Communications secondments gain traction

Media release
11 December 2008

Communications secondments gain traction in difficult times

A tougher economy might seem like a time for businesses to use consultants less, and instead utilise in-house capacity. But after experiencing an upsurge in secondments in recent times, reputation management consultancy Creo has launched a specialist secondment service, known as the Creo Hot Seat Service.

"Rather than hire people in uncertain times, we're seeing businesses taking on highly skilled people for a fixed period. The difference between this and traditional contracting is that the client also receives the broader support of the consultancy as and where required," Creo Chief Executive Hamish Anderson said.

During the past year Creo has had staff seconded at Telecom Corporate Affairs, Telecom Marketing, the New Zealand Rugby Union, the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and Yellow.

Head of External Media at Telecom, Mark Watts, said Creo’s secondment to his team during a particularly busy period worked extremely well.

“Creo’s consultant quickly slotted into our team, drawing on her previous experience with Telecom and a real willingness to get to the bottom of issues. She became my go-to person,” said Mr Watts.

Mr Anderson said with the economy continuing to be a challenge, he expected demand for short-term secondments to rise.

"Businesses want to minimise their fixed costs, but to do so without reducing their business effectiveness – secondments are a good way of doing this."

Seconding from a full service agency or consultancy provided benefits over and above hiring a short term contractor because of the additional resources and expertise an agency could bring to bear in support of its secondee.

ends

#

© Scoop Media