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So that was 2023!
As we bid farewell to another fantastic year at Liquid Friday, we’re reflecting on the journey we’ve taken in 2023, both as a business and a team. From tech launches, to new starts, births, graduations and collaborations – it’s certainly been a busy one! So let’s rewind…
Powering up!
With all of us becoming more digitally enabled and reliant, we wanted to ensure that our contractors and agencies were not left behind. 2023 was a transformative year for the LIquid Friday tech eco-system, with the launch of both the Liquid Friday contractor app, and Stride, our unique assignment data platform for recruitment agencies.
The app allows contractors to conduct much of their assignment business from their smart phone, including requesting advances, accessing rewards and benefits, even letting us know they are looking for work.
Stride is truly a unique innovation in the temporary recruitment space, allowing recruiters to view real time and predictive candidate behaviours for better engagement and faster repeat placements. Click here for a quick video demo
ESG Commitment
In 2023 we released our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, doubling down on our commitment to sustainability, ethics and corporate governance. We planted our first 1000 trees with the help from Switch2Zero!
We’re leading the charge in this area by focusing on reducing our carbon footprint, conserving resources and embracing sustainable practices across our operations. Find out more here
Liquid Link
2023 has been an exciting and evolutionary year for Liquid Link, our independent finance division.
With an ever-growing portfolio of recruitment agency clients, it has gained a reputation as the go-to invoice finance provider for the recruitment industry, recognised for unparalleled service, speed and flexibility.
This year Liquid Link became business partners to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and were headline sponsors of the annual REC Awards in November. It was a glittering night and a great opportunity to celebrate excellence in the recruitment industry.
International Payroll
2023 also saw the launch of our International Payroll service. With international contracts on the rise, we’ve seen increasing demand for compliant payroll in countries including The Netherlands, Germany and Spain, so we were thrilled to give it the green light in November.
We’ve no doubt that this service will empower our recruitment agency partners to deliver international contractors with ease and efficiency, and provide vast opportunities for contractors wishing to work overseas. Find out more
Doing it with Pride
Flying the flag for EDI and LGBTQ+ rights in our industry involves actively promoting inclusive policies and practices and leading by example. It was a great privilege to be a principal commercial partner of Portsmouth Pride 2023 and we’ve already committed to continuing the partnership in 2024 and 2025.
As a business which strives to provide a fully equitable, diverse and inclusive working culture where everyone can be themselves, in partnering with Pride we got to put our money where our mouth is. We were also actively involved in supporting Portsmouth’s successful bid to hold UK Pride in 2025 – what a day that will be!
Team news
During 2023 Liquid Friday again made the Solent 250 list of the best performing businesses in our region. We were also really pleased to be shortlisted for Best Umbrella Company at this year’s Contracting Awards.
Driven by positive business growth, we swelled the ranks of the Liquid Friday team in 2023, welcoming 7 new team members across the business – Del Willams as Chief Revenue Officer, Aaron McGeehan (Marketing), Jake Bailey and Isabelle Brydon (Customer Service), Amy Matkinson (Sales), Viv Garnett (Liquid Link) and Mya Matthews (Payroll). All are now well established in their new roles and no doubt will continue to be an asset to the team throughout 2024.
There were also some fantastic professional achievements worthy of a mention:
COO Joe Taffurelli graduated with an MBA from Portsmouth University, now possibly boasting more letters after his name than are in his name!
It was a big year for apprenticeships too, with Louis Platt completing Business Administrator Level 3, and Frankie Smith, Jade McDonald and Rob Topple all starting apprenticeships in their professional specialisms.
In 2023, we welcomed 4 new arrivals into the world and the Liquid Friday family – babies Leo (mum Sarah Taw), Bodhi (mum Sam Russell), Forrest (Dad Rob Topple) and Otis (mum Beth Foley). Start ‘em young we say!
Fundraising
Throughout 2023 we continued support of our chosen local charities Paulsgrove Food Bank and St Clare’s hospice. We also sponsor the Pelsall Villa Colts youth football team who proudly sport the Liquid Friday logo!
There’s always some fun to be had in the office, and this is often attached to raising money for good causes. This year we supported several nationwide campaigns including Macmillan, Children in Need and Save the Children. A special mention goes to Sharon Hare (Finance) who took part in a charity wing walk in aid of Cash for Kids. Rather you than us mate!
Goodbye 2023, hello 2024!
So, that was 2023! While it’s been great to look back over our story, our eyes are firmly on the year ahead. There is plenty of great stuff to come in the next 12 months, which we can’t wait to share with you all.
For now, all that remains is to thank all of our contractors, agencies, business partners and friends – without you we wouldn’t be here, and we never forget that. Let’s raise a glass to 2024!