In July at APSCo, we celebrated a significant milestone: our 25th year of redefining the recruitment industry. It's remarkable to think that atsco (our original name and brand) was launched in the UK 25 years ago when IR35 was first proposed, and the technology sector needed a unified voice to oppose the legislation. Fast forward to today, and we’ve evolved into APSCo (the Association of Professional Staffing Companies), catering to the needs of the professional recruitment sector.
To commemorate this occasion, we have published a 25th anniversary book, which offers a detailed look back at all we have accomplished over the years. This publication not only highlights our triumphs but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of our organisation in the face of industry changes and challenges.
"When merging the ‘Forum for Professional Recruiters’ into APSCo, I wasn’t sure it would work. The great team and value of the organisation and love drove it from strength to strength. Congratulations Ann and APSCo.” - Ian Temple, Hydrogen
Over the years, APSCo has consistently set standards for the recruitment market, providing firms with a voice in policy discussions and helping companies navigate new legislation. We offer various services, including market intelligence, events, networking opportunities, training and development programmes, EDI initiatives, multiple forums on specific sectors, and much more. These services have been instrumental in helping our members stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
We celebrated our 25th anniversary with a splendid lunch at Quaglino's. It was a magical event, not only commemorating APSCo's achievements but also recognising those who have supported us on our journey over the past 25 years: our members, partners, and the dedicated APSCo team working tirelessly behind the scenes. The only way the occasion could have been any better is if we could have been in the company of every one of our members who have been instrumental in our journey and success.
The industry has seen significant changes over the past quarter-century. Technological advancements have revolutionised recruitment processes, the normalisation of remote work has transformed traditional work environments, and a host of financial crises and political uncertainties have tried their best to scupper our efforts — to no avail.
Despite these challenges, our mission has remained steadfast: to represent, promote, and support professional recruitment businesses while driving standards in legislation and recruitment practices that reflect the complexities of today’s market. We are committed to advocating for our members, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, and ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making arenas.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to supporting the professional recruitment sector. We will continue to innovate, adapt, and lead, ensuring that APSCo remains a cornerstone of excellence and advocacy, a responsibility that we bear as the only UK recruitment trade body with an international footprint and services. Here's to the next 25 years of success and growth!