Logistics experts work ‘All in one rhythm™’ for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

As we come together to celebrate the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ [12 June – 13 July], superstar logisticians and planners will ensure the games go off without a hitch and, much like this year’s World Cup slogan, ‘All in one rhythm™’.

With 3,170,856 cheering fans, over three quarters of a million litres of beer sold, 390,600 hot dogs consumed, and six million people attending public viewing sites across the globe for the South Africa games in 2010* – it’s clear to see that the FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest, and most logistically complex,  sporting events in the world.

The challenges involved in organising these events can be significant. The venue changes every four years, the crowd numbers top millions, weather can be volatile, and the host country may not be as prepared as other countries to cope with demands.

Renowned for working with high-profile event suppliers like AB InBev and LOCOG, logistics recruiter Cast UK says people with specialist planning and logistics skills are the key to these events, as each event location has its own set of requirements.

Managing director of Cast UK, Wayne Brophy, explains: “We find that with high-profile events, like the World Cup, a large percentage of the roles available will be short-term opportunities, lasting the duration of the tournament. Therefore, it’s key to recruit the right people from the outset as they have to be able to hit the ground running and commit to short-term contracts.”

At Cast UK, all senior recruiters have either worked directly in supply chain and procurement or have extensive experience in specialist sector areas. This business model ensures that recruiters are informed about the industry challenges faced by their clients and they can assist them with finding the right people to tackle these demands.

Wayne adds: “The World Cup in Brazil is a unique opportunity for skilled logistics professionals to play their part in the delivery of one of the world’s biggest global sporting events. While all eyes will be on the players come June, for logisticians, precision and planning will extend well beyond the pitch.”

*Source via http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/worldcup/

Recruitment accelerates in the automotive sector

The recovery in UK car production, highlighted by a 12 per cent increase in March against the same month in 2013, is indicative of a growing demand from Europe, according to the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This is having a ripple effect in recruitment, with experts at Cast UK witnessing an uplift in the automotive sector in Q1 of 2014.

This, coupled with the government’s injection of £500m to boost the ultra-low emission vehicle industry, is a positive sign for the industry. The investment, which includes £100m for R&D funding, will further bolster job opportunities in a sector that has experienced major fluctuation.

Commenting on the movement in the market, Mark Nesbit, managing consultant at specialist recruitment company, Cast UK, said: “The recovery of the European automotive market is encouraging. The continued success story of Jaguar Land Rover’s expansion into international markets, along with other OEMs, has certainly seen positive growth for their first and second tier suppliers across the country.

“The expertise here in the UK within automotive research and development has long been evident, particularly at the cutting edge of Formula 1, with many of the leading teams based in ‘Motorsport Valley’. The government’s commitment to electric technology will see an exciting new phase of growth in the industry and will open up more opportunities for the best engineering talent the UK has to offer.”