The value of personal collaboration
In conversation with Gerard Pruijsen, born and raised in Eindhoven and founder of Tech Seals, we took a look at his long history with HeadFirst Group. Gerard emphasizes that the cooperation started when he was still working at Welten in the financial sector. "The personal contact has always been the key," he explains. This close cooperation has helped him build valuable relationships, which is crucial in the consulting and secondment sector.
After fourteen years in consulting, Gerard felt the need to embark on a new path with his associate, Lars Bressers. "We wanted to do it our way." On Oct. 7, the company Tech Seals was officially launched. Gerard explains that Tech Seals focuses on guiding software and data professionals from South Africa and South America to the Netherlands. "There is a high demand for specialized talent that cannot be found enough locally. Despite political changes, we believe that knowledge migrants remain essential to the Dutch economy," he adds. This belief drives Tech Seals' mission and helps companies find the expertise they need to grow in an increasingly competitive market.
Growing with a personal touch
Tech Seals has continued its partnership with HeadFirst. Gerard praises Soraya Westerman, their permanent point of contact within HeadFirst: "Soraya fully understands our needs. Thanks to her and the team at HeadFirst, we have achieved many successful deals in the past." Clearly, the strong relationship with HeadFirst is crucial to Tech Seals' growth. Gerard has witnessed HeadFirst's impressive growth closely over the past few years.
"It is impressive to see how the organization has grown, but the personal touch has always been retained. That makes our cooperation unique."
With the renewed partnership on the horizon, Tech Seals looks forward to exciting opportunities. Gerard says, "We have great opportunities to pick up tenders together, where we can work together as partners. This opens many doors, especially with clients where we are not yet active." Gerard is proud of the bond he has built with HeadFirst and believes this partnership provides a solid foundation for the future. "Together with HeadFirst we are going to realize many more great projects. We share the same ambition and vision, and that makes us a strong team." These words reflect the confidence he has in the future of both Tech Seals and the collaboration with HeadFirst.
HeadFirst Group joins Topsport Community: Striving together for top performance
HeadFirst Group is all about connecting people, innovation and knowledge sharing. We build a winning work environment, where "together" and "better every day" is a given. By promoting a culture of winning and working together, we strive to achieve the best performance together. In doing so, we see a 1-to-1 parallel with (top) sports. Therefore, we are proud to announce that we have officially joined the Topsport Community, founded by Pieter van den Hoogenband, Olympic swimming champion and 'chef de mission' of TeamNL in Paris 2024.
Our CEO, Marion van Happen, expresses her enthusiasm about the collaboration, "The collaboration with Topsport Community is a very logical step forward for us. Sport has the unique power to connect people, which fits perfectly with our core value 'Connecting people'. By fostering a culture of winning and working together, we strive to achieve the best performance together.Another core value of our organization is 'Learn every day,' which also matches very well with sports. The way top athletes work every day to go 0.1 second faster and 1 centimeter further, that is the mentality we at HeadFirst Group also have and want to encourage even more. In Topsport Community we have found a partner that will boost our goals in this area. The power of the community is going to help us."
Pieter van den Hoogenband, founder of the Topsport Community, is looking forward to the cooperation: "HeadFirst Group is a fantastic company that understands what we want to achieve with the Topsport Community: connecting worlds of top sport, science and business and sharing knowledge. So that we move forward together. HeadFirst Group breathes top sport: they are curious and want to perform. We therefore look forward to the cooperation."
This collaboration is more than just a partnership; it is a shared ambition to grow and innovate. Together with the Topsport Community, we want to bridge sports, science and business to achieve the best results. Whether it's improving our working environment or stimulating personal growth, at HeadFirst Group we believe that together we can get further.
HeadFirst Group introduces Striive: revolutionizing the flex market
Striive takes its place as the largest and most user-friendly assignment platform in the Benelux region
HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group launches assignments platform Striive, the largest and most user-friendly in the Benelux. Striive helps professionals find new challenges, supports suppliers in matching assignments with their talent and assists clients in their search for the best candidates. The platform is revolutionary in ease of use and uniquely uses artificial intelligence (AI) to connect supply and demand. In addition, Striive offers innovative services to fully support professionals in their entrepreneurship.
Connector between tech and touch
HeadFirst Group believes in - and fights for - a fair, open job market where technology and human touch go hand in hand. In this "next world of work," Striive takes the position of excellent connector. Every year, the platform brings together more than twenty thousand assignments at over five hundred leading organizations in one place. In doing so, it offers easily accessible new career opportunities for professionals, self-employed or employed by suppliers.
Mattijs Wassenburg, Managing Director Digital at HeadFirst Group, explains: "Our goal with Striive is to make all assignments in the market available in one online place for all professionals, regardless of contract form. Ease of use is hugely important in this regard. We rebuilt the platform from the ground up, based on thousands of reviews, user interviews and data analysis. Independent professionals and suppliers on our platform have four primary needs: 1) challenging assignments with reputable clients, 2) minimal red tape, 3) prompt payment of invoices, and 4) personal contact when they want it. Striive fulfills the first three needs, giving my colleagues more time for the fourth: the human touch."
Innovating on top of powerful foundation
Striive occupies a unique position within the Benelux flex market, but its ambitions extend further. HeadFirst Group recently joined forces with Impellam, which offers global opportunities. Wassenburg comments, "Striive is easily scalable to other countries, which does not take away from the fact that the main focus of my product team is now on further innovation on top of the strong foundation. Our ambitious goal is for users to be able to complete the contract process in Striive within 15 minutes on a mobile device. We have already reduced the run time by more than 50%, but we will keep going until we achieve our goal."
In addition, Wassenburg is working on the best matching service based on AI, combined with the expertise of HeadFirst Group's experienced recruiters. "We already have a user-friendly benchmarking tool that allows professionals to compare their value with peers. Soon we will add an AI-driven resume checker that performs a fit-gap analysis between the resume and the assignment. These innovations, along with various insurance and personal development tools, among others, fully support professionals in their entrepreneurship so they can focus on their assignment."
Curious about the new Striive platform? Visit striive.com.
HeadFirst Group strengthens second place in Flex Market Revenue Ranking 2024 with impressive organic revenue growth
In 2024, HeadFirst Group once again captured the second position in the renowned Flexmarkt Turnover Ranking Top-100. The HR-tech service provider achieved revenue growth of €333.3 million in the Netherlands during the year 2023, entirely organically.
For the year 2022, HeadFirst Group recorded a Dutch turnover of €1.93 billion. In 2023, this rose to €2.26 billion, a growth of more than 17%. In addition, there was a nice increase in employee satisfaction of almost 10%, an achievement that says a lot about the organization's vibrant work culture and its commitment to growing talent. Equally important is the increase in satisfaction among clients, suppliers and independent professionals, with 31 points in the NPS.
CEO Marion van Happen: "We set ambitious goals for 2023, driven by our core values. I am immensely proud that we have not only met but exceeded these goals. This underlines our determination to not only meet expectations, but to rise above them. Our team's passion, drive and effort drive our performance. This makes us leaders in HR tech services in thought leadership, talent intelligence and innovation."
Van Happen continues: "In 2024, we will continue our existing strategy. We want to realize our vision of being technology agnostic for all our stakeholders, with our platforms Striive, ProUnity and OpenTalent at the center. By making smart use of automation and AI, we can further digitize the end-to-end process so that we can add our personal touch at the moments when it really adds value. Beyond our core business, we are taking the lead in moving toward a just, diverse and inclusive labor market. We are building an even more sustainable organization so that we can provide value to the society around us. Our ambition is to be the first HR tech company to become Bcorp certified this year."
All annual figures
Earlier this year, HeadFirst Group presented its annual figures, including international divisions, with a record turnover of 2.6 billion. This is a fully organic growth of 21% compared to 2022. The annual report of HeadFirst Group can be read and downloaded from the Investor relations page.
About Flexmarkt Turnover Ranking Top-100
The Flexmarkt Turnover Ranking Top-100 is a leading ranking of flex companies, from small to large, offering a variety of services in staffing and hiring. In addition to staffing agencies, it includes numerous payroll companies, as well as secondment companies, zzp intermediaries and MSP service providers. The list is published annually by Flexmarkt in cooperation with Corporate Finance International (CFI). In terms of turnover, it covers more than half of the total Dutch flex industry and thus provides a clear, representative picture of developments in the market.
From raw data to customer insights: Ton Sluiter and Peter Ellen lead the way at HeadFirst Group
In the dynamic environment of HeadFirst Group, Ton Sluiter, Manager of Data, and Peter Ellen, Journey Manager on the Customer Experience (CX) team, are at the helm of an evolution towards a future driven by data and customer experience. Their shared passion for the power of data and customer experience serves as the driving force behind their continuous pursuit of improvement and innovation.
"It's great to see how fast we're growing, with the ability to innovate quickly." - Peter Ellen
That immediately made it interesting for me, the feeling of a blank canvas. As time went on, a clearer picture emerged of what I could contribute. CX is now rolled out for all HeadFirst Group brands."
Innovation & growth
When asked what makes his work so fascinating, Ton responds enthusiastically. "Working with data is actually similar to refining: raw data comes in, is processed and eventually leads to valuable insights. We not only collect data for its original purpose, but also discover unexpected applications. We call this serendipity. I get energized when we can take clients or ourselves further with it!"
Peter shares Ton's enthusiasm: "It's great to see how fast we are growing but still have the ability to innovate quickly. I really appreciate that drive. Our shared commitment to unlock the potential of data and improve the customer experience reflects the energy of HeadFirst Group."
Want to read more about how we operate at HeadFirst Group? Download the 2023 annual report here.
Digitizing for more user-centricity and shorter processes
Within HeadFirst Group, we started an important behind-the-scenes project last year: a completely revamped, digital onboarding of professionals as soon as they start working for our clients. In collaboration with screening platform Victoria ID, we are working on a faster and smarter way to conduct screenings - an important, but also time-intensive, part of onboarding. Gerjan Pranger, operations director at HeadFirst Group: "By further digitizing the process, we are creating space to give personal attention to our professionals and partners at the times when it really adds value for them."
Founder and CEO of Victoria ID, Stéphanie Eikhoudt: "With Victoria ID, we want to introduce a new validation method. Together with HeadFirst Group, we are working to reduce screening turnaround times by automating the process as much as possible. For example, we use validated ID data for simultaneous checks, which results in faster results and ensures the reliability of the information."
"Developments go as fast as they can, but as slow as they have to." - Gerjan Pranger
Building bridges together
Gerjan continues: "We strive to create a fully digital workflow and shorter processing times. That is one of our project management principles. After the testing phase and a successful pilot with Rabobank, it is now time to address process challenges. For example, what is technically smartest, but more importantly, what works best for the user? Everything has to be aligned, which takes time and attention. We are building bridges together as we walk over them."
"High quality standards emphasize efficiency, convenience and customization." - Stéphanie Eikhoudt
"Our focus is on bringing together different teams, each with their own expertise. Creating synergy and motivating teams are fundamental to the success of our project. This joint effort has allowed us to refine our strategies during the pilot phase. In 2024, we will celebrate an important milestone: the full integration and implementation of this innovative platform.", concludes Stéphanie.
Want to read more about the developments we are working on at HeadFirst Group? Download the 2023 Annual Report here.
Record gross invoice value of €2,6 billion for HR-tech unicorn HeadFirst Group
21% organic growth, net fee income of €76 million
HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group achieved a record gross invoice value of €2.6 billion in 2023, marking a fully organic growth of 21 percent compared to 2022. Net fee income increased by 20 percent to €76 million leading to an EBITDA conversion of 50%. These results lay the perfect foundation for further growth in 2024 as the organisation continues its strategy of 'tech enables touch', aiming to make societal impact simultaneously.
In addition to financial success, HeadFirst Group also saw significant increases in employee and client satisfaction in 2023. Marion van Happen, CEO at HeadFirst Group, stated: "This proves that our strategy works: by intelligently leveraging technology, we digitalise processes extensively, enabling us to utilise the personal touch of our colleagues at moments where it truly adds value for clients, suppliers, and independent professionals. Our colleagues are satisfied because they are engaged in meaningful work, and our clients are happier. These two elements continue to reinforce each other."
Impact unicorn
Due to years of organically good results and the recent completion of the joining of forces with Impellam Group, HeadFirst Global has achieved the so-called unicorn status, which says business valuation of more than 1 billion euros. Marion van Happen: "We have become a unicorn, but more importantly, we combine that with social impact. Financial results are important, so that we can continue to do for our clients what they need, but we are also taking the lead in moving towards a just, diverse and inclusive labor market. This is where our main impact lies, in line with our purpose "Join the next world of work. In addition, we are taking all actions to build an even more sustainable organization so that we deliver value to the society around us."
More information
HeadFirst Group's annual report can be read and downloaded at headfirst.group/investor-relations.
HeadFirst Group accelerates ambitions with strategic appointment Renger Lammers
HR tech services provider HeadFirst Group has added Renger Lammers to the organisation's management team, in the role of managing director growth & strategy. CEO Marion van Happen: "Renger will focus on strengthening the commercial strength of our organisation. With this appointment, we bring focus to the continued development of our services in the Netherlands and our international growth strategy."
HeadFirst Group recently confirmed its acquisition of Impellam Group. Together, they are one of the world's leading Managed Service Providers specializing in STEM talent and a distinctive HR-tech platform for professionals. Through the group, more than 75 thousand professionals are active for clients all over the world, accounting for a turnover (managed spend, in 2023) of 8 billion euros.
In anticipation of the publication of its annual report next week, HeadFirst Group shares that both the joining of forces with Impellam Group and the appointment of Lammers fit perfectly within its internationalization strategy. Van Happen: "Our international growth ambitions are great. At the same time, we are continuously developing our services in the Netherlands and there is still market share to be gained. With the arrival of Renger, we can bring that shared focus to life. He fits perfectly with our vision of customer centricity and with his skills, Renger will play a key role in further expanding and positioning our organization."
After working for Aldi Einkauf Ohg in Germany, where Lammers learned the intricacies of operational excellence in a large organization, he returned to the Netherlands to lead Essent's commercial operations. In the years that followed, he ran a consultancy firm for commerce, operations and change. For the past three years, he has been Commercial Director of Manpower Group in the Netherlands and will join HeadFirst Group as of April 2024. "The impressive growth and ambitious strategy, combined with the use of technology to enable the human touch in the service provision, has made me enthusiastic about taking this step. Making clients happy is what I do it for, and we will undoubtedly do that with the great team that is already there and that I can start working with immediately," says Lammers.
HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group join forces to become a global leader in STEM, digital and IT talent, managed services and HR tech
HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group announced today that they have joined forces. Together they form one of the world's leading Managed Service Providers with specialism in STEM talent and a distinctive HR-tech platform for professionals. The group accounts for revenue (managed spend, by 2023) of 8 billion euros, has 2,100 expert colleagues and more than 75 thousand professionals working for clients around the world.
This strategic step provides customers with a unique, truly global tech and talent solution to ensure they stay at the forefront of their industry. The deal has created an unparalleled force in digital, IT, data, life sciences, clinical and engineering talent and leaves the expanded group well-placed to drive market beating growth and to deliver increased value for colleagues, customers, professionals, suppliers, and shareholders.
Han Kolff, chairman of the Board, commented: "We are proud to have brought industry leaders HeadFirst and Impellam together. As well as vast geographic reach, our expanded group combines world-class expertise and market-leading tech, providing customers with mission critical talent, hereby creating a unique platform for growth in a growing market. I am confident HeadFirst and Impellam will power the next world of work together.”
Julia Robertson, CEO of Impellam and the enlarged group, said: “We have an exciting future ahead of us. In a world where talent and tech must come together to build better businesses, we will collaborate to leverage the combined strength and capability of our market-leading brands, our people, and our distinctive technology. Our complementary cultures and our focus on our customers’ needs will ensure we deliver market leading, digitally enabled and differentiated solutions to our customers across the world.”
Experienced team driving growth agenda
Leading the future success and growth of the combined business, the Board of the new group includes: Han Kolff, non-executive chairman, Julia Robertson, group CEO, Tim Briant, group CFO, Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group, as well as non-executive directors and co-founders Koen Bekkering and Boyd Sleeman.
There will be no immediate changes to the day-to-day operations of Impellam Group and HeadFirst Group. Impellam and HeadFirst will continue to deliver industry-leading solutions to customers, suppliers and professionals.
Following the completion of the transaction, Lord Ashcroft, the former majority shareholder of Impellam Group will serve as non-executive director on the board.
HeadFirst Group once again Great Place To Work
For the second year in a row, HeadFirst Group has received Great Place To Work certification. This global authority examines organizations in terms of workplace culture, employee experience and leadership behavior. With a Trust Index of 77 percent, HeadFirst Group meets the criteria for great place to work. Joke de Graaf, Head of HR & Organization, emphasizes, "The certificate is not a goal in itself, but it does confirm that we are a wonderful employer. Even more valuable is the feedback received, which we can work with in the coming year."
Voice of the employee
The leading, international HR tech services provider has once again experienced unprecedented growth over the past year, with as many as 200 new employees and the recent confirmation of a takeover bid for Impellam Group. Despite this significant growth in size, HeadFirst Group continues to invest in its most important asset: its employees.
For De Graaf, achieving Great Place To Work certification is an important step in understanding how employees perceive the culture built at HeadFirst Group. "I am immensely proud that our efforts to create a safe and trusted work environment, where each person feels at home and valued, have paid off. This is partly due to the fair treatment everyone receives, regardless of factors such as gender, age or origin."
Responsibility and trust
The survey shows that employees consider themselves "full members of the organization. De Graaf explains: "Mutual trust is important to us and we like to give employees the freedom to do their jobs. Making mistakes is allowed and is of course part of the job. That is why 'Learn every day' is one of our core values. It is positive that the numbers show that employees care about each other, are innovative and try to do things in an innovative and better way. That's why we offer the HeadFirst Group Academy, various workshops and trainings, leadership programs and advancement opportunities. Getting a little better every day, both as an organization and as individuals, is what we strive for. With the perfect balance between advanced technology and human interaction always being the starting point."
In addition, employees experience management as approachable and easy to deal with. De Graaf adds, "We take various initiatives to create a pleasant working environment with facilities in our offices. Think of the possibility of hybrid working and flexible working hours, so that everyone can design their own working day. Bottom-up leadership is also part of this. With us, no rigid hierarchy, but rather flexibility in and ownership of one's job."
Festive outlook
This second certification comes as an additional source of motivation not only for past efforts, but also for future endeavors. "Successes, birthdays and anniversaries do not go unnoticed and we like to celebrate together. With regular outings and drinks, we make it a party to work at HeadFirst Group. I look forward to a year in which we can strengthen the foundations we have laid and be consistently recognized as a work environment that is equitable and focused on innovation for everyone involved," concludes De Graaf.
About Great Place to Work
Great Place to Work helps organizations create a culture of trust. They do this through the Trust Index™, the employee survey that measures trust, pride and joy. They believe that trust is the basis for better individual performance, team performance and business results. Growth and innovation then follow naturally. The philosophy is based on more than 30 years of experience in 60 different countries.