Connect2Halton – the 50/50 publicly owned joint venture established between Halton Borough Council and Commercial Services Group (CSG) to manage the recruitment of the Council’s flexible workforce – is now live. The Council’s flexible workforce includes those workers who fill temporary roles through agency or casual arrangements.
The Council currently spends around £14m a year on temporary workers hired through agencies, but with Connect2Halton working closely alongside Council services and managing the recruitment process directly, not only through third party companies, over time this cost is expected to fall. The new company will also support the Council with its focus on providing job access to local residents and in particular those who may be looking to get back into employment.
Cllr Mark Dennett, Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Corporate Services said: “Since we announced our plans for Connect2Halton back in June, a lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to enable us to go live today and I would like to thank all involved.
“The new joint-venture supports the Council’s key priority to build a strong, sustainable local economy, so we are delighted that this exciting and innovative collaboration with CSG is now underway. We hope that both the Council and local residents will soon start to see the benefits through reduced costs and increased employment opportunities.”
The new business is led by Nicola Fedigan, Business Manager and will be based at the Council’s office in Widnes. The choice to co-locate was made as it is both cost efficient and will enable good partnership working.
“Connect2Halton is already working closely with the local supply chain including SMEs, which helps to establish closer relationships within the local economy. We are committed to local jobs for local people and in addition to the roles already created, Connect2Halton will support the Council to prioritise employment opportunities for local residents by helping to reduce barriers to employment.”
Matt Johnson, CSG CEO commented, “We are excited to welcome Connect2Halton to our joint venture family, the first partnership we have formed in the North West. We are passionate that our JV’s help councils deliver better services to their local residents and communities. Thank you to the whole team on the preparation for this day and to Halton Borough Council for embracing the partnership ethos, to ensure Connect2Halton was delivered on time and on budget.”
Connect2Halton is live from 2 September 2024.
If you would like to contact Connect2Halton please contact Nicola Fedigan, Business Manager.
Nicola.fedigan@connect2halton.co.uk
If you would like to know about CSG’s joint ventures please contact Steve Wilson, Commercial Director.
Stephen.wilson@csltd.org.uk