The Candidate research reports businesses are bridging the marketing skills gap with contracting staff

In 2019 Tech Nation reported 164k job openings in Digital Tech and 100k people employed in the region’s digital economy, evermore highlighting that there is a skills shortage in the North West that needs urgently addressed.

Contracting has been prevalent for some time in the IT sector and now it’s the marketing industry that’s bridging the gap with this type of employment.

With these statistics in mind The Candidate commissioned research exploring Contract Marketing Recruitment in the North West and sought to understand the intricacies of being a marketing contractor. The findings were as follows:

The marketing roles that contractors are currently contracting in are not only creative and digital but also disciplines such as content, outreach, CRM, UX, analytics, videography, PR and CRM.

Length - The most common contract length was 3- 6 months. Though they range from a single day to 18 months and beyond.

Remuneration - The daily rate for marketing contractors has increased in the last 4 years

Benefits to contractors - The optimum work- life balance and a wide variety of roles are key benefits to this type of employment. Autonomy and the opportunity to increase earnings where also highlighted as significant benefits to marketing contracting.

Benefits to employers - The perceived benefits to the employer are that they are able to deliver a high quality of work and office director level experience without the full-time salary requirement. Marketing Contractors are also able to offer efficient and flexible resource and are quick to deliver results.

Requirements of the employer – It goes without saying that the employer requires experience but quality performance and flexibility among other things that employers are looking for include adaptability and regular communication.

Areas that can benefit - Contracts come into their own where there are requirements for interim solutions, particularly expertise or specific project work. It was also suggested there are real benefits to areas of marketing, analytics and creative.

Location - On average, contractors are prepared to travel an hour for a relevant contracting role. Some would travel twice as far and some only half. Others would only accept remote placements.

Whilst there are of course challenges involved in contracting work – managing workflow, cash flow and multiple clients for example. There are significant benefits of working with an agency or umbrella company who specialise in solutions to avoid these pitfalls.

With our books bursting with contractors and our clients with urgent roles to fill, get in touch and we can help you or your business today. Contacting recruitment specialists on 0161 833 1044 or email [email protected].

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