained how businesses can get involved in the programme.

CML Chief Executive Officer Steve McIntosh encourages other businesses to participate. “This programme relies on local employers for work placement opportunities and on the job training opportunities and we are appealing to local businesses to become involved." He continues, "It is a very manageable commitment for employers. As well as direct benefits to the company such as, easy access to young talent and good community relations, Passport2Success will benefit employers generally by improving general skill levels of the workforce and increasing employee retention."

For more information contact The Wellness Centre on 1 345 949 9355 or email info@wellnesscentre.ky

CML 'Tops' it all....

Admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturday 27 March 2010, a group of Cml-ors dusted off their party rags and sashayed into the Marriott Hotel, evening dresses and kilts swaying, for the first ever Top Employer Awards, hosted by the Cayman Islands Society of Human Resource Professionals (CISHRP).

The week previous to the awards had been a hubbub of excitement. A camera crew came into the office to film a profile video, including interviews with staff members to showcase why exactly CMLOR is a top employer. The backdrop of lush vegetation climbing rocky outcrops which frame the glistening pool mere steps from our office door could have caused staff rest on their laurels, but they eagerly gave their testimonies as to why they loved CML. This only added to the beautiful, laid back yet professional scene the cameras captured.

A champagne reception and a meal of steak and salmon was followed with video profiles of all the firms in attendance. Our video was accompanied by the theme tune from ‘iconic’ (to use the words of our CEO) children's TV ‘superstar’ (again, that’s Steve talking) Handy Manny from the Disney Channel. Next came the presentation of awards to the 5 Top Employers in the medium and large categories, and of course the presentation to CML – Top Employer in the small category. Our trusted leader Steve graciously accepted the award.

One thing that struck me about the atmosphere in the room throughout the awards, was that it was not a stuffy gathering of colleagues and different companies, who had pasted fake smiles on their faces for the evening and would much rather never have to speak to these people outside of working hours. People were laughing and joking throughout and socializing with friends in their rival companies.

Following the event, CML and Aon traipsed off to nearby Abacus Bar in the gorgeous surroundings of Camana Bay to toast a few beverages to the evening’s success. Nights like these remind me just how lucky I am to be working here, both in the surroundings of Cayman and in CML.

Simon Scott, Sinead Byrne, Abbey Le Cornu and April and Steve McIntosh

CML Gaelic 9s Team

Admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last weekend saw a CML Gaelic 9’s Team compete in the Mixed 9s Tournament for the 3rd year running. The Mixed 9’s Tournament marks the start of the Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club (CIGFC) season and gives those who have never played before, the chance to get involved in what is a great event. The tournament was bigger and better than ever and had the most closely contested games in recent years. Having brushed a-side a strong HSBC team in the opening game, CML's next opponents where the much fancied Digicel side. Boasting an array of Irish talent (Digicel) this was a hard-fought game with Digicel taking the spoils with the last kick of the match eventually coming out 6 v 5 winners. This left us with a crucial final group game against UBS. Having lost several key players to alcohol the night before and injuries during the day, a depleted CML team gave everything but were unable to prevent UBS (the eventual winners) from taking the points.

Thanks to everyone involved for putting on such a fantastic event. Special thanks goes to Isy Obi for taking to the field even though it was raining and to James Burbidge for playing through the pain barrier with a torn hamstring.

Until next year, Slán agus beannacht libh!

Charity begins at home: The Story of the CML Haiti Disaster Relief Project

Admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have David Joiner to thank for sowing the germ of an idea the day after the news of the Haiti disaster broke that drove the CML can-do machine into action, and has resulted in an overwhelming response from our brilliant clients to our request for support with the CML Haiti Disaster Relief Project.

Living in Cayman, in the middle of the hurricane belt, we have a fair idea of the devastation that can be caused in a few minutes by a freak of nature. However at 4:53p.m. on Tuesday, January 12 2010, this particular freak of nature, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, hit just 10 miles from Port au Prince, the capital of the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The result has been a death toll estimated at 50,000 and 3 million people in need of emergency relief according to the International Red Cross.

The world has responded and much needed aid is currently being directed toward Haiti, with China, US, Spain and Britain leading the charge. Inspired by a news article highlighting the efforts of local charitable groups, we at CML decided that we would like to do our part in whatever small way we could to help. We decided to work in partnership with a local charity group, Cayman Outreach, to assist them with their own Cayman wide newspaper appeal, and dubbed it the CML Haiti Relief Project. Initially the project was restricted to CML staff, but we thought some of our clients might like to get involved.

We sent an email to clients describing our project and asking them to add to our collection of clothes, non-perishable food, shoes and medicine that might be useful for the people of Haiti, many of whom have lost everything they own. Our email went viral in Cayman and the response from clients has been breathtaking.

Our consultants were organized into teams, and together with a local courier company, and we volunteered to go around to our clients’ offices and collect any items of non perishable items including food, clothes, shoes, and medicine that any of our clients were able to bring to the office on Friday 15^th of January 2010. These items will be collected locally by Cayman Outreach and shipped to Haiti as soon as it is possible to do so.

The world economies have mandated that in the chaos, they will provide the first wave of emergency aid, they will then be followed by disaster relief organizations such as Rotary International, and then finally any other groups that can assist. Many relief groups suggest that this recovery isn’t going to be a one month or even 12 month endeavour, but that it will take years for Haiti to pull through. Therefore any efforts by anyone to help Haiti will go a long way regardless of whether it’s given now or in 12months.

This brings me conveniently to my next point.

The strangest part of undertaking this project has been the ire that our little project seems to have attracted from of a number of other charitable groups in Cayman. The crux of the problem seems to be that we didn’t discuss our project with each of them in particular before deciding to help Cayman Outreach.

Now my question is this; what’s so wrong in collecting items for a recognised relief group who have specifically asked for items which might have been consigned to the dark recesses of someone’s cupboard, or even discarded as unwanted? In reality, it doesn’t matter when the non-perishable donations get to Haiti. I am sure the good people of Haiti would welcome any help from any group in recovering something of their lives in the coming weeks and months.

Although it seems that the old adage about no good deed going unpunished continues to be alive and well today, happily, compassion continues to reign supreme in our hearts at CML and in the hearts of our clients who have felt the need to help a fellow human being in dire straits.

CML Encourages Donations to Haiti

Admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At 4:53 pm on January 12 2010 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale shook the mountainous country of Haiti. Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and inadequately constructed buildings had no chance of standing up to the violent tremors than ran through them that afternoon. Its capital Port-au- Prince lies devastated, a mass of debris which people are sifting through to find their loved ones – in the vain hope that there is still life beneath the rubble. A sign that this is unlikely is seen in the ever increasing number of bodies being laid in the street. The quake was centered 10 miles west of the capital and at a dangerous 5 miles deep it was the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over 200 years, turning the bustling town into a mass of twisted grey wreckage and causing the twilight sky to become thick with dust.

The Haitian Government estimates the death toll could reach 200,000, with the quake taking no bias to rich, poor or even those employed in relief services. Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot perished, the 1918 Presidential palace is severely damaged and 36 UN workers are also believed dead – causing immediate aid to the Haitians to be delayed as UN survivors search for their own missing beneath their crumpled headquarters.

Even with political and economical problems aside, Haiti has not been offered much relief from devastation in previous years. As it lies in the middle of the hurricane belt, frequent tropical storms and hurricanes sweep the country annually. Hurricane Gordon of 1994 killed 1,122, George in 1998 killed 209 and Jeanne in 2004 killed a massive 3,000 people. Massive deforestation constantly puts the population and the island’s crops and livestock at threat by leaving Haiti victim to flooding and mudslides from the mountainous landscape.

The International Red Cross estimates 3 million people will be in need of emergency relief and the world is responding. China was the first, with the US, France, Spain and Britain quickly following. Cayman aid is also on its way. Cayman Outreach is collecting building materials, clothes, non-perishable food, shoes and medicine will be sent to our Caribbean neighbors in a 40 foot container. We only have to think back to Ivan to remember how much every day amenities became like gold dust.

CML is urging their clients, and others, to reach into their pockets and their closets for Haiti. So close to Christmas there must be clothes and shoes that have been replaced and are no longer needed. Please give them to Haiti. On your way down the aisles in the supermarket please pick up a few extra tins of food, they will go a long way to feed the families and lone survivors who crowd the streets of Port-au-Prince tonight. If you think that you cannot afford to give anything, especially in this economic climate, remember that Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, gave $36,000 dollars to the United States after Hurricane Katrina. This may seem meager, and even Haiti admitted it was a small sum, but as 80% of their population lives on less than $2 a day, at just over 10% of their 2005 GDP this was a magnanimous amount to be given from the poorest to the wealthiest.

Cayman Outreach’s warehouse is situated in the parking lot of Cayman Shoe Shop on Eastern Avenue. Please take any clothing, shoes, tinned food, dry food, building materials or medicine that you can spare. Donations times are 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

CML Asia strengthen legal offering with addition of a new Head of In House and Compliance

Admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ben has joined as Vice President (Asia Pacific) for CML to head up the In-house legal and Compliance team in our Hong Kong office.

Ben is originally from England and obtained a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Essex in 2003, before spending the majority of 2004 travelling throughout Thailand. On his return to England, Ben completed the CPE (Graduate Diploma in Law) at the University of Sussex.

He then studied for the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law and in 2006 he was called to the Bar of England and Wales as a Barrister of Middle Temple.

Having decided his skill set was more suited to a consultative, rather than adversarial environment, Ben trained as a legal recruitment consultant with Law Professionals (a division of the Hydrogen Group plc) in London. While there he specialized in placing mid-level and senior lawyers into in-house roles.

His success in this role meant that he was approached to establish and manage a legal recruitment division with Goodman Masson in London. Having firmly cemented his team as one of the foremost private practice and in-house legal recruiters in the City of London he once again felt the call of Asia.

He has now moved to Hong Kong with the intention of further establishing CML as a leading in-house legal and compliance recruiter across the Asia Pacific region. He recruits for clients ranging from SMEs to blue chip corporations and works on roles ranging from Legal Counsel through to General Counsel and from Compliance Officer through to Head of Legal & Compliance.

In his spare time Ben enjoys creative writing, a range of sports, performing as master of ceremonies at various musical evenings and acting, Ben recently performed and starred in Dom Joly's The Complainers on Channel 5 in the UK. Clips of the show can be seen on You Tube.

This brings the Asia presence to 4 staff. Rob looking after Law firms, Tony looking after all things Accounting, Ben will look after Legal In House and Compliance and Louisa will look after all of them!!!

Creativity is nothing without deliverability

Admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kind words from valued friend and client, Tom McCallum of McCallum Solutions.

Louisa Tang joins CML's Hong Kong office - 2009

Admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:16:00 GMT

Louisa Tang joins us as Administration Executive for the Asia Pacific region.

Lou will be responsible for all Administrative functions in the Hong Kong office and support our growing number of Consultants in the quest to develop the APAC market for CML.

She is a Hong Kong national who brings to us many years recruitment experience from Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Louisa is especially experienced in assisting small offices grow into big offices, so hopefully her knowledge and expertise will prove to be useful in 2010.

CML Job Site Proves A Huge Hit

Admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CML has underlined its growing reputation in the world of offshore recruitment with the two millionth visitor to its website www.cmlor.com.

Since opening in 2003 the Grand Cayman-based agency has rapidly grown into one of the world’s largest offshore recruitment companies.

CML specializes in the financial services industries which include accounting, legal, IT and administration.

CML’s success story can be partly attributed to the utilization of current technology, and the Internet in particular, to reach candidates from all around the world.

Remarkably CML have only been tracking the visitors to its website since March 2007, so has racked up 2 million visitors in just 18 months.

The majority of Internet hits have come from British Commonwealth countries including United Kingdom , Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand as well as offshore jurisdictions such as Bermuda, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Barbados, the Bahamas and the BVI.

Other countries ranked highly include the United States, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland

CML has a proven track record in placing candidates in offshore jurisdictions such as Cayman, Bermuda, and Dubai.

The company is currently proactively seeking to boost its market share through overseas recruitment drives and by establishing partnerships and sponsorships on Grand Cayman.

CML Offshore Recruitment CEO, Steve McIntosh Is delighted with the web-site’s success.

“I’m delighted as it shows potential employers that we can reach out to top candidates from around the world,” said McIntosh

“The Internet is a major driving force in the development of our business and we expect growth to continue into the foreseeable future.”