The Deep showcases region’s appeal for education professionals

Sarah Dally of Tradewind is showcasing the region's appeal.

AN international education recruitment agency is crediting the quality of its location at The Deep as a key factor behind its success in attracting new teachers to Hull.

Sarah Dally, branch manager for Tradewind Recruitment, said increasing investment in education in Hull coupled with growing awareness of the quality of life in the area are also adding to the appeal.

Tradewind took on two new staff during the last three months as it entered the busiest time of the year for finding and placing supply teachers. More staff are likely to arrive in the spring as Sarah Dally builds the team which she launched in 2015 at The Deep Business Centre.

Freya Cross, business and corporate manager at The Deep, said: “Tradewind Recruitment has thrived since opening a branch in Hull and the fact that they are planning more recruitment of their own is a very positive sign as they approach their second anniversary here.

“Sarah’s passion for Hull is a big factor in attracting staff and candidates to the area, and having such an advocate to promote the city is beneficial for us as a business centre and for other organisations as well.

“As people who live and work here we are all well aware of what a great place it is. But we always need more people to help us spread the word. Sarah is doing that, and with great success.”

Tradewind was formed in 2001 and has branches throughout the UK and in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. Sarah opened the Hull branch in April 2015 with one colleague and no candidates. The latest recruits have expanded the team to five. That reflects the growth of the candidate database across the Hull and Humber region, with rising interest from overseas.

Sarah said: “Hull is massively on the up. We’re promoting it in Australia where we have identified a lot of interest. Our overseas candidates fit in very well in England. There is a shortage of teachers for maths, science and English and we have some good people in the pipeline waiting to come over.

“Schools have a lot more flexibility than in the past and there has been a lot of money invested in education in Hull. There are more roles being created in one-to-one tuition and in intervention roles to boost core subjects, and we are growing week on week.

“Schools are like any other business. Staff need time away from their main job for many reasons, ranging from illness to paternity and maternity leave, and there are other requirements for supply teachers for example boosting by teaching assistants, working one-to-one and with special educational needs.

“Hull is close enough to London, the cost of living is low and there is so much going on. It’s got some great job opportunities in education, it’s a really nice place to live and work and we have the best location at The Deep.”