Case Study

Halfords is the UK's leading provider of motoring and cycling products and services. Customers shop at over 400 Halfords stores, three Performance Cycling stores (trading as Tredz and Giant), over 600 garages (trading as Halfords Autocentres and McConechy's), and has access to 230 mobile service vans.

The agreement commenced this summer with THOMAS Recruitment’s specialist Managed Services division, delivering a fresh-to-market solution that focuses on tackling the labour challenges within the market by demonstrating results in increased attraction and reduced attrition whilst providing true cost efficiency and performance-related results at both its Coventry and Washford sites.

The THOMAS Recruitment Group was awarded the contract following a tender and presentation process and was awarded to establish a more efficient service delivery for the management of Halfords. Their strategic partnership was marked by an official brand flag being flown at the Halfords site alongside their own.

The Group will provide flexible and agile recruitment solutions to ensure Halfords maintains its market-leading position. L-R: Tom Sheperd, Mike Gray, Monika Bator, Gabriela Toma, Rachel Thomas, Ian Ridley, Emily Thomas.

Rachel Thomas, Operations Director at TRG who led the presentation team, said: "From the beginning of our consultative relationship with Halfords, we have been passionate about developing a deep understanding of their business and building genuine relationships at all levels. Our various unique operating models that move away from mainstream recruitment methods have been the key to securing this partnership.

"The synergy of core values between our businesses has made the opportunity to become a strategic partner to Halfords even more exciting. This has allowed us to build a true partnership together and allowed us to support as a true advisor whilst utilising our flair to create disruption.

"The THOMAS Recruitment Group, and particularly our Managed Services Division, provides unique solutions for many of the major manufacturing and warehouse clients who are facing labour challenges and utilising traditional recruitment models. We’ve moved away from that and strongly believe we have created something very different that removes headaches and produces results. Providing flexible and agile recruitment solutions is a key focus for us, ensuring Halfords maintains its market-leading position now and in the future."

An 'employer of choice'

Ian Ridley, Head of Logistics at Halfords said: “We are delighted to be partnering with THOMAS Recruitment Group at our Halfords distribution centres. We were impressed from the outset with their unique yet strategic approach to recruitment. Throughout the process, it was evident that our values were aligned. We very much look forward to them supporting Halfords in becoming an “employer of choice.”

Both THOMAS Recruitment Group and Halfords are looking forward to continuing to develop their partnership.

Customers can shop at halfords.com and tredz.co.uk for pick up at their local store or direct home delivery, as well as booking garage services online at halfords.com.