Let's face it, the word Redundancy is something most dread to hear. Unless you've negotiated a stellar redundancy package and you have another role lined up, it's going to be a difficult time. For you, your family, and everyone around you. It can come out of the blue, and other times you'll see it coming. Although it can all seem like a blur when you're going through it, we know from experience how important it is to prepare.
Here's our advice on what to do when the worst happens in your career.
Losing your job through redundancy is ALWAYS hard, no matter how long you’ve been with the business. The first few days can seem like a blur, and the longer you’re out of work, the harder it can seem. If you are at threat of redundancy, no matter how hard it seems, we’ve broken down our advice on how to deal with everything it throws at you:
1. Dealing With “Rumours”
2. Start To “Re-evaluate“ Your CV
3. Do Your “Research”
4. How To “Review” Offers
5. Show “Resilience” In The Face Of “Rejection”
How the rumour mill about redundancies in a workplace often start due to various forms of uncertainty or perceived threats. Leadership shifts, especially involving new leaders with a history of cost-cutting, can spark concerns about restructuring. Additionally, financial challenges—such as reduced earnings, budget cuts, or lost clients—can heighten job security worries, leading employees to speculate on potential layoffs. Obvious cutbacks, such as reduced budgets, less frequent travel, hiring freezes, or scaled-back employee perks, can fuel speculation in a workplace.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Stay Informed & Seek Clarity From HR
2. Focus on Your Own Work Performance
3. Avoid Fuelling the Rumour Mill
4. Stay Positive & Supportive
Having an up-to-date CV can seem counter-intuitive if you’re happy in your role. But, as many will agree, things can change quickly (and out of your control).
So, a strong CV is a necessity, and it should be based on four key pillars: clarity, relevant experience, tailored skills, and professional presentation. Together, these elements ensure your CV is focused, impactful, and polished, making a compelling case to potential employers.
Clarity and Conciseness
A CV should be clear, well-structured, and easy to read. Keep it concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills for the job you're applying for, usually no longer than two pages.
Relevant Experience
Highlight experience and achievements that are directly related to the role. Quantify accomplishments where possible (e.g., “increased sales by 30%”), showcasing impact rather than just listing responsibilities.
Skills and Qualifications
Include a section for core skills and relevant qualifications, such as technical proficiencies, certifications, or languages. Tailor this section to align with the specific requirements of the job.
Professional Presentation
Ensure a polished look with consistent formatting, proper grammar, and no errors. A professional layout helps create a positive first impression, reflecting attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
When looking for a new role, in any situation, looking at the market and speaking with contacts is a must. Here’s what should be taken into consideration when doing so:
Remember, not every role will be right, and not every interview will result in a job offer. Resilience is something you’ll need. What to bear in mind after rejection:
Hopefully there's something in the above that's useful. If you do need any help, reach out to one of the team.
2024 has been a monumental year for us. Although we're based in the North West of the UK, we've earned the majority of our stripes in in North America and Europe. We've built a reputation for specializing in niche construction sectors, like building envelope and complex product industries. As the year comes to a close, we're celebrating record-breaking profits and looking ahead to an ambitious future—one that involves growing by 80% over the next 18 months.
Big goals call for bold moves, and Lignum Group is doing just that by expanding its leadership team. Under the guidance of CEO Tom Wood, the company is taking strategic steps to continue its upward trajectory, including the launch of a new Commercial division and a complete revamp of its Client Services division.
Leadership isn’t just about titles and hierarchy—it's about growth, innovation, and creating meaningful partnerships. The new Commercial division will play a crucial role in driving these partnerships, particularly in the UK and North America.
With the addition of Adam Tilston as Commercial Director and Rick Fahey as Business Development Manager, both experienced professionals with proven track records, we're positioning ourselves for the future.
These changes don’t just reflect internal restructuring—they show Lignum’s commitment to offering even more value to its clients. Whether it’s finding the right talent for top-tier construction companies or creating tailored solutions for niche industries, Lignum is focused on elevating customer experience and staying ahead of the curve.
Reflecting on 2024 year, our CEO Tom Wood shared his excitement about the future:
“We’re thrilled to expand our senior team with these critical new roles. Our success in 2024 has been driven by our deep understanding of niche construction sectors and our ability to connect top talent with leading companies, particularly in North America. With the new Commercial division and enhanced Client Services, we can build on our momentum and achieve our ambitious growth targets.”
If you've met Tom, you'll know his passion for the industry is palpable, and our growth strategy is more than just a business move—it’s about building lasting relationships and staying true to our core mission - to get results for both candidates and clients.
Over the coming months, we're planning to expand the team even further, continuing to push into the North American market while staying connected to our UK roots.
“We’re proud to keep our headquarters in Warrington as we grow globally,” Tom adds. “It shows our commitment to local talent and to creating a company culture that values community, even as we expand internationally. We’re confident these changes will help us deliver even more for our clients and candidates alike.”
As we head into 2025, we're not just aiming to grow - we're going to thrive. With a revamped leadership team and a forward-thinking strategy, the future certainly looking exciting.
