THE finalists are today revealed for this year’s s1jobs Recruitment Awards.

The shortlist for the eighth annual awards, held in association with title partner FYTE, have been drawn from a wide range of recruitment professionals and companies across Scotland, with judges impressed by the innovation, training, development and commitment to apprenticeships displayed by this year’s entrants.

The winners of 17 award categories will be announced at a ceremony at Glasgow’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on April 11. The event will be hosted by comedian Katherine Ryan, a regular on shows such as Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You? and Have I Got News for You.

This year’s awards are supported by FYTE, Anderson Knight, Badenoch & Clark, Broadbean, Bullhorn, Contract Scotland, Demand Talent, Esure, Firefish Software, Gillespie People Solutions, Margaret Hodge Recruitment, Net Talent, Peace Recruitment and REED.

Alistair Shaw, regional director of FYTE Scotland, congratulated the finalists, stating: “Hundreds of entries have now been whittled down by our expert judges and just the best of the best remain. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all in April.”

Gillian Pate, director of Anderson Knight, sponsor of the HR Team of the Year, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists across the HR Team of the Year category. It is an honour for you all to have reached the shortlist and we deem you all to be worthy winners. We are looking forward to presenting the winner with their award on the night.”

Steven Jack, managing director of Margaret Hodge Recruitment, sponsor of the Best Employer Brand award, said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated in the Best Employer Brand category. I am sure that the judges had a very tough time selecting the shortlist but they have produced an outstanding one which we are very proud to be sponsoring this year so congratulations and good luck to all the business who has been shortlisted.”

Net Talent is sponsoring the Best Employer Training and Development category, and chief executive Yvonne Moffat said: “The entries for this category were truly outstanding. To be shortlisted is indeed an honour, therefore you should all be very proud of yourselves and what you have achieved. I would like to wish you all the very best of luck and looking forward to meeting you on the stage on Thursday April 11.”

The Best Recruitment Website category is sponsored by Bullhorn, which provides cloud-based CRM and operations solutions. Regional vice president Shaun Weise said: “Bullhorn congratulates all the finalists for the s1jobs Awards. We are especially looking forward to presenting the award for the Best Recruitment Website.”

The Apprentice/Graduate category is sponsored by Contract Scotland, whose associate director Alan Shave said: “The Best Apprenticeship/Graduate category is highly competitive and one that any business in Scotland would want to win. As sponsors of the category, we are very much looking to meeting the finalists on the night.”

Gillespie People Solutions is supporting the Recruitment Consultant of the Year category.

Director Peter Gillespie said the firm “would like to congratulate everyone shortlisted for the award.” He added: “It is a strong list and it is great that colleagues took the time to submit strong nominations in recognition for some outstanding achievements.”

Demand Talent is supporting both the UK and International Operations, and Scottish Operations categories of the Best Recruitment Consultancy awards.

Business director Craig Dunn said: “Congratulations to all contenders who have made it to the finals. I have been told that this is one of the biggest and most competitive years for the s1jobs Awards so far, so it is a great accolade for those who have reached this stage.”

Chris Peace of Peace Recruitment said: “Peace Recruitment Group are delighted to be sponsoring the Best use of Social Media in Recruitment award. Looking at the finalists and the work they have done you can see how all of these firms value social media when trying to attract candidates, clients or future team members.”

Scott Miller, Director of Badenoch + Clark Executive and sponsor of the Best Charity Employer category said, “The incredible work that Scotland’s Third Sector delivers at home and internationally has never been so important. Badenoch + Clark has been privileged to support the sector for over a decade and we’ve seen the difference that our Third Sector contributes to creating a fairer society with equal access to opportunities and services for all. As a business, we connect talented and passionate people within, and to, Scotland’s vibrant Third Sector; bringing experiences and skills honed in different environments and those who are committed to being part of an organisation with a stronger purpose, where values and people are everything”.

Tables are still available for the event. For information, visit https://s1recruitmentawards.co.uk