Building a strong team for your business in the UK

As at the beginning of most of our articles, we remind you that setting up a business in the UK is only the first step. One of the most important challenges is building a strong team for your business in the UK, capable of helping you drive it forward and aligned with your business vision. In this article, we share key strategies you need to know.

Define your needs before hiring

Before you post your first job offer, it is essential to be very clear about what type of worker you need. It’s not just about covering tasks but about defining the strategic roles that will move your company forward.

Ask yourself what skills are essential or whether you are looking for generalist or specialist profiles. Do not forget to think about whether you can outsource or automate any tasks.

In the early stages, many founders choose to hire versatile people, capable of adapting to different roles as the company grows.

Get to know the specifics of the UK labour market

The UK has a highly regulated, but also flexible working environment compared to other European countries. It is important to familiarise yourself with key aspects, some of which we have covered in previous articles.

Firstly, you will need to be aware of the types of contracts that exist. For example, full-time, part-time, freelance, or zero–hour contracts. Find out about the legal minimum wage and mandatory employee benefits. Do not forget about regulations on dismissal and probationary periods, for which you can always get help from managers.

Also, if you plan to hire international talent, you should consider visa and sponsorship requirements post-Brexit, which may require extra planning.

Publish attractive offers on the right channels

But of course. You need to be able to attract the best candidates, so design offers that are clear, motivating and competitive. Even if the salary is important, you have to offer something that is attractive to the person looking for the job. By way of example, the opportunity to move up the career ladder.

Popular channels in the UK to post jobs are LinkedIn, Indeed or TotalJobs.

Don’t be in a rush to hire, as a bad employee can cost you more time, money and energy than a little patience. Conduct structured interviews and assess both the candidate’s technical skills and attitude. Some companies opt for probationary periods before making a formal hire.

Do not forget to activate your network and ask for recommendations. Despite the evolution, word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to find good talent.

Create a company culture from the start

A company’s culture starts with the first employee. It establishes clear values, defines how decisions will be made, achievements are communicated and conflicts are managed. It encourages transparency, respect and teamwork from the start.

In addition, work-life balance is highly valued in the UK. If you can offer flexible working hours or telecommuting, the offer will be more attractive.

Develop and retain the talent you hire

It is as important to hire well as it is to keep your team motivated and engaged. It might be worthwhile to offer ongoing training and real opportunities for growth. A good manager recognises achievement and celebrates group successes.

He or she also listens actively, promoting meetings and satisfaction surveys. Finally, it is always interesting to create personalised development plans.

Retaining talent is much more cost-effective than constantly hiring, and it also improves team cohesion and efficiency.

Take advantage of the UK's entrepreneurial ecosystem

The UK offers multiple resources to help you build your team. We have already mentioned the accelerator and incubator programmes and recruitment grants in some sectors.

You can also count on free advice through entities such as the British Library Business & IP Centre or local chambers of commerce.

Building a strong team for your UK business: conclusion

Your product or service may be brilliant, but if you don’t have a committed and capable team, the road to success will be much more difficult. Remember, it’s not just about hiring, it’s about building professional relationships that share your purpose, grow with you and help you take your business further.