Relocation company Elevate is reporting growth in the international business sector, and now is seeking to expand its own operations.

The business, which specialises in finding the international talent at C-suite and board level, say they have placed several successful candidates in the past months, and there are more recruitment projects on their books as companies have decided to locate in Bermuda, and others are in the process of making that decision.

Sylvia Jones, who is the director of Elevate’s Bermuda operations, said the business is growing to the extent that they now want to bring on board another two staff members to support their research functions.

“The market has said: ‘Can you provide these services from an on-island location as well as from off-island? It’s small acorns, I think but there is a much more positive vibe in the air.”

And, she said they have seen two start-up companies and a number of individuals and companies who have come to Bermuda as potential jurisdictions. “They are looking at it from a regulatory point of view, and as a place to live and work as well.

“They’re exploring their options, looking at everything from the cost of living, to office space, to setting up shop.”

Ms Jones said the costs of doing business and living in Bermuda were important to her clients, and the fact that there has been some decline in such expenses had made the Island more attractive. Nonetheless, she said: “Bermuda does need to be able to compete and prove itself,” she said.

James Fitzsimons, a director at Elevate who is based in Ireland, is in Bermuda for the third time this year due to the demands of business. He observed: “Recruitment is a funny thing. Before a recession hits, people stop hiring, and before growth starts, people begin hiring, because they can see ahead, and now they are ready for growth and recruitment.

“In Ireland, and definitely here, there a sense of up, of positive development.”

Ms Jones said there is also more mobility in the market than there was 12 months ago. “Companies here are being creative and working very hard to maintain their position and stay ahead of competing jurisdictions. They are working hard to stay ahead.”

Mr Fitzsimons said the Bermuda response to Hurricane Fay and Gonzalo had been helpful to the Island’s overseas reputation. “It’s optics: you all dug down, the community held together. It’s very positive — it’s saying: ‘We did it and we did it well’.”

Ms Jones explained that when companies hire: “It’s got to be done right. Every job is not for every person. Every employee needs to be a good fit.”

And Mr Fitzsimons added there are metrics to look at when hiring a person which includes professional and academic qualifications, as well as the human aspects. “It comes down to fit. You find someone to do the job and who has the qualifications, but do you want to sit next to them? It’s two-thirds of your waking day.

“The skill is to understand the client’s needs — and you need to get that information from the client. So, when screening a client, you need to find the right fit for the company and the right fit for Bermuda.”

Ms Jones added: “This is a small community and everybody needs to be a successful fit, whatever sphere they’re in.”

Useful website: www.elevateselection.ie